Pope Francis offers Hope in a fractured world
Through candid anecdotes and reflections on social justice, the pope’s new autobiography is a testament to resilience
IN October 1927, failure by a family of Italian emigrants to sell their belongings in time for their voyage to Argentina may have saved their lives. Their delay meant they missed boarding the Principessa Mafalda, dubbed the “Italian Titanic”, which sank off the coast of Brazil and killed at least 300 people.
This family comprised the grandparents and soon-to-be father of Jorge Mario Bergoglio – who grew up to become the 266th pope of the Catholic Church: Pope Francis.
At 88, Pope Francis recently released his autobiography, Hope, across 80 countries. Translated from Italian into English by Richard Dixon, this personal book – written with the collaboration of Italian writer Carlo Musso – marks the first time a pope has penned his life story.
The book begins with this poignant tale, suggesting that he may not have been born had his family been on board, a purposeful choice that sets the tone for what he describes as “the story of a journey of hope.”
Written over six years, Hope spans more than 300 pages and features striking photographs, including unpublished images. Though it was originally intended for posthumous release, he chose to publish it in time for the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee, a Holy Year celebrated every quarter-century, citing “the needs of our times” as a reason to share his story now. (Incidentally, the theme of the 2025 Jubilee is “Pilgrims of Hope”.)
The book’s tone shifts halfway through. The first part is an intimate, unfiltered glimpse into Pope Francis’ life before joining the priesthood. The theme of hope is subtly woven throughout, emerging in narratives such as his grandparents’ near-miss on the doomed ship and the deep sense of community he found in football.
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The second half takes on a broader and more modern scope, where hope becomes an explicit theme. Here, he delves into his vocation and reaffirms the core values that define his progressive papacy, including his anti-war stance, commitment to environmental stewardship, and vision for a more inclusive Church.
He discusses his apostolic journeys, emphasising the importance of interfaith harmony and the vital role of children in shaping the future. He even references his visit to the Asia Pacific – including Singapore – in September 2024, calling it “a wonderful experience that (he) so enjoyed”.
He also turns his attention to the future, offering measured insight on unregulated technology. He links artificial intelligence to a speech he gave at the 2024 G7 summit, and writes: “It will be for us to determine what direction the use of this fascinating – and at the same time terrible – instrument will take.” His perspective is neither alarmist nor overly optimistic, but rather a call for ethical responsibility.
What makes Hope compelling is its rawness and relatability, born from Pope Francis’ willingness to share frank anecdotes. He writes about his friendships with revolutionists and prostitutes, his youthful stint as a nightclub bouncer, his childhood struggles with family tensions, and the stigma of speaking Italian, a choice his family made to distance themselves from fascist Italy (which promoted Latin). Such candid storytelling offers a portrait of a man shaped by humanising experiences, making his teachings resonate on a heartfelt level.
Hope is not just a simple tale of Pope Francis’ rise to the papacy or his reflections on social justice. It is a profound meditation on hope itself – what it means to live with it, share it and act upon it.
In a world fraught with chaos and uncertainty, this autobiography serves as a timely reminder that just as hope was the one gift left behind in Pandora’s box after all the evils were unleashed, it remains an enduring force that sustains us.
Hope by Pope Francis is available at Amazon and all good bookstores (amzn.to/3CEyQLr)
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