Vatican City: At his meeting with journalists, Pope Francis thanked the mass media for their coverage. As reported by Zenit News Agency, Pope Francis clarified how he came to choose the name of Francis after St. Francis of Assisi. "During the voting process, I was sitting next to Cardinal Hummes (a close friend). When the matter became dangerous (of votes) he comforted me. When the votes were counted, the Cardinals applauded. Cardinal Hummes embrace me and kissed me and said "Don't forget the poor". That struck me... the poor. I immediately thought of St. Francis of Assisi. Francis was a man of peace, a man of poverty, a man who loved and protected creation. What came to mind was "How I would love a Church that is poor and for the poor."
Ending the encounter with the media, Pope Francis gave a silent apostolic blessing out of respect for the fact that not everyone present belongs to the Catholic faith and others do not believe. "I respect the conscience of each one of you knowing that each one of you is a child of God.
It is clear that the pastoral style of Pope Francis is quite different than that of his predecessor, Pope Benedict, pope emeritus. Much more informal, he likes to mingle with the people and spontaneously move as the Holy Spirit directs him. He seems very approachable. The Swiss Guard has already adjusted to his style, saying it is reminiscent of Pope John Paul II. Pope Francis, the first Jesuit pope and the first pope from the Americas, also has a jocular sense of humor. When he first addressed the Cardinals he joked, "May God forgive you!" His populist, pastoral spirituality, will convey the joy, love and hope the faith in Jesus Christ fills believers with.
The combination of Jesuit and Franciscan spirituality is very endearing to the catholics he ministers to. The Jesuits are known for their intellect and love of teaching. Franciscans are known for serving the poor and outcast. They live by example. St. Francis once said, "Preach always, when necessary, use words."
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