Pope Francis – Tradition in Transition

This book by a Catholic academic in Minnesota offers a considered account of the early pontificate of Pope Francis, beginning from the surprise resignation of Pope Benedict XVI in February 2013. In fact, Jorge Maria Begoglio had come second to Benedict when he was elected, so his election was less of a surprise for those in the know. We went to Rome in October of that year and the crowds attending his appearance on a Wednesday were staggering, something not seen since the early days of St Jean Paul II. The book makes interesting links with some of his predecessors, including Paul VI and St John XXIII and the legacy of Vatican II. It is a papacy for the World Church as well as radical reform from within and putting the poor back in the foreground – and this book helps readers better understand what is undoubtedly a significant moment of history.