( CNN ) -- Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio of Argentina , the new pope , is breaking historic ground by choosing the name Francis . It 's the first time the name is being used by a pope , said CNN Vatican expert John Allen . Pope Francis chose his name in honor of St. Francis of Assisi because he is a lover of the poor , said Vatican deputy spokesman Thomas Rosica . `` Cardinal Bergoglio had a special place in his heart and his ministry for the poor , for the disenfranchised , for those living on the fringes and facing injustice , '' Rosica said . St. Francis , one of the most venerated figures in the Roman Catholic Church , was known for connecting with fellow Christians , Rosica added . 5 things to know about the new pope . Allen described the name selection as `` the most stunning '' choice and `` precedent shattering . '' `` There are cornerstone figures in Catholicism , '' such as St. Francis , Allen said . Figures of such stature as St. Francis of Assisi seem `` irrepeatable -- that there can be only one Francis , '' he added . The name symbolizes `` poverty , humility , simplicity and rebuilding the Catholic Church , '' Allen said . `` The new pope is sending a signal that this will not be business as usual . '' In 2010 , Pope Benedict XVI recounted how St. Francis was born in 1181 or 1182 as the son of a rich Italian cloth merchant , according to the Vatican website . Tell us what you think of the new pope . After `` a carefree adolescence and youth , '' Francis joined the military and was taken prisoner . He was freed after becoming ill , and when he returned to Assisi , Italy , a spiritual conversion began . He abandoned his worldly lifestyle . In a famous episode , Christ on the Cross came to life three times in the small Church of St. Damian and told him : `` Go , Francis , and repair my Church in ruins , '' Pope Benedict XVI said , according to the Vatican 's website . `` At that moment St. Francis was called to repair the small church , but the ruinous state of the building was a symbol of the dramatic and disquieting situation of the Church herself , '' Pope Benedict XVI said . `` At that time the Church had a superficial faith which did not shape or transform life , a scarcely zealous clergy , and a chilling of love . '' Pope Francis succeeds Benedict , who retired .
NEW : Pope Francis names himself in honor of St. Francis of Assisi , St. Francis says . The name `` Francis '' is a first in CNN , an analyst says . The new pope sends a signal `` this will not be business as usual , '' the analyst adds . Namesake Pope Francis of Vatican is a most venerated figure .