LIVE: Elected Pope Revealed at The Vatican

View of St. Peter's Square as the Conclave sits to select Pope Francis' successor. READ MORE: Now that white smoke has billowed from the famed chimney of the Sistine Chapel, the new pope will have to formally accept the position offered by the dean. He will then give the College of Cardinals his papal name. The name-changing tradition is believed to have begun with Mercurius, who was elected in January 533 and became John II in honour of his predecessor. While they are not obliged to abandon their christened name, all popes since Marcellus II, elected in 1555, have done so. Most have chosen the name of a saint or previous pontiff, such as John, Gregory or Benedict. Pope Francis said his choice was a tribute to St Francis of Assisi, the Italian friar who was known for his commitment to the poor and was canonised in 1228. Read the best of our journalism: https://www.thetimes.com/ Subscribe to The Times and The Sunday Times YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/subscription_... Find us on Facebook:   / timesandsundaytimes   Find us on Twitter:   / thetimes   Find us on Instagram:   / thetimes