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Pope Francis Sets Warm Tone During Meeting With Members Of The Press

VATICAN CITY(CBSNewYork) -- The newly elected leader of the Catholic Church set a warm tone as he spoke to reporters at the Vatican on Saturday.

Pope Francis, adorned in his white cassock, got things started with a joke, told reporters that they had been working hard, and explained that he picked the name Francis for Francis of Assisi who dedicated himself to "peace and the poor" CBS 2's Cindy Hsu reported.

"I would like a poor church, and a church that is for the poor," the Pope said, eliciting a round of applause from the crowd.

Members of the press told CBS 2 that the new Pope is a friendly, charismatic leader.

"He's got a very positive charisma. He is very calm and very friendly," said Martin Klostermann of the German Press Agency.

Prior to meeting with the press Pope Francis prayed privately in the Vatican Gardens. He ended Saturday's audience with a blessing for journalists and their families.

Pope Francis will hold his first weekly prayer in Saint Peter's Square on Sunday morning.

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