Why did they have to name him Francis?

Answer 1

Pope Francis chose his name because as a cardinal, he was known to live a simple life and serve the poor and lowly. On the night he was elected he thought about his life and St. Francis of Assisi and because St. Francis also lived a simple life and served the poor, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergolio decided to honor St. Francis and take his name. He is the first pope with the name Francis.

Answer 2

They did not name him Pope Francis, the reason why he is called Pope Francis is because once the new Pope is elected they ask him what Papal name would he like to be called by, and he choose to be called by Francis, after the Saint Francis of Assisi.

Answer 3

"They" did not name him Francis. He chose the name himself. Pope Francis said that he had chosen the name in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, and had done so because he was especially concerned for the well-being of the poor.

Answer 4

He chose to take the name of St. Francis of Assisi who he tries to emulate in his living - choosing to live a simple life and avoid all the expensive trappings and benefits of the papacy.
Pope Francis said that he had chosen the name in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, and had done so because he was especially concerned for the well-being of the poor.