I think it's just something Pope Francis came up with, he's referred to his successor as "John XXIV" on more than one occasion I believe. I guess he thinks the next Pope will be another reformer like himself and John XXIII. Pope Francis was rumored to have considered taking the name John back in 2005; he supposedly was in the running for Pope back in that conclave but after realizing that Ratzinger was going to win he told his supporters to vote for him instead.
This was all from memory as I remember reading a story about it some years ago so I don't remember if this is 100% accurate but I think that's the gist of it.
No "like" button, so thank you ;)
This is welcome news in light of the very glaring shortcomings of the China deal.
Could someone explain the reference to John XXIV? Is it joke/custom to always refer to the next pope as John?
I think it's just something Pope Francis came up with, he's referred to his successor as "John XXIV" on more than one occasion I believe. I guess he thinks the next Pope will be another reformer like himself and John XXIII. Pope Francis was rumored to have considered taking the name John back in 2005; he supposedly was in the running for Pope back in that conclave but after realizing that Ratzinger was going to win he told his supporters to vote for him instead.
This was all from memory as I remember reading a story about it some years ago so I don't remember if this is 100% accurate but I think that's the gist of it.
Our Lady La Vang, pray for us.