A new pope has been elected and many are wondering what the name "Francis" means and why the pope chose it. Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires was chosen to lead on March 13, a day that catholics will never forget. Cardinal Bergoglio chose the name "Francis" and he is the first leader of the catholic church to ever choose that name. Obviously it has a lot of meaning to both him and the rest of the catholic world. According to NBC News, Pope Francis I is a "gentle" man and many believe he will be a wonderful leader.
As for his name, Francis, after Saint Francis of Assisi, represents a "gentle giant who delighted in God's works as revealed by nature." This encompasses many of the qualities that cardinal Bergoglio possesses according to those who know him best.
The new pope elected on Wednesday could have big plans to turn the church around. Saint Francis of Assisi was chosen by Christ to "rebuild the church." This could be the reason that the new pope chose the name as the catholic church has fallen from great over the past few decades.
Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio is described as "a man who calmly stands for what’s right and just," and someone with "great compassion for the poor" according to Edward Egan, the Archbishop Emeritus of New York. Egan believes that the catholic world will become a better place because of Pope Francis I.
The new pope elected today humbly asked people to pray for him. He is earning praise for all around the globe and he's only been pope for a couple of hours.
© Effie Orfanides 2013
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