Pope Francis’ highly anticipated autobiography “Hope” has finally arrived in bookstores, six years in the making and published in 18 languages. The 320-page memoir vividly recreates the pope’s childhood in Buenos Aires but offers few new insights into his papacy.
Francis shares personal memories from his early life, including his experiences as a young teacher and his encounters with notable figures like Jorge Luis Borges. He also reveals how his views on social and political issues, such as climate change and poverty, were shaped by his upbringing.
The book draws connections between Francis’ childhood events and his current-day positions on various topics. For instance, his support for migrants stems from his own experiences growing up with Italian immigrant parents. His abhorrence of war is rooted in the wartime experiences of his grandfather, who survived World War I.
Despite its lengthy production time, “Hope” has sparked limited commentary from Vatican insiders about Francis’ papacy. The book’s editor, Carlo Musso, emphasizes that Francis intentionally aimed to use his memories to speak for others and address difficult moments, rather than focusing solely on himself.
While the publication offers valuable personal anecdotes about Francis’ childhood, it is unlikely to provide significant new information about his later years as pope. Readers will likely recognize familiar themes from his previous writings and public addresses.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/13/world/europe/pope-francis-autobiography.html