Pope Francis – författare

The Name of God is Mercy, Pope Francis' exploration on the universal theme of mercy, is a spiritual inspiration to both followers of Christianity and non-Christians around the world.Drawing on his own experience as a priest and shepherd, Pope Francis discusses mercy, a subject of central importance in his religious teaching and testimony, and in addition sums up other ideas – reconciliation, the closeness of God – that comprise the heart of his papacy. Written in conversation with Vatican expert and La Stampa journalist Andrea Tornielli, The Name of God is Mercy is directed at everyone, inside or outside of the Catholic Church, seeking meaning in life, a road to peace and reconciliation, or the healing of physical or spiritual wounds.

THE GLOBAL BESTSELLERThe groundbreaking, intimate and inspiring memoir from Pope Francis.Books of the Year 2025: The Times, Telegraph, Guardian, Independent, Financial Times, New Statesman'Remarkable' Guardian 'Elegant and joyful' Financial Times Pope Francis originally intended this exceptional memoir to appear only after his death, but the needs of our times and the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope moved him to make this precious legacy available sooner. Now, the book stands as his testament; the spiritual, faith-filled, as well as moral, social, and civic legacy that he envisioned and left for the benefit of all the men and women of the world.HOPE is the first autobiography in history ever to be published by a Pope. Written over six years, this complete autobiography starts in the early years of the twentieth century, with Pope Francis’s Italian roots and his ancestors’ courageous migration to Latin America, continuing through his childhood, the enthusiasms and preoccupations of his youth, his vocation, adult life, and the whole of his papacy up to the present day.In recounting his memories with intimate narrative force (not forgetting his own personal passions), Pope Francis deals unsparingly with some of the crucial moments of his papacy and writes candidly, fearlessly and prophetically about some of the most important and controversial questions of our present times: war and peace (including the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East), migration, environmental crisis, social policy, the position of women, sexuality, technological developments, the future of the Church and of religion in general.HOPE includes a wealth of revelations, anecdotes and illuminating thoughts. It is a thrilling and very human memoir, moving and sometimes funny, which represents the ‘story of a life’ and, at the same time, a touching moral and spiritual testament that will fascinate readers throughout the world and will be Pope Francis’s legacy of hope for future generations.

POPE FRANCIS' DEBUT MEMOIR · A moving, deeply human account of the life and legacy of one of the bravest and most visionary leaders in modern history—A must read for all generations in a world yearning for hope and changeFor the first time, Pope Francis tells the story of his life in this landmark inspirational biography as he looks back on the momentous world events that have changed history—from his earliest years during the outbreak of World War II in 1939 to the turmoil of today. An extraordinary personal and historical journey, Life is the story of a man and a world in dramatic change. A champion for the oppressed and marginalized—and the future of our planet—Pope Francis has inspired all of us to take action to alter the course of history toward a more loving and humane trajectory.With eloquence, passion, and humility, Pope Francis recalls his life through memories and observations of the most significant occurrences of the past eight decades. This sweeping look at 20th-century history opens with three-year-old Jorge in the kitchen with his mother in Argentina as World War II breaks out, and he goes on to witness several historic events:The fall of the Berlin WallVidela’s coup in ArgentinaThe moon landing in 1969And even the 1986 World Cup in which Maradona scored the unforgettable “hand of God” goal.Here are the frank assessments and intimate insights of a pastor reflecting on the Nazi extermination of the Jews, the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the 2001 terrorist attack on America and the collapse of the Twin Towers, the great economic recession of 2008, the Covid-19 pandemic, the retirement of Pope Benedict XVI, and the subsequent conclave that elected him Pontiff from inside the Vatican.The “pope callejero” recounts these world-changing moments with the candor and compassion that distinguishes him, sharing his views on the future of the Catholic Church and offering important messages on major crises confronting us now, including social inequalities, climate change, international war, atomic weapons, racial discrimination, political unease, and the battles over social and cultural issues. An innovative change agent and a profoundly empathetic leader, the late Pope's words and vision live on in this unforgettable account of a religious and humanitarian legend. “We must learn from our elders what our planet has experienced, so as not to repeat the mistakes of the past.”—Pope Francis

POPE FRANCIS' DEBUT MEMOIR · A moving, deeply human account of the life and legacy of one of the bravest and most visionary leaders in modern history—A must read for all generations in a world yearning for hope and changeFor the first time, Pope Francis tells the story of his life in this landmark inspirational biography as he looks back on the momentous world events that have changed history—from his earliest years during the outbreak of World War II in 1939 to the turmoil of today. An extraordinary personal and historical journey, Life is the story of a man and a world in dramatic change. A champion for the oppressed and marginalized—and the future of our planet—Pope Francis has inspired all of us to take action to alter the course of history toward a more loving and humane trajectory.With eloquence, passion, and humility, Pope Francis recalls his life through memories and observations of the most significant occurrences of the past eight decades. This sweeping look at 20th-century history opens with three-year-old Jorge in the kitchen with his mother in Argentina as World War II breaks out, and he goes on to witness several historic events:The fall of the Berlin WallVidela’s coup in ArgentinaThe moon landing in 1969And even the 1986 World Cup in which Maradona scored the unforgettable “hand of God” goal.Here are the frank assessments and intimate insights of a pastor reflecting on the Nazi extermination of the Jews, the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the 2001 terrorist attack on America and the collapse of the Twin Towers, the great economic recession of 2008, the Covid-19 pandemic, the retirement of Pope Benedict XVI, and the subsequent conclave that elected him Pontiff from inside the Vatican.The “pope callejero” recounts these world-changing moments with the candor and compassion that distinguishes him, sharing his views on the future of the Catholic Church and offering important messages on major crises confronting us now, including social inequalities, climate change, international war, atomic weapons, racial discrimination, political unease, and the battles over social and cultural issues. An innovative change agent and a profoundly empathetic leader, the late Pope's words and vision live on in this unforgettable account of a religious and humanitarian legend. “We must learn from our elders what our planet has experienced, so as not to repeat the mistakes of the past.”—Pope Francis

If you could ask Pope Francis one question, what would it be?Children have questions and struggles just like adults, but rarely are they given the chance to voice their concerns and ask the big questions resting deep in their hearts. In Dear Pope Francis, Pope Francis gives them that chance and celebrates their spiritual depth by directly answering questions from children around the world. Gathered from more than 250 submissions, 30 letters from children to Pope Francis are answered in a picture book that feels akin to sitting in on a series of intimate conversations. The letters, hand-written and illustrated, are reproduced on left-hand pages, along with English translations and photos of each child; the pope's answers appear opposite. The questions can be theologically intense ("If God loves us so much...why didn't he defeat the devil?"), deeply personal (Ivan, a 13-year-old from China, asks whether his non-Catholic grandfather will go to heaven), or casual and blunt ("You are not very young anymore," begins one from Dutch twins Hannes and Lidewij).The answers are rarely simple, but the pope writes respectfully and honestly, often invoking larger spiritual and social concepts while the injustices of the present are often represented, as well: "In today's world there is so much suffering. And, unfortunately, you know that firsthand," Francis writes to a Syrian boy, Mohammed. A beautiful hardback book full of life and joy and colour - the perfect gift for Christenings and Confirmations and for children or adults of all ages!

Some people want to know why I wished to be called Francis. For me, Francis of Assisi is the man of poverty, the man of peace, the man who loves and protects creation.Pope Francis, March 16, 2013By taking the name of one of the most widely respected figures in history, Pope Francis set a high bar for his papacy. The legacy of St Francis is epic: a breath-taking testament to divine love and the human capacity for compassion and joy. Since his election in March 2013, the pope’s Franciscan ‘accent’ has become increasingly evident. His optimism, creativity, courage, and playful sense of humour are reminiscent of the beloved saint.

'The clock is ticking, and all life is in danger, yet we still have time. . . . So let us take the first steps and go out to encounter the other - those who are different from us. Let us put our hands, minds, and hearts into working together. Let us be the change we want to see in the world.'Pope FrancisIn his most challenging and outward-facing book yet, Pope Francis reflects on ten vital issues the world is facing today. I Am Asking in the Name of God is an unflinching and inspiring work that celebrates the tenth anniversary of Francis' papal election and encompasses his hopes and dreams for the Church and for all humanity. The book is being released in over a dozen other languages throughout the world.Among other prayers, Pope Francis is asking in the name of God* for the media to reject fake news and renounce hateful language* for a stop to the madness of war* for the welcome of migrants and refugees* for the eradication of the culture of abuse from within the ChurchI Am Asking in the Name of God is the Pope's manifesto for the world: a heartfelt call for all people to to embrace and encourage the good, while rejecting and renouncing the dark forces of hatred, greed, deceit and delusion that threaten to engulf us. These words of wisdom from Pope Francis are both practical and realistic, as well as hopeful. They provide a clear vision of the peaceful, just and sustainable world - and as such, should matter to anyone who wants to work for a better world.The perfect book for all admirers of the Pope and the progressive changes he's introducing within the Catholic Church, I Am Asking in the Name of God will also appeal to anyone who desires a better world and wants to work together for positive change.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - Pope Francis originally intended this exceptional memoir to appear only after his death, but the needs of our times and the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope moved him to make this precious legacy available sooner. Now, the book stands as his testament; the spiritual, faith-filled, as well as moral, social, and civic legacy that he envisioned and left for the benefit of all the men and women of the world. "Hope vividly recreates the colorful world where the young Jorge Mario Bergoglio grew up."--The New York Times Hope is the first autobiography in history ever to be published by a Pope. Written over six years, this complete autobiography starts in the early years of the twentieth century, with Pope Francis's Italian roots and his ancestors' courageous migration to Latin America, continuing through his childhood, the enthusiasms and preoccupations of his youth, his vocation, adult life, and the whole of his papacy up to the present day. In recounting his memories with intimate narrative force (not forgetting his own personal passions), Pope Francis deals unsparingly with some of the crucial moments of his papacy and writes candidly, fearlessly, and prophetically about some of the most important and controversial questions of our present times: war and peace (including the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East), migration, environmental crisis, social policy, the position of women, sexuality, technological developments, the future of the Church and of religion in general. Hope includes a wealth of revelations, anecdotes, and illuminating thoughts. It is a thrilling and very human memoir, moving and sometimes funny, which represents the "story of a life" and, at the same time, a touching moral and spiritual testament that will fascinate readers throughout the world and will be Pope Francis's legacy of hope for future generations. The book is enhanced by remarkable photographs, including private and unpublished material made personally available by Pope Francis himself.

Desiderio desideravi, the title of Pope Francis's 2022 document on the sacred liturgy, comes from the Latin version of Luke 22:15: "I have earnestly desired (Desiderio desideravi) to eat this Passover with you before I suffer." Pope Francis begins this beautiful and relatively short reflection on the beauty, goodness, and truth of the sacred liturgy by reminding us of the Most Holy Trinity's love for us and desire for us.Responding to the need demonstrated by the desire of some Catholics for the pre-Vatican II Mass, Pope Francis encourages a deepening of our understanding of the Eucharist in order that we might fully appreciate the riches in the liturgy. The pope's text is accompanied by a helpful introduction and commentary by prominent liturgical and sacramental theologian, Kevin W. Irwin.Pope Francis, Jorge Mario Bergolio, was born in Buenos Aires on December 17, 1936, and became bishop of Rome and the 266th pope of the Catholic Church on March 13, 2013.Msgr. Kevin W. Irwin is a priest of the Archdiocese of New York who has taught at The Catholic University of America for years, where he served as dean of the School of Theology and Religious Studies.†

During his historic visit to the United States in October 2015, Pope Francis encouraged the nation’s bishops to avoid harsh and divisive language, reminding instead that “only the enduring allure of goodness and love remains truly convincing.” These words provide as fine a summary of the Holy Father’s visit (and of Jorge Bergoglio’s papal ministry) as will be found anywhere. In Washington, New York, and Philadelphia, Pope Francis touched the hearts and consciences of Catholics, as well as people of all faiths or no faith, by the power of his gentle witness.The many addresses and homilies offered by the Pope were more than anyone could digest in a few short days. This handy volume gathers all of these texts in a single, inexpensive resource, making them accessible for reflection, study, or prayer by individuals or groups. Included here are his• homily for canonization of St. Junípero Serra• address to the Joint Session of Congress• greeting to a group of homeless people in New York City• address to the United Nations General Assembly• prayer at Ground Zero• extemporaneous address at the Festival of Families• words to victims of sexual abuse• address to inmates at a Philadelphia prison• and much more.This book will serve as a powerful reminder to any reader of “the allure of goodness and love” that America experienced through the presence of Pope Francis.

Here are collected the homilies he has preached year after year, in Buenos Aires and more recently in Rome, on the most sacred night of the Christian calendar. While Francis’s words and convictions on many topics are now widely known, here we see how he understands the very heart of Christian faith and the ways he has helped those he has served—including the elderly, the poor, and those who struggle to make a living and raise children in a busy world—understand it and apply it to their own lives.  This book will be a welcome resource for those who want to understand better the faith that drives Pope Francis, for homilists seeking new inspiration for their preaching, for scholars and others interested in exploring the pre-papal preaching of Jorge Mario Bergoglio, for adult Christians as a resource for meditation and prayer, and for any of the ever-growing number of admirers and fans of this remarkable moral leader.

2023 Catholic Media Association Third Place Award, Future ChurchPraedicate Evangelium (Preach the Gospel) is one of the most important legislative acts that Pope Francis has promulgated since his election in 2013. In addition to the full text of this new constitution, this book features world-renowned theologian Massimo Faggioli’s explanation of the significance and limitations of this document. Bringing his unique insight as an Italian church historian, Faggioli explains how the constitution tries to apply, in a way that is different from the reforms of both Paul VI in 1967 and John Paul II in 1988, the ecclesiology of Vatican II to the structure and culture of the Roman Curia. It puts into motion many different aspects of the whole pontificate of Francis, including his desire for more diversity in the college of cardinals, decentralization of papal power, the reform of the economic and financial institutions of the Vatican, and the necessary structure to manage the global clergy abuse crisis in the Catholic Church.

Eucharist is the center of our Christian life, for it forms us into who and whose we are called to be. Pope Francis on Eucharist is a collection of writings, homilies, and talks from Pope Francis, sharing a Eucharistic vision for the church where all are fed and sustained by the Body of Christ. These words from Pope Francis encourage and challenge all of us—nourished by the Eucharist—to be Christ for others.

An extraordinary opportunity to understand the vision of Pope FrancisPope Francis is a first in many ways: the first pope from the Americas, the first Jesuit, the first Francis, the first child of immigrants from the Old World, nurtured and transformed by the New World, and returned to lead the whole world. His eloquent homilies and speeches have inspired the faithful of Argentina for decades, largely through his gift of oratory, tracing back to his time as a bishop, archbishop, and cardinal in his home country. Published in English for the first time in their entirety and with contextual annotations, In Your Eyes I See My Words, Volume 1 collects his homilies and speeches from 1999 to 2004. Volume 2 spans from 2005 to 2008, and Volume 3, from 2009 to 2013, concludes with his prophetic last homily before his election to the papacy.This illuminating collection presents an extraordinary opportunity to understand the vision of a great pastor. His words bear witness to the deep experience of faith among God's people while also showcasing his own extraordinary ability to connect with communities of faith. Through these homilies and speeches, Pope Francis humbly displays his abilities as a wordsmith, a patient and attentive teacher, an inspired and faithful theologian, and a sensitive pastor uniquely attuned to his people, offering ready guidance for their journeys, but also journeying with them.The first of a three-volume translation of Pope Francis's theological, pastoral, anthropological, and educational thought provides rich insights into the mind and theological unfolding of a spiritual leader who has become beloved all across the globe. Within it we see Archbishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio—later Pope Francis—ministering to the needs of the people while also engaging with the political, technological, and societal forces affecting their daily lives. Here is an ecclesial voice not afraid to challenge the politicians, the culture-makers, and media moguls—even his own ordained and lay church ministers—to live a life of faithfulness marked by justice, equality, and concern for the needs of everyone, urging all to rely on the "vitality of memory" and the "recovery of hope." In Your Eyes I See My Words also provides a glimpse into the political, social, and religious environment of Argentina and Latin America, providing a unique perspective on the issues confronting the faithful and how those issues motivated and nurtured Pope Francis's understanding of the Church's mission to all segments of society—particularly to those underrepresented and on the margins of history.

In Your Eyes I See My Words, Volume 2 contains Pope Francis's homilies and speeches spanning from 2005 to 2008. Continuing what began in the first volume of this three-volume publication, Volume 2 shows Archbishop Bergoglio's growth as a pastor and a theologian/scholar in the midst of his people. At the same time, it shows him emerging as an international voice calling for changes in the way the Church carries out its ministry and its educational task on behalf of children, youth, adults, and church ministers. In his homilies from Christmas, Easter, and especially in his response to the tragic fire and deaths of 194 people at the nightclub Republica Cromañon, we see Bergoglio speak passionately to his parishioners, challenging them with equal portions of tenderness and righteous anger. Perhaps uniquely, we also watch as his audiences, prominence, and influence grow globally, foreshadowing who he will become in 2013 when he is elected Pope.On the larger national and international scale, Bergoglio addresses various conferences, such as the Argentina Press Association and the Episcopal Conference of Argentina of which he was elected President in 2005 and served the maximum possible term of six years. We see and read as his work takes him outside his country to Rome (2007) at the Pontifical Commission for Latin America; to Brasil (2007), where his presentation on the Crisis of Civilization and Culture at the Fifth CELAM Conference ends up shaping much of the Aparecida Conclusions; and finally, to Quebec (2008) as he speaks at the Forty-Ninth International Eucharistic Congress.All told, In Your Eyes I See My Words, Volume 2 is a glimpse into a period of time in which Archbishop Bergoglio grows immensely in thought, reflection, and action, laying the groundwork for the mature, thoughtful, and beloved Pope Francis he has come to be known as around the world.

In Your Eyes I See My Words, Volume 3 brings together the homilies and speeches of Archbishop Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio from 2009 through his election as Pope Francis on March 13, 2013. These writings provide an intimate glimpse into the theological, philosophical, scientific, and cultural-educational currents that forged the steady, loving, and nurturing leadership style with which Bergoglio guided the Church in Buenos Aires. That style has now done the same for the Church from Rome, a Church rocked by financial and moral scandals, and a world shaken by the first global pandemic in a century.These writings were kneaded—a word he uses when talking about the work of molding the souls and character of youth and seminarians—in the relationships he formed in his bus rides to work and in his intense contact with all segments of the population. Because of that careful and prayerful process of kneading they have found their full development in Bergoglio's writing as Pope Francis, especially in Evangelii gaudium (November 2013); Gaudete et exsultate, On the call to sanctity (March 2018); and his encyclical Laudato si' (May 2015). In this final volume of Bergoglio's homilies and papers we meet European theologians and thinkers such as Hans Urs von Balthasar, Henri de Lubac, and Bergoglio's Uruguayan philosopher and friend, Methol Ferré, the literary figure Miguel Ángel Asturias, and Enrique Santos Discépolo, a singer and composer of tangos that decry corruption.In a prophetic conclusion, the last homily of this volume is an outline of the roadmap Pope Francis has followed throughout his papacy: one defined by ongoing love and care for God's people and that seeks to spread God's merciful anointing to those living on the margins of life.

Perfect for gift giving, the complete three-volume boxed set of In Your Eyes I See My Words gives readers an extraordinary opportunity to understand the vision of Pope FrancisVolume 1 (1999–2004)Pope Francis is a first in many ways: the first pope from the Americas, the first Jesuit, the first Francis, the first child of immigrants from the Old World, nurtured and transformed by the New World and returned to lead the whole world. His eloquent homilies and speeches have inspired the faithful of Argentina for decades, largely through his gift of oratory, tracing back to his time as a bishop, archbishop, and cardinal in his home country. Published in English for the first time in their entirety and with contextual annotations, In Your Eyes I See My Words, Volume 1 collects his homilies and speeches from 1999 to 2004.This illuminating collection presents an extraordinary opportunity to understand the vision of a great pastor. His words bear witness to the deep experience of faith among God's people while also showcasing his own extraordinary ability to connect with communities of faith. Through these homilies and speeches, Pope Francis humbly displays his abilities as a wordsmith, a patient and attentive teacher, an inspired and faithful theologian, and a sensitive pastor uniquely attuned to his people, offering ready guidance for their journeys but also journeying with them.The first of a three-volume translation of Pope Francis's theological, pastoral, anthropological, and educational thought provides rich insights into the mind and theological unfolding of a spiritual leader who has become beloved across the globe. Within it we see Archbishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio—later Pope Francis—ministering to the needs of the people while also engaging with the political, technological, and societal forces affecting their daily lives. Here is an ecclesial voice not afraid to challenge the politicians, the culture-makers, and media moguls—even his own ordained and lay church ministers—to live a life of faithfulness marked by justice, equality, and concern for the needs of everyone, urging all to rely on the "vitality of memory" and the "recovery of hope." In Your Eyes I See My Words also provides a glimpse into the political, social, and religious environment of Argentina and Latin America, providing a unique perspective on the issues confronting the faithful and how those issues motivated and nurtured Pope Francis's understanding of the Church's mission to all segments of society—particularly to those underrepresented and on the margins of history.Volume 2 (2005–2008)In Your Eyes I See My Words, Volume 2 contains Pope Francis's homilies and speeches from 2005 to 2008. Continuing what began in the first volume of this three-volume publication, Volume 2 shows Archbishop Bergoglio's growth as a pastor and a theologian/scholar in the midst of his people. At the same time, it shows him emerging as an international voice calling for changes in the way the Church carries out its ministry and its educational task on behalf of children, youth, adults, and Church ministers. In his homilies from Christmas, Easter, and especially in his response to the tragic fire and deaths of 194 people at the nightclub Republica Cromañon, we see Bergoglio speak passionately to his parishioners, challenging them with equal portions of tenderness and righteous anger. Perhaps uniquely, we also watch as his audiences, prominence, and influence grow globally, foreshadowing who he will become in 2013 when he is elected Pope.On the larger national and international scale, Bergoglio addresses various conferences, such as the Argentina Press Association and the Episcopal Conference of Argentina of which he was elected President in 2005 and served the maximum possible term of six years. We see and read as his work takes him outside his country to Rome (2007) at the Pontifical Commission for Latin America; to Brazil (2007), where his presentation on the Crisis of Civilization and Culture at the Fifth CELAM Conference ends up shaping much of the Aparecida Conclusions; and, finally, to Quebec (2008) as he speaks at the FortyNinth International Eucharistic Congress. All told, In Your Eyes I See My Words, Volume 2 is a glimpse into a period of time in which Archbishop Bergoglio grows immensely in thought, reflection, and action, laying the groundwork for the mature, thoughtful, and beloved Pope Francis he has come to be known as around the world.Volume 3 (2009–2013)In Your Eyes I See My Words, Volume 3 brings together the homilies and speeches of Archbishop Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio from 2009 through his election as Pope Francis on March 13, 2013. Taken together, all three volumes present with remarkable clarity his theological, educational, and pastoral vision for the Church that was shaped far from Europe and North America and in the tumultuous years of Argentina's political and economic struggles. These writings provide an intimate glimpse into the theological, philosophical, scientific, and cultural-educational currents that forged the steady, loving, and nurturing hands with which Bergoglio guided the Church in Buenos Aires. Those very same hands have now done the same for the Church from Rome, a Church rocked by financial and moral scandals, and a world shaken by the first global pandemic in a century.No Pope in modern times has compiled such a rich variety of writings in as many fields as Bergoglio has done for us in the years prior to his election to the papacy, especially during his time as Archbishop/Cardinal of Buenos Aires. These writings were kneaded—a word he uses when talking about the work of molding the souls and character of youth and seminarians—in the relationships he formed in his bus rides to work and in his intense contact with all segments of the population. Because of that careful and prayerful process of kneading, they have found their full development in Bergoglio's writing as Pope Francis, especially in Evangelii gaudium (November 2013); Gaudete et exsultate, On the call to sanctity (March 2018); and his encyclical Laudato si' (May 2015). In this final volume of Bergoglio's homilies and papers we meet European theologians and thinkers such as Hans Urs von Balthasar, Henri de Lubac, and Bergoglio's Uruguayan philosopher and friend Methol Ferré, the literary figure Miguel Ángel Asturias, and Enrique Santos Discépolo, a singer and composer of tangos that decry corruption.In Your Eyes I See My Words, Volume 3 concludes with a homily Bergoglio prepared before leaving for Rome to attend the conclave that elected him to the papacy. It was for the Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday, to be delivered to his priests in Buenos Aires. Instead, it was his homily from Rome to the priests of the world, reminding them, "The precious oil that anoints Aaron's beard not only perfumes his person but spreads and reaches the margins. The Lord will say it clearly: his anointing is for the poor, the prisoners, the sick, those who are sad and alone." Here, as Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio became Pope Francis, he spoke words of deep tenderness, reminding all of us that the Lord's anointing is meant precisely for those who are floundering—those who are sick, who are sad or alone, who are in need of care. In short, the Lord's anointing is meant for the world we live in today, at this exact moment of crisis. In a prophetic conclusion, the last homily of this volume is an outline of the road map Pope Francis has followed throughout his papacy: one defined by ongoing love and care for God's people and that seeks to spread God's anointing to those living on the margins of life.

Written with gratitude for all educators, Pope Francis offers deep understanding and challenge in these powerful reflections for successful catechesis, teaching, and education. The writings express how education requires the development of profound empathy and an active spirituality, as well as clear understanding of its humanizing force and the dignity of the human person. The included texts have been chosen for this volume of the Pope Francis Resource Library from the treasure chest of talks by then Archbishop Bergoglio to the catechists of Buenos Aires.

Pope Francis has been an engaging, prophetic voice tirelessly calling the church to a simple lifestyle of mercy, witness, and collaboration. This new volume in the Pope Francis Resource Library contains the gems from the Pope's reflections on pastoral and priestly ministry. Authorized by the Vatican, the texts are collected from Pope Francis's homilies, speeches, and papers during the first two years of his papacy, as well as from the earlier, exclusive edition published when he was Archbishop of Buenos Aires. I Ask You, Be Shepherds offers Pope Francis's profound and encouraging appeal to everyone serving God's people today.

Now in paperback in the new Pope's own words, this definitive volume gathers his most probing thoughts on spirituality and the mission of Jesus. These challenging meditations on the scriptures provide valuable insight into how Pope Francis understands the person of Jesus and the Christian calling. Anticipating his retirement as archbishop of Buenos Aires, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio gathered together his most probing reflections on the meaning of Christian discipleship. In these profound texts Cardinal Bergoglio draws on the Gospels and the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius to explain how all Christians are called to follow Jesus in the struggle to make God's reign a reality on earth.