Catholics at St. Francis of Assisi Parish excited pope chose name "Francis"



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- There is a lot in a name! Many Catholics are calling Pope Francis' choice of his name groundbreaking. It is a name that represents humility and service.

When parishioners at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Milwaukee heard the pope had chosen the name Francis, it was a moment of surprise and happiness.

Pope Francis greeted a sea of people at St. Peter's Basilica on Wednesday. As he waved to the crowd, we learned his name, Francis.

"That name sends out a message immediately. That name sends out a strong strong message that we may be getting back to the roots of our faith," Father Michael Bertram with St. Francis of Assisi Parish said.

St. Francis is seen throughout the north side church in paintings and statues and especially in the people.

"When you think about Francis of Assisi many people`s first thought goes toward his care for the poor," Father Bertram said.

Francis of Assisi is known as a reformer. He lived a life of poverty and preaching -- characteristics Bertram hopes to see in the new pope.

"He may have that understanding that one leads by example, one leads by service," Father Bertram said.

It is a mission that education at Cardinal Stritch University is based upon. The college is the largest Franciscan university in North America.

"Everybody is excited the pope has chosen the man who`s kind of values and outlook are our own," Professor Steven Kuhl said.

"Knowing that our pope is going to be doing the work and feels passionately about what Francis did is really important for me to see the church going in this direction," student Audrey Edwards said.

"There are great things in the future that will come to us through this new leader," Father Bertram said.

Father Bertram says this Sunday will be electric as the parish celebrates a new pope in its namesake.