New pope's name honors two saints
Photographer: WFTS
Posted: 03/14/2013
VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis has taken the name of two Roman Catholic saints -- both of them missionaries.
The new Argentine pontiff is the first to adopt the name of the rich young Italian from Assisi who renounced wealth and founded the Franciscan order of friars in 1209.
During the Crusades, Francis of Assisi risked his life to meet and preach the gospel to a Muslim sultan before visiting the Holy Land.
The new pope also is paying tribute to Saint Francis Xavier, the 16th century missionary to Asia who founded the Jesuit order. Francis is the first Jesuit pope.
He celebrates his first Mass as pope in the Sistine Chapel this afternoon and will be installed officially as pope on Tuesday.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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