Why Did The Pope Choose The Name Francis? This Is History And Meaning

Pope Francis' arrival at Soekarno-Hatta airport was welcomed by the Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas. (Photo; INDONESIA PAPAL VISIT COMMITTEE)

YOGYAKARTA In the context of religion, the Pope is the name for the most religious adherent for Catholics. A Pope will live in a Vatican church. There are many interesting facts about a Pope, one of which is the tradition of choosing a new name. The Pope who currently chooses the name Francis. Do you know why the Pope chose the name Francis?

Please note that when someone is elected as a Pope, a number of traditions will be carried out, one of which is choosing a new name. The name will be used during the time of a Pope as the supreme leader.

In historical records, some of the Popes do have names chosen by each such as Benedict, Santo Pius, John Paulus, and many more. The reason for the choice of names is based on many things, for example as a form of respect.

Meanwhile, the Pope, who currently has the real name Jorge Mario Bergoglio. After being elected Pope, he decided to choose the name Francis. Pope Francis is the leader of the 266th Vatican Catholic Church. Francis was elected on March 13, 2013 after Pope Benedict XVI retired.

The choice of the name Francis or Francis behind is considered a new history. Beyond this fact, there is a reason why the 266th Pope chose the name Francis.

On the official website of the Ordo Fratrum Minorum St. Michael Angin Agung Indonesia, Pope Francis once told how he originally chose the name Fransiskus.

During the Pope's election, Jorge Mario Bergoglio sat next to his good friend who was a Cardinal from Brazil named Claudio Humes. When Bergoglio was declared 77 votes in the Pope's election, Claudio Humes hugged him and advised him not to forget the marginals.

Those words were completely stuck in his heart and that reason made him choose to be called St. Fransiskus from Assisi, the poor lover of peace, the lover and protector of creation.

Saint Francis of Assisi is the founder of Ordo Fransiskan Friars. When founding the order in 1290, Santo Francis was popular for avoiding wealth and choosing to live with various limitations.

In fact, Pope Benedict XVI once said that St Fransiskus was the son of a very rich Italian cloth merchant. Assisi itself is the name of an area in Italy.

On the other hand, Fransiskus was young as a young man who chose to join the military and was imprisoned. He was released because he was sick. And when he returned to Assisi, Francis began to leave his world's wealth and assets. From there Francis began his spiritual journey.

Currently Pope Francis has an agenda to be in Indonesia for a while. Pope Francis' visit schedule will begin on September 3-6, 2024. Pope Francis' complete schedule in Indonesia is also in the public spotlight.

The Pope's visit to Indonesia is not the first time. Previously, Pope Santo Paul VI visited Indonesia on December 3-4, 1970. In addition, Pope Santo John Paul II also visited Indonesia on October 9-14, 1989.

And after 35 years, the new Pope returned to Indonesia on a series of academic trips by Pope Francis.

That's information related to why the Pope chose the name Francis. To get other interesting information, visit VOI.id.