Accepting the papacy as a cross and a cup of bitterness, John XXIII expresses humility and submission to God’s will. He explains that he chose the name John because of its historical significance, its connection with his baptism, and its association with John the Baptist and John the Evangelist. He asks for grace to imitate the Baptist’s preparation of the Lord’s way and the Evangelist’s message of love, and to lead the Church with the holiness and courage of his predecessors.