Pope Francis in His Own Words - by Julie Schwietert Collazo & Lisa Rogak (Paperback)

About the Book

"Over 250 quotations from Pope Francis's books, letters, and sermons present his insights and viewpoint on Christian life and belief as well as social issues. Includes a brief biography and timeline of his life"--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

Insights from a beloved spiritual leader on everything from forgiveness and faith to mercy and money, from prayer and parenting to tango and soccer

The moment the identity of the newly elected 266th pontiff was revealed, it was clear to the thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square, and to the watching world, that this pope was different in fascinating and exciting ways -- the first from Latin America, the first Jesuit, and the first to take the name Francis, in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. Pope Francis repeatedly eschewed the fancy dress, lavish accommodations, and other luxuries of his position, emphasizing pastoral work with the sick and the poor and always seeking to empower the underdog. This revealing collection of his own words, gathered from early sermons, interviews, and the Pope's books, prompts understanding and insight into his way of being and believing -- and inspires goodwill, love, and hope.

Review Quotes

Quotations from Pope Francis in His Own Words:

"The person who is most high among us must be at the service of the others."
-- Pope Francis, as he washed, dried, and kissed the feet of young prisoners on his first Holy Thursday as pontiff

"We never lose if we imitate Jesus, if we serve our suffering brothers."

"To recognize, accept, and live with all ways of thinking and being does not imply the renunciation of one's own beliefs."

"A little bit of mercy makes the world less cold and more just."

"In a society where lies, cover-ups, and hypocrisy have caused people to lose basic trust in the social contract, what could be more revolutionary than the truth?"

"Human history, our history, the history of every one of us is never 'finished'; it never runs out of possibilities. Rather, it is always opening to the new -- to what, until now, we'd never even had in mind. To what seemed impossible."

About the Author

Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936, to an Italian immigrant father and an Argentinian mother. At age twenty-two, during a severe case of pneumonia, he had part of one lung removed. Once fully recovered, he decided to devote himself to the priesthood. Pope John Paul II appointed Bergoglio Cardinal in 2001. Following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI in 2013, the Conclave elected Bergoglio, who became Pope Francis I. He died on April 21, 2025.

Julie Schwietert Collazo has written for a variety of magazines including Time, National Geographic Traveler, and Latina, reporting widely on Latin America. She lives in New York, though she has called San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Mexico City home as well.

Lisa Rogak is the New York Times bestselling author of more than forty books and hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles. Her books have been published in more than two dozen languages. She lives in New Hampshire.