Reviews
"May this knowledge of Pope Francis' past and background enlighten every reader ... [and] provide a context for the new surprises he seems capable of offering to the Church and to the modern world as a whole." - Fr. Mitch Pacwa, S.J. , From the Foreword p>"Though the vast majority of Catholics are exceedingly pleased and edified by the love, simplicity, joy, and spiritual depth of Pope Francis, some press reports have criticized him for his "lack of response" to the terrible dictatorship of Jorge Redondo in Argentina, while others have complained about his stands on gay parenting and the life issues. In his timely biography of Pope Francis, Vatican insider Andrea Tornielli , has exposed the shallowness of these criticisms by giving a fair, objective and far more complete report of Archbishop Bergoglio's interaction with the dictatorship of Argentina (as well as its victims). He also presents the theological, sociopolitical, cultural, and spiritual depth with which Pope Francis treats marriage, the culture of life, social justice, and the preferential option for the poor. As I moved through this biography, I began to appreciate the depth and complexity of Pope Francis -- a soul imbued with learning, compassion, intelligence, and wisdom, originating out of a profound love for Christ and a desire to serve him in every way possible-a true son of St. Ignatius who provided the world with a similar example, devotion and love." -- Fr. Robert J. Spitzer, S.J., President, Magis Institute, Author, Ten Universal Principles: A Brief Philosophy of the Life Issues "Catholics and others eager to know all they can about Pope Francis will learn a great deal from Andrea Tornielli's first-person account." - James Hitchcock , Professor of History, St. Louis University, author of History of The Catholic Church p>"In Francis: Pope of a New World , Italian journalist Andrea Tornielli provides us with a much-anticipated glimpse into the life and history of our new Holy Father, Pope Francis, as well as the events surrounding his election as Bishop of Rome and the first days of his pontificate. Tornielli introduces us to this humble Cardinal from Argentina who now serves as the Vicar of Christ - "Padre Jorge," as he is lovingly known by his flock in Buenos Aires. He relates the history of his early years, his vocation to the priesthood and a life poured out in loving service to Christ and His Bride, the Church. He splendidly conveys our Holy Father's personal attributes of prayerfulness, devotion, humility, simplicity, affability, frugality, zeal for souls, ecumenical spirit and pastoral concern for the smallest and most vulnerable of God's children, whether found on city streets or in the poverty of the Villas Miserias. Readers will be touched by this account of the man who is now lovingly known as Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, and inspired by the message of God's mercy he seeks to bring to our present-day world." - Mother Assumpta Long, O.P. , Prioress General of The Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Andrea Tornielli is one of the best, if not the best, Vatican reporter out there. Period. He is the best-sourced, most accurate and one of the most knowledgeable reporters among the unique band of "Vaticanisti" who travel with the pope, digest theological treateses as bedtime reading and count cardinals and monsignors as friends. He has been fascinated by the church since he was 14, and it shows. Yes, he has a degree in classic Greek. But more importantly, he knows the Vatican and the people who inhabit it,
