Why Jorge Mario Bergoglio chose the name Pope 'Francis'

When Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected as the 266th pope on March 13, 2013, he chose the name 'Francis,' marking the first time a pope had selected this name.

Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 on Easter Monday due to prolonged illness.

This choice was a tribute to St. Francis of Assisi, known for his dedication to poverty, peace, and the environment. St Francis of Assisi is believed to have loved animals as his "brothers and sisters" and even to have preached to birds.

Also Read: Pope Francis dies a day after Easter, back to 'home of the Father'

During his first audience with journalists on March 16, 2013, Pope Francis recounted that as the conclave voting progressed, Brazilian Cardinal Cláudio Hummes embraced him and whispered, "Don't forget the poor." This remark deeply moved him and led him to think of St. Francis of Assisi, whom he described as "the man of poverty, the man of peace, the man who loves and protects creation."

The Pope had clarified that he was not referencing other saints named Francis, such as Francis Xavier, but specifically St. Francis of Assisi. The name, and the legacy behind it, framed the foundation of his papacy, one centered on renewal, compassion, and outreach.

Pope Francis had emphasized his vision for the Church, and said, "How I would like a church that is poor and that is for the poor." This sentiment underscored his commitment to leading a Church that prioritizes humility, service to the marginalized, and environmental stewardship.

Also Read: Pope Francis passes away. Secret gathering, black & white smoke and other traditions that will elect the next leader of Catholic Church

The selection of the name 'Francis' was also seen as a departure from tradition, signaling a new direction for the papacy. Vatican analyst John Allen, as quoted by CNN International, described it as "precedent-shattering," noting that it conveyed a message that the new pope's leadership would not be "business as usual."

The Vatican had on its website recounted the life of St. Francis in 2010, when Pope Benedict XVI described how the saint, born in 1181 or 1182 in Assisi, Italy, was the son of a wealthy cloth merchant. “After a carefree adolescence and youth,” he joined the military but was imprisoned during war. He returned home following illness and began a profound spiritual conversion, turning away from a worldly life.

In a transformative episode, Christ on the Cross appeared to him three times in the small Church of St. Damian and said: “Go, Francis, and repair my Church in ruins,” according to Pope Benedict XVI.

“At that moment St. Francis was called to repair the small church, but the ruinous state of the building was a symbol of the dramatic and disquieting situation of the Church herself,” Benedict XVI said. “At that time the Church had a superficial faith which did not shape or transform life, a scarcely zealous clergy, and a chilling of love.”