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To: NYer
Then you would have to look at the life of the saint whose name he has chosen, to understand their charisms, which he will draw upon in his pontificate.

Do they have to choose a Saint's name?

123 posted on 04/17/2005 4:03:01 PM PDT by Netizen (USA - Land of the free, home of the brave, where the handicapped are legally starved and dehydrated!)
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To: Netizen
Do they have to choose a Saint's name?

No. They can choose the name of a previous pontiff. However, this is very much like the Sacrament of Confirmation, when catholic youth are 'confirmed' in the faith. The recommended formula is to choose a saint's name and model their life after that saint's qualities.

This tradition began back in the early centuries of the Church when the newly elected pope had been named after a pagan god - Mercurious. He chose a new name that was more faithful to his beliefs. These days, a new pope often picks the name of his favorite saint or pope to be his papal name.

125 posted on 04/17/2005 4:36:48 PM PDT by NYer ("America needs much prayer, lest it lose its soul." John Paul II)
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