Who is the Pope's namesake

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CHRISTINE77

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I think he took the name of Francis of Assisi, but I read this shortly after he became Pope on a Methodist news site:

While many assume that the name Francis comes from the beloved St. Francis of Assisi, his name may evoke another St. Francis. St. Francis Xavier was one of the 16th century founders of Jesuit order that is known for its scholarship and evangelism. The new pope has not indicated to the public why he chose the name Francis.

I know Pope Francis is a Jesuit. Has he revealed why he chose Francis as his name?
 
CHRISTINE77 said:
I think he took the name of Francis of Assisi, but I read this shortly after he became Pope on a Methodist news site:

While many assume that the name Francis comes from the beloved St. Francis of Assisi, his name may evoke another St. Francis. St. Francis Xavier was one of the 16th century founders of Jesuit order that is known for its scholarship and evangelism. The new pope has not indicated to the public why he chose the name Francis.

I know Pope Francis is a Jesuit. Has he revealed why he chose Francis as his name?
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Because of St. Francis of Assisi and his work for the poor. One of the cardinals tapped him on the shoulder when it looked like he was going to be elected pope and whispered to him to not forget the poor and the Pope has said that’s when he decided on St. Francis of Assisi
 
PatriceA said:
Because of St. Francis of Assisi and his work for the poor. One of the cardinals tapped him on the shoulder when it looked like he was going to be elected pope and whispered to him to not forget the poor and the Pope has said that’s when he decided on St. Francis of Assisi
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Really? That quickly? do you have an article I could read about it?
 
I assumed it was for Francis Xavier at first becasue he’s a Jesuit, but yeah it’s Francis of Assisi 🙂
 
CHRISTINE77 said:
Thanks - I am so happy he chose St. Francis, and I think almost everyone else is too!
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I’m surprised there hasn’t been one before him, it seems like a natural choice. I’m also surprised there’s never been a Pope Michael or Joseph 🤷
 
McCall1981 said:
I’m surprised there hasn’t been one before him, it seems like a natural choice. I’m also surprised there’s never been a Pope Michael or Joseph 🤷
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Well, he is the first pope to pick a brand new name (if you consider John Paul I as taking two old names and putting them together) since several hundred years before St. Francis was even born.
 
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