Why did Pope Francis choose that name when he was elected pontiff, and what is his secular name?

Francisco, whose birth name is Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was elected as the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church more than a decade ago, on March 13, 2013. On Easter Monday 2025, he left our world.

Upon assuming the papacy, he chose the name Francis, a name that caused surprise since it had not been used by any other pope in history. Bergoglio chose this name in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, the 13th-century Italian saint known for his life of poverty, humility, and love for creation.

One of the anecdotes occurred during the papal conclave when Brazilian Cardinal Claudio Hummes, a close friend of Bergoglio, whispered to him: “Don’t forget about the poor.” These words deeply resonated with him and led him to think of Saint Francis of Assisi, who is known as the “Poverello” (the little poor man) for his dedication to the poor and his life of simplicity.

Who is Saint Francis of Assisi for catholics?

Saint Francis of Assisi is an emblematic figure in the history of the Catholic Church. He is venerated not only for his renunciation of material wealth and dedication to the poor but also for his love for nature and his commitment to peace. By choosing the name Francis, the Pope wanted to highlight these values and make them central to his pontificate.

Pope Francis has always upheld the idea of a “poor Church for the poor.” This approach is reflected in his actions and his simple lifestyle, which contrasts with the opulence sometimes associated with Rome and the Vatican. Additionally, the Pope has advocated for social justice, environmental protection, and world peace, following the example of Saint Francis of Assisi.

Although his choice is linked to Saint Francis of Assisi, some thought his idea was to associate with Saint Francis Xavier, one of the founders of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), to which Pope Francis belonged. However, the Pope clarified that his main inspiration was Saint Francis of Assisi due to his connection with the poor and his love for creation.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.