Deciphering Church traditions: Why did Pope Francis change his name from Jorge Mario Bergoglio?

Why Does the Pope Change His Name? A Look at the Respectful Tradition

A newly appointed pope typically changes his name once he steps into his new role. Here's why the pope honors the tradition.

Chicago Tribune Editorial Board: Pope Francis’ legacy of mercy and compassion is instructive for us all

As Jorge Mario Bergoglio prepared to assume the papacy, he chose a new name: Francis.

R50/ On March 13, 2013, Bergoglio became the new pope. Let's republish the comment by Vito Mancuso that appeared on the pages of Repubblica on 14 March 2013

How Pope Francis Mattered

Francis had served as pope for 12 eventful years, after being elected on March 13, 2013 after the surprise resignation of Benedict XVI. Prior to becoming pope, he was Jorge Mario Bergoglio, archbishop of Buenos Aires, and was the first person from the Americas to be elected to the papacy. He was also the first pope to choose Francis as his name, thus honoring St. Francis of Assisi, a 13th-century mystic whose love for nature and the poor have in…

Deciphering Church traditions: Why did Pope Francis change his name from Jorge Mario Bergoglio?

Trending | World news | Discover why Pope Francis, originally Jorge Mario Bergoglio, chose the name Francis when he became the head of the Catholic Church in 2013.

The first Jesuit pope in history and also the first American to be appointed prince of the Catholic Church, who never left anyone indifferent.