Pope Francis: "How I Would Like a Poor Church, and a Church for the Poor."

Pope Francis I arrives in the Paul VI hall during an audience for members of the media, at the Vatican March 16, 2013.

Credit: Reuters/Max Rossi

VATICAN CITY | Sat Mar 16, 2013 6:30am EDT

 

(Reuters) - Pope Francis said on Saturday that he wanted the Catholic Church to be poor and that its mission should be focused on serving the poor.

The pope made his comment in an audience with journalists, explaining why he chose to call himself after St. Francis of Assisi, the saint who is a symbol of peace, austerity and service to the poor.
He called Francis "The man who gives us this spirit of peace, the poor man," and added "How I would like a poor church, and for the poor".

(Reporting By Philip Pullella)

Pope Francis ended his press conference today by saying to the journalists, "I love you so much and I thank you for everything!"

Pray a rosary a day for humility, just as our holy Pope has clothed himself!