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4.26 AVERAGE
4.26 AVERAGE
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Very interesting to learn about Pope Francis’ life in a new way. Crazy to hear how some of his messages are more poignant than ever around war and the age of atomic weapons
emotional
hopeful
informative
fast-paced
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
I wanted it to be more autobiographical, but instead it was moreso some stories stories of his life interspersed among reflections about faith, hope, and other topics. I still don't feel like I know much more about his life though so I fell the title is a bit misleading.
informative
reflective
slow-paced
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
reflective
medium-paced
Interesting by virtue of its concerning a truly fascinating man, let down by its being poorly written, confusingly structured and its lack of focus. The lessons contained within are of course invaluable but I do think this means it’s hard to argue that “autobiography” is an accurate title. At points it is so poorly written as to seem written by Google Translate. Filled with truisms and completely meaningless declarations, my favourite was the statement that we need to move past the division between climate activist and climate denier and just deal with climate change. Nonetheless a fascinating insight into one of the most unique leaders of our times.
I picked up this book with curiosity, and I closed it genuinely moved. What struck me most was the Pope’s warmth — his ability to speak plainly yet profoundly about hope, resilience, and the simple, often-overlooked power of humour. I found it refreshing (and rare) to see someone in his position openly emphasise the importance of laughing — especially at oneself — as a way of cultivating hope.
While I obviously don’t share all of his views — particularly when it comes to gender theory — I couldn’t help but be impressed by his kindness, intelligence, and authenticity. His reflections come across as deeply human, and, at times, quietly radical in their insistence on compassion and dialogue.
Regardless of one’s faith — or lack thereof — this book offers fascinating insights simply because it draws on a lifetime of experience from a man who, despite all the complexities of his role, comes across as kind, intelligent, and remarkably thoughtful.
I was truly impressed by the sheer wealth of intertextual references woven into the text. From Russian greats to Rilke, Borges (whom he knew personally!), Zygmunt Bauman, and even Gabriel García Márquez — the list goes on. It felt like reading a conversation that flowed not just through theological reflections, but also through literature, philosophy, and personal memory. I honestly don’t remember the last time I marked so many passages in a single book.
“Hope” doesn’t offer easy answers — but it offers something far more enduring: perspective, humility, and the quiet insistence that, despite our flaws and the obstacles ahead, we can — and must — keep moving toward a brighter future. If there’s one word that sums up Pope Francis’ conviction, it is this: onward!
While I obviously don’t share all of his views — particularly when it comes to gender theory — I couldn’t help but be impressed by his kindness, intelligence, and authenticity. His reflections come across as deeply human, and, at times, quietly radical in their insistence on compassion and dialogue.
Regardless of one’s faith — or lack thereof — this book offers fascinating insights simply because it draws on a lifetime of experience from a man who, despite all the complexities of his role, comes across as kind, intelligent, and remarkably thoughtful.
I was truly impressed by the sheer wealth of intertextual references woven into the text. From Russian greats to Rilke, Borges (whom he knew personally!), Zygmunt Bauman, and even Gabriel García Márquez — the list goes on. It felt like reading a conversation that flowed not just through theological reflections, but also through literature, philosophy, and personal memory. I honestly don’t remember the last time I marked so many passages in a single book.
“Hope” doesn’t offer easy answers — but it offers something far more enduring: perspective, humility, and the quiet insistence that, despite our flaws and the obstacles ahead, we can — and must — keep moving toward a brighter future. If there’s one word that sums up Pope Francis’ conviction, it is this: onward!