Pope Marcellus II, elected in 1555, was the last to use his baptismal name. His successor, Giovanni Pietro, chose the papal name Paul IV, and the practice has continued uninterrupted since.

The Holy Father offered his praise to polyphonic music while welcoming participants at the June 18 event commemorating the ...

That said, popes choosing a regnal name didn’t become tradition until the 11th century, and Pope Marcellus II in 1555 officially became the last pope to keep his birth name.

Like the other ceremonies and traditions that accompany the advent of a new pope, his newly chosen name will be imbued with centuries of Catholic history and dissected for its many layers of meaning.

Sunday, people who love Renaissance music and history will get a rare chance to step back in time. At 4 p.m., St. Louis Church will echo with Palestrina’s luminous “Pope ...

It wasn’t until the late 10th century that choosing a papal name became standard practice — with the exceptions of Adrian VI in 1522 and Marcellus II in 1555, who kept their baptismal names ...

Pope Marcellus II, elected in 1555, was the last to use his baptismal name. His successor, Giovanni Pietro, chose the papal name Paul IV, and the practice has continued uninterrupted since.

It wasn’t until the late 10th century that choosing a papal name became standard practice - with the exceptions of Adrian VI in 1522 and Marcellus II in 1555, who kept their baptismal names. Out ...