The tradition of new popes changing their names is a practice that dates back to the 10th century, and is deeply rooted into the story of St. Peter, the first pope.

According to a "24 Oras" report by Maki Pulido on Tuesday, a new Pope would be asked by the conclave for the name he would prefer to use before his election would be announced to the world.

The late Jorge Cardinal Bergoglio in 2013 had chosen to rename himself as Pope Francis, who had served the poor and highlighted the importance of camaraderie.

Joseph Cardial Ratzinger chose to be named Pope Benedict, who pursued peace amid World War One.

Pope John Paul II chose his name as the successor of Pope John Paul I, as he wanted to continue the prelate's mission.

According to Santa Rita de Cascia Parish priest Father Aris Sison, a Pope’s new name was often an indicator of the direction or mission they had as the new head of the Roman Catholic Church.

“Doon sa pangalan na pipiliin ng ating bagong Santo Papa, doon pa lang makikita na natin in a way ano yung magiging direksyon ng kanyang papacy,” said Sison.

(With just the name that our new Holy Father would be choosing, it would be obvious as to what direction their papacy will take.)

The tradition was based on the story of Simon in the New Testament, who had been renamed Peter by Jesus Christ and was believed to have established the Catholic Church and served as the first Pope.

While not necessarily illegal, there had been no other Pope that named themselves Peter.

“I am not worthy to choose the name of the first pope. I am a successor. The Pope is the successor of Peter, the vicar of Christ, but I am not worthy to choose that name,” said Sison.

Historically, the tradition became a standard practice in the 10th century when Cardinal Bruno of Carinthia was declared Pope and renamed himself as Gregory V.

Since then, a pope taking on a new name has become a symbol of personal transformation and the start of a mission for a newly elected pope.

Sison added that it was possible that each cardinal elector may have already decided on their own papal name before entering the conclave, as they were all candidates.

“I would like to think that each of the cardinal electors know it is their duty to vote, elect the next Pope, but I think they’re also aware na they’re candidates themselves. So somehow, pumapasok sa isip yan… Parang bawat isa naman may patron saint, bawat isa may favorite Pope,” he said.

(I would like to think that each of the cardinal electors know it is their duty to vote, elect the next Pope, but I think they’re also aware that they’re candidates themselves. So somehow, that had already been on their mind… I think each one of them had their own patron saints, and each one had their favorite Pope.) — Jiselle Anne Casucian/BAP, GMA Integrated News