One of the 16th century founders of the Jesuit order, Francis Xavier was a legendary missionary who spread the faith as far as India and Japan giving the new pope's name selection possibly further symbolic resonance in an age when the church is struggling to maintain its numbers.

NPR: Argentine Jorge Bergoglio Elected Pope Francis

In that sense, Francis, the name taken by Cardinal Bergoglio, is symbolic.

WSJ: Jesuits Had Past Struggles With Popes

And even in a job that is mostly symbolic to begin with, the previous government stripped her of one of her few remaining powers: the ability to name a candidate to begin Cabinet formation after the election of the national parliament.

NPR: Dutch Queen Beatrix Abdicating, Son Will Be King