Story highlights Pope Francis names himself in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, Vatican says

The name "Francis" is a first in the Roman Catholic Church, an analyst says

The new pope sends a signal "this will not be business as usual," the analyst adds

Namesake St. Francis of Assisi is a most venerated figure

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.

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.

Photos: New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square Photos: New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square – Newly elected Pope Francis speaks to the crowd from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican on Wednesday, March 13. Argentinian Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected as the first pontiff from Latin America and will lead the world's 1.2 billion Catholics. Hide Caption 1 of 25 Photos: New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square – The crowd looks up as Pope Francis comes out onto the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica for the first time. Hide Caption 2 of 25 Photos: New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square – A nun reacts as Pope Francis appears on the balcony. Hide Caption 3 of 25 Photos: New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square – Pope Francis addresses the crowd. He was the archbishop of Buenos Aires. Hide Caption 4 of 25 Photos: New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square – People watch the new pope's introduction. Hide Caption 5 of 25 Photos: New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square – People react to the newly elected pope's appearance on the balcony. Hide Caption 6 of 25 Photos: New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square – Pope Francis waves to the crowd. Hide Caption 7 of 25 Photos: New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square – A woman screams as she listens to the announcement that the new pope will be Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina. Hide Caption 8 of 25 Photos: New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square – French Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, center, announces the new pope. Hide Caption 9 of 25 Photos: New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square – People under umbrellas react to the news while waiting for the new pope to appear. Hide Caption 10 of 25 Photos: New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square – People crowd St. Peter's Square for the unveiling of the new pope. Hide Caption 11 of 25 Photos: New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square – A boy sits on his father's shoulders in St. Peter's Square. Hide Caption 12 of 25 Photos: New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square – A marching band performs before the introduction of the new pope. Hide Caption 13 of 25 Photos: New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square – People in St. Peter's Square wave Argentina's flag after the new pope was chosen. Hide Caption 14 of 25 Photos: New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square – People stand on a balcony at St. Peter's Square as they wait for the identity of the new pope to be revealed. Hide Caption 15 of 25 Photos: New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square – A woman in the crowd wipes away tears. Hide Caption 16 of 25 Photos: New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square – Swiss guards enter St. Peter's Square after white smoke came out of the Sistine Chapel chimney, signifying the election of a new pope. Hide Caption 17 of 25 Photos: New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square – People celebrate in St. Peter's Square. Hide Caption 18 of 25 Photos: New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square – The faithful cheer and take pictures in St. Peter's Square. Hide Caption 19 of 25 Photos: New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square – White smoke rises from the chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel. Hide Caption 20 of 25 Photos: New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square – People celebrate as white smoke rises from the chimney above the Sistine Chapel. Hide Caption 21 of 25 Photos: New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square – People in St. Peter's Square cheer and wave flags after the new pope was selected. Hide Caption 22 of 25 Photos: New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square – Bells ring at St. Peter's Basilica after white smoke billowed from the chimney. Hide Caption 23 of 25 Photos: New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square – A nun stands at a window overlooking St. Peter's Square. Hide Caption 24 of 25 Photos: New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square New pope: Scenes from St. Peter's Square – People shield themselves from the rain in St. Peter's Square after the election of the new pope. Hide Caption 25 of 25

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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.

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.