In a news conference with world's media Saturday morning, Pope Francis outlined his vision for the Catholic Church, saying that he wanted "a poor church for the poor," NBC News reported. The new pontiff also explained how he chose his name in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. As he was elected, he was embraced by one his colleagues, who whispered to him, "Don't forget the poor," Francis said in an informal chat with about 5,600 journalists at the Vatican's Paul VI Hall. "That's when I thought of Francis of Assisi. And that is how the name came to me: Francis of Assisi, the man of poverty, of peace," Francis said, adding, "This is what I want, a poor church for the poor." Francis’ comments follow other signs that he will prefer austerity during his reign, according to NBC News. For instance, he did not sit on the papal throne to receive the cardinals after being chosen, he took a bus with other cardinals back to their hotel and he was photographed paying a hotel bill himself. Francis also praised reporters for their coverage of the historic transition of the papacy. "The role of mass media has become essential in modern times, so thank you...you have worked hard," he said.
