by Pope Francis
First published 2016
Pope Francis sits down with Vatican reporter Andrea Tornielli to explore the concept that has shaped his entire papacy. The first Jesuit and first South American pope draws from childhood memories and pastoral experiences in Argentina to explain why mercy stands as God's primary attribute. Francis argues that divine mercy surpasses all human failings and that no one falls beyond redemption. He challenges the Catholic Church to abandon rigid doctrine in favor of moral sincerity and to actively seek out those who have lost their way rather than closing doors. Through personal anecdotes about parishioners who recognized themselves as sinners, Francis demonstrates how grace operates in everyday lives. His conversational approach moves between folksy wisdom and philosophical insight as he outlines his vision for a more merciful Church. The pope insists that no situation traps people permanently, rejecting the idea that anyone must sink into spiritual quicksand. Published during the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, this dialogue offers readers a path toward peace, reconciliation, and healing of both physical and spiritual wounds.
Genres: christian, religion, non-fiction, biography-memoir, 21st-century, catholic
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: personal-journey, redemption
176 pages · Hardcover · Random House