The name chosen by the new pope could signal his outlook for the papacy . Past names can carry a message of hope or commitment to reform . Benedict XVI meant his choice of Peter to be unifying . No pope is likely to pick Peter -- in part because of a centuries ' old prophecy .
The name chosen by the new pope could signal his outlook for the papacy . Past names can carry a message of conservatism or openness to reform . Benedict XVI meant his choice of name to be unifying . No pope is likely to pick Peter -- in part because of a centuries ' old prophecy .