The Church of Mercy - by Pope Francis (Paperback)

About the Book

Pope Francis has captured the world's attention with his seemingly counterintuitive approach to leadership. In The Church of Mercy, readers get a first-hand look at Pope Francis's vision of the good news of Christian hope and mercy.

Designed for a broad readership, The Church of Mercy is a compilation of essays, speeches, and homilies by Pope Francis since his election on being a church that exists among and for the people, solidarity with the poor, and the need to demolish the idols of power and money.

Book Synopsis

"A magnificent book, bursting with profound spiritual insights, from a man who has quickly become one of the greatest spiritual teachers of our time." --James Martin, SJ, author of Jesus: A Pilgrimage

In the year since he was elected, Pope Francis's simple message of mercy, service, and renewal has spread to every corner of the world. Through his gentle demeanor, selfless actions, and welcoming call for service to others, Pope Francis has captured the attention of a world longing for an authentic message of hope--we want to hear what he has to say.

Collected from Pope Francis's speeches, homilies, and papers presented during the first year of his papacy, The Church of Mercy is the first Vatican-authorized book detailing his vision for the Catholic Church. From how to be citizens of the world to answering God's call for evangelization, Pope Francis's deep wisdom reminds us that the Church must move beyond its own walls and joyfully bring God's mercy wherever suffering, division, or injustice exists.

Named TIME Magazine's 2013 "Person of the Year," Pope Francis is helping the Church continue toward an authentic Christianity that is faithful to the Gospel and resonant with the world's greatest needs. The Church of Mercy encourages each of us to ignite the flame within to help share the light of Christ and revitalize the Church.

From the Back Cover

"This joy is born from knowing that with Him we are never alone, even at difficult moments, even when our life's journey comes up against problems and obstacles that seem insurmountable--and there are so many of them!"
--Pope Francis, Homily on Palm Sunday, 24 March 2013

"The Church does not rest solely beneath the shadow of our steeple; rather, she embraces a vast number of peoples and nations who profess the same faith, are nourished by the same Eucharist, and are served by the same pastors."
--Pope Francis, General Audience, 9 October 2013

Review Quotes

"In this major new work from Loyola Press, Pope Francis reminds us that the goal of Christian faith is not to be right, but to be holy, and that the way to holiness is through a merciful heart, open to God and the world. The pope's message is a daring invitation to reimagine the Church's whole approach to pastoral ministry and the new evangelization."
- Fr. Matt Malone, S.J.
President & Editor in Chief, America Magazine

"Pope Francis understands the world he is in, and does not separate himself from it. He does not want a closed Church, but an open one, and knows that 'a bruised Church is better than an ill Church'. This is a book for everyone."Joanna Thyer, 12 Steps to Spiritual Freedom (Loyola Press)

"Refreshingly humane, focusing on people rather than institutions. Admirers of Francis and students of church history alike will find this a useful introduction to the pontiff's thought."
- Kirkus

"A magnificent book, bursting with profound spiritual insights, from a man who has quickly become one of the greatest spiritual teachers of our time."
- James Martin, SJ, author of Jesus: A Pilgrimage

"Catechists are used to making things simple so that those they teach, especially children, can understand God's Word. This is what makes Pope Francis such a natural catechist: he makes things simple. The Church of Mercy is a Godsend for catechists who will treasure the Holy Father's simple yet powerful and inspiring words which make faith in Jesus Christ accessible to everyday people in their everyday lives."
- Joe Paprocki, DMin - National Consultant for Faith Formation

"Church of Mercy is a book for our time: the memorable message of love, mercy, and compassion in the words of the man whose deeds incarnate these values in our time. Not only Catholics but every human being who values what is best in us will cherish this book."
- Michael Leach, author of Why Stay Catholic?

"I can't even tell you the sense of wonder and gratitude I am feeling reading The Church of Mercy. Every Christian in at least the western world should read this man...at least read enough to know what Christianity has come upon or been given or will be watching develop over the next few years. This man sees, and is of, the Kingdom of God." -Phyllis Tickle, The Great Emergence

"What did we do to deserve such a man as Pope Francis? Every day the world drops its jaw in wonder at the work of art that is Jorge Mario Bergoglio. Read this book, and see how he is doing it."--Fr. Richard Rohr, O.F.M., author of Falling Upwards and On the Threshold of Transformation

This collection offers fascinating insight into the mind and heart of someone who has rapidly become one of the world's most beloved public figures.
- Publishers Weekly

Catechists are used to making things simple so that those they teach, especially children, can understand God s Word. This is what makes Pope Francis such a natural catechist: he makes things simple.TheChurch of Mercyis a Godsend for catechists who will treasure the Holy Father s simple yet powerful and inspiring words which make faith in Jesus Christ accessible to everyday people in their everyday lives.
- Joe Paprocki, DMin - National Consultant for Faith Formation"

Church of Mercy is a book for our time: the memorable message of love, mercy, and compassion in the words of the man whose deeds incarnate these values in our time. Not only Catholics but every human being who values what is best in us will cherish this book.
Michael Leach, author of Why Stay Catholic?

"

I can't even tell you the sense of wonder and gratitude I am feeling reading The Church of Mercy. Every Christian in at least the western world should read this man...at least read enough to know what Christianity has come upon or been given or will be watching develop over the next few years. This man sees, and is of, the Kingdom of God. Phyllis Tickle, The Great Emergence

"

In this major new work from Loyola Press, Pope Francis reminds us that the goal of Christian faith is not to be right, but to be holy, and that the way to holiness is through a merciful heart, open to God and the world. The pope s message is a daring invitation to reimagine the Church's whole approach to pastoral ministry and the new evangelization.
- Fr. Matt Malone, S.J.
President & Editor in Chief, America Magazine
"Pope Francis understands the world he is in, and does not separate himself from it. He does not want a closed Church, but an open one, and knows that a bruised Church is better than an ill Church . This is a book for everyone."Joanna Thyer, 12 Steps to Spiritual Freedom(Loyola Press)"

"Refreshingly humane, focusing on people rather than institutions. Admirers of Francis and students of church history alike will find this a useful introduction to the pontiff s thought."
- Kirkus"

About the Author

Pope Francis was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on 17 December 1936 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. As a young man, he worked briefly as a chemical technician and nightclub bouncer before entering the Jesuits. He was ordained a priest in 1969, and from 1973 to 1979, was Argentina's Provincial Superior of the Society of Jesus. He became the Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998, and was appointed a Cardinal in 2001.

Following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI on 28 February 2013, Bergoglio was named his successor on 13 March. He chose the name Francis in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi. He is the first Jesuit Pope, the first Pope from the Americas, the first Pope from the Southern Hemisphere, and the first non-European Pope in over 1200 years.

Pope Francis has been noted for his humility, his concern for the poor, and his commitment to dialogue as a way to build bridges between people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and faiths.