At his first audience on 16 March 2013 , Pope Francis told journalists that he had chosen the name in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi , and had done so .
Saint Francis of Assisi was especially concerned for the well - being of the poor .
At his first audience on 16 March 2013 , Pope Francis told journalists that he had chosen the name in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi , and had done so because he was especially concerned for the well - being of the poor .