With Hope, his groundbreaking autobiography, Pope Francis shares a profound and personal reflection on his life, faith, and papacy. Released in more than 80 countries, this journey through hope, the past, and the present offers a unique and historic testimony.
On January 14, 2025, Pope Francis released Hope, an exceptional and unprecedented autobiography. Originally planned for posthumous publication, the text was advanced to mark the Jubilee Year of Hope. Published simultaneously in more than 80 countries, the book is a historic milestone: no living pope had ever written his memoirs before.
Co-written with Italian writer Carlo Musso, the book is described by Random House as "a moving, deeply human, and sometimes humorous testament to a remarkable life." Mondadori, the Italian publisher, added: "With a wealth of revelations and unpublished stories, this book spans Pope Francis’ entire life, from his Italian roots to his current papacy."
The story begins with Jorge Bergoglio’s Italian origins and his family’s courageous migration to Argentina. Born into a humble family, he initially studied chemistry before joining the Jesuits. After enduring Argentina’s junta and personal challenges, he became Archbishop of Buenos Aires and later succeeded Benedict XVI in 2013.
In Hope, Francis addresses major issues such as wars, migration, climate change, and the role of women in the Church. "Peace will never result from the building of walls," he writes, delivering a universal and poignant message.
Beyond spiritual and political reflections, the book includes personal anecdotes. One section is dedicated to jokes, including one shared by Justin Welby: "What’s the difference between a liturgist and a terrorist? You can negotiate with a terrorist."
While the book does not shy away from sensitive topics such as corruption cases or dossiers left by Benedict XVI, some areas remain vague, particularly regarding his years in Argentina.
Despite these omissions, Hope is a rare and valuable testimony, revealing a man shaped by faith and compassion. At 88 years old, Francis writes: "We must not stumble upon tomorrow; we must build it."
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