| 1 | John | Extremely popular historically (23 popes). Safe, traditional, seen as pastoral and loving (e.g., St. John the Apostle, John XXIII “Good Pope John”). |
| 2 | Paul | Tied to missionary zeal (St. Paul), reform, and modernization (Paul VI). Strong link to evangelization and Vatican II completion. |
| 3 | Pius | 12 popes used it. Symbolizes doctrinal orthodoxy, traditional teaching. Very respected among conservatives and traditional Catholics. |
| 4 | Leo | Famous popes like Leo I (“the Great”) and Leo XIII (social teaching). Name suggests strength, doctrine, renewal. |
| 5 | Gregory | Associated with great reformers (e.g., Gregory the Great, Gregorian chant). Strong pastoral and theological image. |
| 6 | Francis II | If someone wanted to honor Pope Francis but move forward a little differently, “Francis II” would be a natural tribute. |
| 7 | Benedict XVII | If a new pope admired Benedict XVI’s theological clarity but wanted to signal a new chapter, this could happen — but less likely immediately. |
| 8 | John Paul III | Unlikely, but still possible if a pope wanted to directly tie himself to the beloved memory of John Paul II. |
| 9 | Peter II | Long shot — but there’s always rumors about “Peter the Roman” from prophecies. Still, no pope has dared to take “Peter” out of humility. |
| 10 | Joseph | New name! Possible if a pope wanted to emphasize St. Joseph’s role (especially with all the attention Pope Francis gave him recently). Would be a major symbolic choice |
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Top 10 Most Likely Future Papal Names — No Comments
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