Pope Francis

September 1, 2015

The first edition of Vallely's book (Pope Francis: Untying the Knots) dealt mainly with his life in Argentina and made predictions about what direction his papacy would take. This revised and updated edition, twice the size, examines the Francis papacy as it has played out and argues that this Pope is presenting a new paradigm of what it means to be Catholic. There are detailed discussions of the Vatican Bank controversy, Pope Francis's reorganization of the Curia, his approach to the sex abuse crisis, and his views on women in the church, a topic that Vallely sees as Francis's weak point. The author doesn't dwell on sordid details but uses a journalistic approach that illuminates the issues, while perceptively discussing the concerns that many conservatives in the church have with Francis, whom he views not as a man of contradictions but as one of nuances. VERDICT A well-written, balanced portrait of a man leading the church in a new direction. This title will appeal to anyone who seeks a well-rounded study of the current Pope.--Augustine J. Curley, Newark Abbey, NJ

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August 10, 2015
Updated from a fast-tracked 2013 instant bio, this first-rate remix on the life of Pope Francis includes nine new and substantive chapters. Vallely intelligently expands on Jorge Bergoglio's pre-papacy history, highlighting the difficult years he was "exiled" to Córdoba by Jesuit superiors. "He changed when he was in Córdoba" says a fellow Jesuit; it softened Bergoglio's sterner edges. The majority of fresh material unpacks Pope Francis's actions since his election: renewals of the Second Vatican Council, efforts to reach out to the poor, continuing cleaning out of clericalism and corruption, exposing dark ecclesial corners where abuse may occur. Such bold leadership has attracted harsh opposition and set traditionalistsâwho have had two long pontificates to settle inâback on their heels. Yet the pope's favorability ratings continue to skyrocket among Catholics and non-Catholics alike. While some conservative bishops profess "confusion" over Francis' leadership, the majority of Catholics do not. They see authenticity, moral courage, humility, and a more collegial responsive governanceâand they like it. Vallely provides a superb guide into one of the most pivotal personalities of the 21st century.

Starred review from August 1, 2015
An exhaustive look at the newest pope. In a revised and expanded edition of Pope Francis: Untying the Knots (2013), Independent associate editor Vallely (editor: The New Politics: Catholic Social Teaching for the Twenty-First Century, 2013, etc.) delves deeper into the first two years of the Francis papacy, providing a meaty and useful guide to understanding the pontiff. In the early chapters, the author discusses Francis' life in Argentina, including his highly controversial years as head of the Jesuit order in the region. Though Vallely is generally supportive of the pope, he does not equivocate from examining the divisive role he played in Argentina and the sometimes-injurious results of his leadership there. However, Vallely notes that Francis underwent a transformation during pastoral ministry to the poor in the early 1990s, changing his leadership style, priorities, and personality. From there, the author delves into the papacy, from Francis' unexpected election to his efforts at reform of the Curia. Vallely uses access to high-placed clergy, journalists, and scholars to piece together a detailed survey of Francis' first two years in his role. He places special emphasis on the pope's efforts to clean up the Vatican bank, reforms for his circle and the Synod of Bishops, and his handling of sex abuse scandals. On a more personal note, Vallely looks at the pope's penchant for unscripted and down-to-earth statements, which has caused misinterpretations by the press and turmoil among church officials. The author also examines the pope's stances on women, homosexuals, divorced people, and other faiths. Vallely discovers the pope to be a difficult figure to label, but, he writes, "Francis is at the heart of a struggle for the soul of Catholicism, and his greatest allies are the ordinary Catholics in the pews." Discovering a pope with a controversial past and a revolutionary style of leadership in the present, Vallely provides a highly worthwhile resource for Catholics and non-Catholics alike.

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