Following Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s resignation, the papal conclave was gathered to name a new Bishop of Rome. They elected Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, who took the name Francis.

Pope Francis represents many firsts for Catholics around the world. One of the most tangible firsts is his name—no other pope has taken the name Francis.

The source of the name Francis was originally debated to be St. Francis of Assisi, a man who turned down a wealthy life for one of simple spirituality, or St. Francis Xavier, a notable Jesuit missionary. While it was announced that the intent was to emulate St. Francis of Assisi, the Iona community also finds resonation in St. Francis Xavier.

Historically, St. Francis of Assisi was a wealthy merchant who became disillusioned with his life. At the time, religious life consisted of withdrawn existence in monasteries. St. Francis of Assisi chose to reject his life of wealth and live in radical simplicity among the poor; his work proved to lead to wider renewal across religious life.

Freshman Ashley Hubaykah admires and intends to keep in mind both names as they bring together simplicity and strong leadership.

Iona in Mission Coordinator Stephen Hill believes that Pope Francis’ name will be essential to his work, as Pope Francis has already taken on a much simpler lifestyle than previous popes. Hill pointed to his riding the public buses and rejection of traditional elaborate vestments, finding these as symbols of renewal.

Associate Professor of Religious Studies and Chair of the Religious Studies Department Elena Procario-Foley echoed Hill’s sentiment. Pointing to Pope Francis’ decision to reside in the simpler accommodations offered by the Vatican guesthouse, Domus Santae Marthae, rather than the traditional papal apartments, Procario-Foley finds commitment to Pope Francis’ name in his actions.

Pope Francis is the first Latin American pope and the first non-European pope since 741 AD. It must also be noted that Pope Francis has significant European roots in his ancestry and religious training. The combination of his geographic diversity and traditional background will offer a fresh perspective and a source of compromise for the world Church.

Hubaykah felt that Pope Francis could offer much to young Catholics. “It can be difficult to connect to your faith due to rules and regulations. While these are important, they aren’t the heart of your relationship with God,” she said. Hubaykah believes that Francis, as a pope of firsts, can offer many firsts to youth trying to find their faith or gain a deeper understanding.

Procario-Foley believes that Pope Francis will offer much to the youth community if he continues a commitment to a simple lifestyle. “If Pope Francis proves to be an authentic witness to social justice in the world, then he may also prove to be very attractive to the millennial generation, as they are committed to social justice issues,” she said.

Hill agrees that Pope Francis will probably prove accessible to youth due to his message of simplicity and request to be called “Father” rather than “Bishop.” “He will challenge us and shake us to look at social teaching,” he said, “but this can offer hope and growth.”

Pope Francis can also offer much to the Catholic Church of the United States. Procario-Foley finds Pope Francis to be doctrinally close to bishops in the United States.

Hill thinks that Pope Francis will focus United States Catholics on their siblings around the world, allowing them to develop a greater understanding of poverty and to identify global concerns.

While Hill, Hubaykah and Procario-Foley all were initially surprised by the age of Pope Francis, they have found him spry and youthful thus far. Ultimately, Pope Francis has initially proved impressive in his commitment to a simple lifestyle and message of hope.