New pope's name honors 2 saints

VATICAN CITY (AP) - Pope Francis has taken the name of two Roman Catholic saints -- both of them missionaries.

The Argentine pontiff is the first to adopt the name of the rich young Italian from Assisi who renounced wealth and founded the Franciscan order of friars in 1209.

During the Crusades, Francis of Assisi risked his life to meet and preach the gospel to a Muslim sultan before visiting the Holy Land.

The new pope may also be paying tribute to another Catholic saint, Francis Xavier, the 16th century missionary to Asia who founded the Jesuit order. Francis is the first Jesuit pope.

The pope's installation mass -- the first in his new role -- is traditionally held on Sunday, when the streets of Rome can be closed to traffic near the Vatican. This coming Sunday will be the last one before Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Easter Sunday.