VATICAN CITY (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)