Mazel Tov, Pope Francis. Or Is It John?
Pope Francis I chose his papal name as a tribute to Francis of Assissi. But the saint’s real name was actually Giovanni, which is John in English.
The Next Pope and His Name
The next pope’s first key choice will be his papal name. Choosing John would signal a desire to extend the legacy of John XXIII, the pontiff who brought us the progressive Vatican II council.