A pope can choose almost any name as his papal or pontifical name, with very few restrictions. The choice is entirely at the pope's discretion and is not bound by formal rules or a fixed system

. Key points about papal name choices:

• No official criteria or restrictions: There are no formal rules governing the choice of a papal name. The pope is free to select any name he wishes

• Customary avoidance of "Peter": By longstanding unwritten tradition, no pope chooses the name "Peter," out of respect for St. Peter, the first pope appointed by Christ. This is considered a matter of humility and prudential judgment to avoid direct comparison with St. Peter

• Common inspirations: Popes often choose names to honor predecessors, saints, mentors, or figures they admire. For example, John Paul II honored both Pope Paul VI and John Paul I, while Pope Francis chose his name after St. Francis of Assisi to signal humility and care for the poor

• Historical significance: The chosen name can signal the intended direction or emphasis of the new pope’s pontificate, reflecting values or priorities associated with previous holders of that name

• Examples of popular papal names: John, Gregory, Benedict, Clement, Innocent, and Leo are among the most frequently used papal names. Some names have only been used once, such as Francis, which was unique for over a millennium

• Possibility to keep birth name: Although rare since the 11th century, a pope may choose to keep his birth name as his papal name

In summary, a pope can choose any name except "Peter" by tradition, typically selecting one that honors a saint, a past pope, or a figure whose legacy he wishes to emulate or continue. The choice is personal and symbolic rather than regulated by any formal criteria.