When the new leader of the Catholic Church was announced, Cardinal Claudio Hummes, a good friend and the seatmate of then Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio during the 2013 papal conclave, hugged the still-stunned new Pope, telling him, “Don’t forget the poor!” That was when it clicked for Pope Francis: the poor! “That is how the name came into my heart,” the new Bishop of Rome said in an address, “Francis of Assisi.”
Now that we know and love him as Pope Francis, we can’t help but notice some similarities between him and his saintly namesake. Here are several of them:
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They changed their names
Pope Francis and the saint had different names at birth: Pope Francis was Jorge Mario until he was elected pope, while the saint was baptized Giovanni (which means John) before his father changed his name.
They shun luxury
Saint Francis of Assisi publicly divested himself of his riches and wore a monk’s habit, while the Pope wears a simple crucifix and ring, and doesn’t don the typical elaborate garb of popes. He also does not indulge in any trappings associated with the lifestyles of the rich.
They experienced a decisive encounter
A single encounter transformed the lives of both men. St. Francis of Assisi heard the voice of the Crucified Christ at the Church of San Damiano. The voice asked him to rebuild His “house in disrepair,” referring to the Church. For the Pope, it was during confession at the St. Jose de Flores Church that he heard God’s call and decided to become a priest.
They share a love for creation
St. Francis is famous for his love of animals. For Pope Francis, caring and respecting the Earth, our home, is essential to his mission. And let’s not forget his teachings on love for all human beings!
They say no to corruption
In spite of the eight centuries between them, St. Francis and Pope Francis have placed the fight against corruption and the misuse of power and money at the top of their list of concerns—starting with the Catholic Church!
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