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A review by tough_cookie
Hope: The Autobiography by Pope Francis
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
4.5
Part memoir, part treatise, this autobiography is an exhortation to action and, as the name states, hope. It starts with Pope Francis' grandparents’ emigration from Italy to Buenos Aires and spans events up to the book’s publication in late 2024.
This was a tough read.
Not only because of the abstract concepts discussed throughout but also because the book is a window into human suffering (as a result, I could only read a few pages at a time before having to set it down, especially in the second half). While it is technically an autobiography, in true Pope Francis fashion, the focus is on his flock. For instance, his election to the papacy takes less than a chapter, while pages and pages are spent on examples of martyrdom, Christian witness, and love. The timeline of his life is used to highlight what he’d seen of the human experience, the good and the bad.
I regret not paying more attention to Pope Francis when he was alive, so I read this book to learn more about who he was. At first, I wished it paid more attention to him specifically, but as I read, I realized the book told me all I needed to. Pope Francis sought to emphasize the need to help others, both Christian and not, and to avoid the temptation of indifference, which perpetuates evil. This book is as much a call to action as it is a reminder never to lose hope no matter how dark the world becomes. Even for non-Catholics and Christians, I think the story of Pope Francis’ life holds value as an example of and guide for compassion. Personally, I know there’s a ton I missed or didn’t fully understand, so a re-read is a must. However, after this first read through, my heart feels fuller, and I want to follow Pope Francis’ lead in faith, kindness, and service.
This was a tough read.
Not only because of the abstract concepts discussed throughout but also because the book is a window into human suffering (as a result, I could only read a few pages at a time before having to set it down, especially in the second half). While it is technically an autobiography, in true Pope Francis fashion, the focus is on his flock. For instance, his election to the papacy takes less than a chapter, while pages and pages are spent on examples of martyrdom, Christian witness, and love. The timeline of his life is used to highlight what he’d seen of the human experience, the good and the bad.
I regret not paying more attention to Pope Francis when he was alive, so I read this book to learn more about who he was. At first, I wished it paid more attention to him specifically, but as I read, I realized the book told me all I needed to. Pope Francis sought to emphasize the need to help others, both Christian and not, and to avoid the temptation of indifference, which perpetuates evil. This book is as much a call to action as it is a reminder never to lose hope no matter how dark the world becomes. Even for non-Catholics and Christians, I think the story of Pope Francis’ life holds value as an example of and guide for compassion. Personally, I know there’s a ton I missed or didn’t fully understand, so a re-read is a must. However, after this first read through, my heart feels fuller, and I want to follow Pope Francis’ lead in faith, kindness, and service.