I am glad that Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, Argentina, took the name of Francis because in my novel Pope the pope takes that name. In my novel Cardinal Victor Dias took the name Francis in honour of St. Francis Xavier. This pope, it is said, took the name Francis in honour of St. Francis of Assisi. This pope is the first one from South America, Latin America, first Jesuit, and the first to take the name Francis. He is 76. He knows Spanish and Italian, besides Latin and perhaps some other languages. Last conclave also his name was mentioned as a papal candidate. He is not the first non-European. There have been popes from Asia and Africa. CNN Vatican analyst John Allen said the name Francis signifies poverty, humility, simplicity, and rebuilding the church. It is the most stunning choice and precedent shattering. Raymond Arroyo of EWTN wondered whether the pope took the name Francis in honour of St. Francis Xavier or St. Francis of Assisi. St. Francis Xavier was a Jesuit.
Before Francis, 37 names, including the double name John Paul, had been taken by two or more popes, and 43 popes had names unique to them. By taking the name Francis the pope has shown his uniqueness. He is known for his simplicity. He takes over at a time the church faces many challenges. In Argentina he was at loggerheads with Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner on issues of gay marriage, free distribution of condoms, contraception, and abortion.
There is a prediction attributed to St. Malachy that this pope is the last pope Peter the Roman. May be the one who wrote that prophecy expected the world to end in 2000. We are beyond that.
This time not many gave much chance to Jorge Mario Bergoglio. Cardinals with average chances were Angelo Scola 23%, Peter Turkson 22%, Marc Ouellet 12%, Peter Erdo 7%, and Timothy Dolan 3%. As per reports Jorge Mario Bergoglio, when he was archbishop, lived in an apartment instead of archbishop’s palace, gave up his chauffeur and limousine, took bus to work, and cooked his food.
Francis asked for people’s blessings before he blessed them. He called for brotherhood in Catholic Church. He said the world should set off on the path of love. I wish all the best to Pope Francis.
