Faith · Pope Francis For Subscribers In choosing the name ‘Francis,’ new pope sent a clear message By Religion News Service September 19, 2015 · 11:54 AM EDT · Updated January 16, 2025 12:01 AM · 3 min read read Advertisement Listen to audio version of this article Members only Subscribe to listen Written by Kimberly Winston (RNS) — He could have chosen Paul. Or Clement. Or Pius. Or even Innocent — all earlier popes, all well-known quantities. Written by Kimberly Winston (RNS) — He could have chosen Paul. Or Clement. Or Pius. Or even Innocent — all earlier popes, all well-known quantities.… Advertisement Read Next Spotlight: Ravi Ravichandran Combines Technology, Christian Faith, and Service AG Report: Over 270 Catholic Clerics Abused 944 Children In Three Massachusetts Dioceses Trump Administration Investigates Algonquin Regional High School Over Alleged Secret Gender Transition Ayaan Hirsi Ali Shares Her Journey From Islam to Christianity at Acoaxet Club