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A review by ninui
Hope by Pope Francis
5.0
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!