Because he is an admirer of Pope Benedict XV, who worked for peace during World War I.

Pope Benedict XV was elected on September 3, 1914. He was Pope until his death in 1922. He maintained strict neutrality while respecting the views of the warring nations.

Because the new Pope probably wants to shed his image as the most conservative and orthodox hardliner in the Catholic church.

Because like Pope Benedict XV, he wants to be very strict about the philosophical and theological purity of Catholic teachings, at a time when modernist scholars are trying to influence the church.

Because like Pope Benedict XV, the new Pope wants to be known as a religious emissary of peace.

Because he wanted to be a Pope of his own making, not just a follower of Pope John Paul II. That may be why he did not choose Pope John Paul III.

Because Benedict comes from the Latin for 'blessing' and is one of a number of papal names of holy origin such as Clement ('mercy'), Innocent ('hopeful' as well as 'innocent') and Pius ('pious').

Photograph: Alberto Pizzoli/AFP/Getty Images

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