Honest question. How does the Pope pick his "Pope name"

[diabeticman]

[Ilsa]

1. Looks like some use the names of

saints and the missions of those saints to declare his mission for the church.

But what do I know?

[Canuckistanian]

2. I think they use a huge Holy Dartboard

But that's just rumour.

[hootinholler]

3. It's the name of the street he grew up on followed by his favorite saint's name.

Or maybe that's the papal porn name.

[Recursion]

4. They pick a saint meaningful to them

Peter is discouraged because of the prophecy of St. Malachy, particularly with this election (which would be the last of his popes).

[WinkyDink]

7. There will never be a Pope named after the Father of the Church. "St. Malachy" is malarky.

I am speaking, of course, of the RC Church.

[Marr]

5. The other members give it to him.

You don't get to choose your own Pope name-- it's representative of your particular skills and training. Pope Pool Shark II, was so named for his skill at cards and because he was an underwater demolitions expert. Pope Swamp Rat IV was a swamp survival expert. Etc., etc.

[Ikonoklast]

9. I liked Pope Pull My Finger I the best.

He was a real toot.

[mercuryblues]

6. he pulls it out of his hat n/t

[talkingmime]

8. Opens the dictionary to a random page and points. "Welcome, Pope Abomination EVEN unto God!"

[krispos42]

10. It's like "Press Your Luck"

Beep boop boop beep boop boop...

"No whammies, no whammies, no whammies..."

*whack*

"Francis! First time that's happened, so you're Francis the First! Come on down, Pope Francis the First, and collect your prize!"

[reformist2]

11. It's totally up to him. The name 'Francis' is actually a fairly bold choice.

[Posteritatis]

13. I'm struck by the choice of name as much as the choice of pope in this case. (nt)

[guardian]

12. Shucks. I was looking forward to the new Pope being named

Pope Frosty Pimp DeShawn X

maybe next time....

[Initech]

14. I was hoping for Pope Cannibus LXVIIII.