There are many endearing stories circling our new Pope Francis I. We hear about how he likes to mingle with the people, walk the barrios, ride the bus and subway, etc.
My favorite is why he chose the name Francis. Yes, it was because the pope has a soft spot for the poor, nature, and the simple life. But the name has a more deeper meaning than Francis of Assisi.
Pope Clement XIV suppressed the Jesuits in 1767. (The usual political BS) It was whispered in Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio's ear, to take the name Clement XV as sweet revenge on Clement XIV.
Our future Pope took revenge the Christian way--through reconciliation. You see, Clement XIV belonged to the Franciscan Order. The founder of the Franciscans was St. Francis of Assisi. Hence, our future Pope reconciled the Jesuits and Franciscans, plus honored one of his favorite saints, by choosing the name Francis.
BTW, these two religious orders concelebrated the Pope's Inaugural Mass. The superiors, Jesuit, Father Adolfo Nicolas, and Franciscan Father Jose Rodriguez Carballo were chosen to concelebrate.
Above photo shared under a creative commons license
