When the white smoke finally drifted from the Sistine Chapel chimney on March 13, 2013, the world was basically holding its breath. We knew a new era was starting, but nobody quite expected the man who stepped onto that balcony. Most people know him as the smiling guy in the white cassock, but if you’re asking what is the name of pope francis, you’re actually looking for two different answers: the name he was born with and the name he chose to define his entire mission.
Honestly, the name he chose was a massive curveball. It hadn't been used in over a thousand years.
The Man Before the Mitre: Jorge Mario Bergoglio
Before he was the leader of 1.3 billion Catholics, he was just Jorge. Specifically, Jorge Mario Bergoglio. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936, he wasn't exactly a "Vatican insider" in the traditional sense. His parents were Italian immigrants; his dad, Mario, worked for the railway, and his mom, Regina, raised five kids.
It’s kinda wild to think about, but the Pope used to be a chemical technician. He also worked as a bouncer at a bar to pay for his studies. Imagine that for a second. The guy currently preaching peace and mercy used to keep the peace at a nightclub in Buenos Aires.
His journey to the papacy wasn't a straight line. He got really sick when he was 21—severe pneumonia—and ended up having part of his right lung removed. It didn't slow him down, though. He entered the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) in 1958 and was ordained a priest in 1969. By the time the 2013 conclave rolled around, he was the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, known for taking the bus to work and cooking his own meals.
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Why "Francis" Changed Everything
So, the big moment happens. The ballots are counted. Bergoglio hits the magic number. As soon as he accepted, the Cardinal Dean asked the formal question: "By what name do you wish to be called?"
He chose Francis.
This was a big deal. Why? Because no pope had ever used it. Ever. It broke a streak of Johns, Benedicts, and Piuses that had lasted for centuries. By choosing a brand-new name, he was basically telling the world, "Things are going to be different now."
The Inspiration: St. Francis of Assisi
A lot of people think he chose the name because he’s a Jesuit and might be honoring St. Francis Xavier. Nope. He cleared that up almost immediately.
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While the votes were being tallied, a close friend of his, Cardinal Claudio Hummes, whispered in his ear: "Don't forget the poor." That phrase stuck. Bergoglio’s mind immediately went to St. Francis of Assisi, the 13th-century saint who walked away from wealth to live among the destitute. In his first meeting with journalists, the Pope explained that for him, Francis of Assisi is "the man of poverty, the man of peace, the man who loves and protects creation."
The "First" That Isn't a "First"
Technicality alert: You’ll notice he isn't called "Pope Francis I." In the Vatican, you only add the Roman numeral once there’s a second one. Think of it like a movie franchise—you don't call the first movie "Part 1" until the sequel is announced. So, until a future pope decides to be Francis II, he’s just Pope Francis.
The Many Titles of the Pope
If you want to get really technical about what is the name of pope francis, we have to look at his official "business card." It’s long. It’s prestigious. And it’s mostly in Latin.
- Bishop of Rome: This is his primary job.
- Vicar of Jesus Christ: Meaning he acts as a representative.
- Successor of the Prince of the Apostles: Referring to St. Peter.
- Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church: Basically the big boss title.
- Servant of the Servants of God: This is the one he actually seems to like the most.
He even used to be the "Patriarch of the West," but the Vatican actually dropped that title a while back to help improve relations with Eastern Orthodox churches.
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A Legacy of Names and Actions
The name Francis wasn't just a label; it was a manifesto. Over the last decade plus, we’ve seen him live up to that Assisi inspiration. He moved out of the fancy Apostolic Palace and into a modest guest house (Casa Santa Marta). He’s spent more time talking about climate change—his encyclical Laudato Si’ is literally named after a prayer by St. Francis—than almost any other world leader.
He’s definitely had his share of critics. Some people think he’s too progressive; others think he hasn't gone far enough with Church reforms. But whether you agree with his politics or not, you can't deny he’s stayed true to the name he picked in that secret room back in 2013.
Sadly, we have to mention that the world said goodbye to him recently. Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. His death marked the end of a 12-year papacy that genuinely shook the foundations of the Catholic Church.
What This Means for You
Understanding the name of the Pope helps you understand the "why" behind his actions. It’s not just a trivia fact; it’s the key to his whole worldview.
- Look at the symbols: When you see a Pope’s name, look at who they are trying to emulate. It tells you their priority list.
- The "Francis Effect": Even though he’s gone, the shift toward "a poor church for the poor" is a legacy that’s likely to influence the next conclave.
- Beyond the Catholic Bubble: His focus on the environment and social justice made the name Francis relevant even to people who don't set foot in a church.
The next time someone asks about his name, you can tell them it wasn't just a choice—it was a message to the world.
Next Steps for You:
If you want to understand the impact of his namesake even more, read a summary of St. Francis of Assisi’s life. You’ll see the parallels immediately, especially in how the Pope handled environmental issues and interfaith dialogue. Also, keep an eye on the news regarding the upcoming conclave—the name the new Pope chooses will be the first and biggest hint at where the Church is headed next.