The next pope: Continuity, change or surprise? (The Dark Horse: Pierbattista Pizzaballa)

CBC ^ | 04/21/2025 | Megan Williams

[Verginius Rufus]

You must be the oldest Freeper. Pius VIII began his papacy in 1829.

I doubt any new pope will chose Pius for a long time to come, if ever. Names come and go in popularity. Gregory hasn't been used for a long time, or Martin or Adrian. The last Leo died more than 120 years ago.

Picking a recently-used name might be signaling an intention to imitate that pope, so such a name might be avoided for that reason. I hope Francis didn't start a trend of picking a name that no predecessor had had.

[Az Joe]

I’m old but not that old

Pius the 12th

[Verginius Rufus]

I figured Pius XII. I was born during his pontificate as well. I was in grade school when he died.

I read a story once that I think involved Graham Greene and Pius XII. Greene had a private meeting with the pope and confessed that he had always had a secret wish to be canonized by the pope. Pius XII pointed out that you have to be dead to be canonized but offered: "if you pretend to be dead I will pretend to canonize you."

A contrast to his public always dignified appearance.

[Az Joe]

Good tale