Pope's Namesake - Francis of Assisi and / or Francis Xavier Jesuit Missionary to China

Posted March 15, 2013 -- at http://ncronline.org/news/theology (National Catholic Reporter website):

Theologians and Historians respond and send email commendations:

Agnes Brazal, professor of theology at the St. Vincent School of Theology in Manila, Philippines:

I love the name of our new Pope -- Francis! St. Francis of Assisi symbolizes my hopes for what the 21st century Church should embody:

love for the poor expressed in terms of social justice; simplicity of lifestyle; care for other earth beings and the environment, "friendly" and mutually empowering relations with women, and freedom of (S)spirit!

If the name Francis also refers to St. Francis Xavier, I hope that this time, our new Pope would have the stamina to travel to Asia where the Church has also been growing rapidly!