How they choose the name?

• Master -_-

  20 Apr 05, 20:52

  New pope is elected. Congrats..
  
  I was expecting the pope to be Pope John Paul the III. How come Pope Benedict XVI? How they choose? Can anyhow choose?
• SingaporeMacross

  20 Apr 05, 22:05

  It is said that he wants to have his own style, hence the departure from 'John Paul'
• Master -_-

  20 Apr 05, 23:16

  Originally posted by SingaporeMacross:

  It is said that he wants to have his own style, hence the departure from 'John Paul'

  i think u misconstrue my question.
  
  How did the "alias" Pope of Benedict come about? is Pope benedict a former pontiff himself? If not, he can choose any name? Pope Augustin etc