Paul Vallely

A great book about a leader who is neither a liberal nor a conservative, but who wishes the church to change.
He has done wonderful work in the bank and management areas, but the author correctly points out that he has done
relatively nothing with the sex charges and about women. The book does not explain exactly how Francis changed his mind about things, but relates it to a period in Argentina when he was bishop of Cordoba.The author goes out of his way to explain what the Pope does and how he does it and where he might be wrong. (Jim)

This biography of Pope Francis explores his stunning worldwide impact, but it also a portrait "warts and all", making it far more interesting than a simpler story would be. Before reading a biography (particularly a popular biography) one should ask who wrote it. The answer here is reassuring. The author, an internationally respected British journalist, has decades of experience covering many issues including religion. This is is his second book on the Pope. The first, "Pope Francis: Untying the Knots" came out in 2013, less than six months after the Pope's election. The first eight chapters of this book update the earlier work (those who have read it, please take note) : the last nine chapters are new material. (Anne)… (mehr)

Paul Vallely has an international reputation as a commentator on religion, society and ethical issues. As a journalist he has produced award-winning reporting from 30 countries over three decades. He continues to write and is Visiting Professor of Public Ethics and Media at the University of Chester in Great Britain. He has been an adviser to the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales. He lives in Manchester, England with his wife and son.

As Pope Francis takes the world by compassionate storm and becomes Time Magazine’s Man of the Year for 2013, I want to know more about him. Reading the interview he gave last summer to America magazine and other Jesuit publications, and then falling in love with him as I read Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel), I am tempted to put him on some pedestal he does not seek.

This book sought to describe his life with both candor and sympathy. The world events that swirled around Jorge Bergoglio in Argentina, at a time when he was unready for the authority vested in him, seem to have the beginning of a Godly humiliation that over time have changed the man who is now Pope Francis.

Franciscan teacher Father Richard Rohr says that he has often prayed to be shown “one good humiliation a day” to slow down his ego and open his eyes to the self-inflicted sabotage of God’s good work in his life. Pope Francis seems to be cut from that same cloth.

Vallely’s book is a best-seller. On the cover is a quote from The Tablet: “Read this book - forget the rest.” I found it fascinating.
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