Life: My Story Through History—An Autobiography of the Life and Legacy of Pope Francis

by Pope Francis, Aubrey Botsford (translator)

For the first time, Pope Francis tells the story of his life as he looks back on the momentous world events that have changed history—from his earliest years during the outbreak of World War II in 1939 to the turmoil of today. 

An extraordinary personal and historical journey, Life is the story of a man and a world in dramatic change. Pope Francis recalls his life through memories and observations of the most significant occurrences of the past eight decades, from the Holocaust to the fall of the Berlin Wall, Videla’s coup in Argentina to the moon landing in 1969, and even the 1986 World Cup in which Maradona scored the unforgettable “hand of God” goal.

Here are the frank assessments and intimate insights of a pastor reflecting on the Nazi extermination of the Jews, the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the 2001 terrorist attack on America and the collapse of the Twin Towers, the great economic recession of 2008, the Covid-19 pandemic, the retirement of Pope Benedict XVI, and the subsequent conclave that elected him Pontiff. The “pope callejero” recounts these world-changing moments with the candor and compassion that distinguishes him, and offers important messages on major crises confronting us now, including social inequalities, climate change, international war, atomic weapons, racial discrimination, and the battles over social and cultural issues.

Translated from the Italian by Aubrey Botsford

Genres: Biography, Religion, Memoir, Nonfiction, History, Catholic, Audiobook

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2024

About the author

Pope Francis (Latin: Franciscus; Italian: Francesco; Spanish: Francisco; born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, 17 December 1936) was the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, a title he held ex officio as Bishop of Rome, and Sovereign of the Vatican City. He chose Francis as his papal name in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi. Francis was the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, the first from the Southern Hemisphere and the first non-European pope since the Syrian Gregory III, who died in 741.

Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Bergoglio worked briefly as a chemical technologist and nightclub bouncer before beginning seminary studies. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1969 and from 1973 to 1979 was Argentina's provincial superior of the Society of Jesus. He was accused of handing two priests to the National Reorganization Process during the Dirty War, but the lawsuit was ultimately dismissed. He became the Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and was created a cardinal in 2001 by Pope John Paul II. He led the Argentine Church during the December 2001 riots in Argentina, and the administrations of Néstor Kirchner and Cristina Fernández de Kirchner considered him a political rival. Following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI on 28 February 2013, a papal conclave elected Bergoglio as his successor on 13 March.

Throughout his public life, Pope Francis had been noted for his humility, emphasis on God's mercy, concern for the poor, and commitment to interfaith dialogue. He was credited with having a humble, less formal approach to the papacy than his predecessors, for instance choosing to reside in the Domus Sanctae Marthae guesthouse rather than in the papal apartments of the Apostolic Palace used by his predecessors. In addition, due to both his Jesuit and Ignatian aesthetic, he was known for favoring simpler vestments void of ornamentation, including refusing the traditional papal mozzetta cape upon his election, choosing silver instead of gold for his piscatory ring, and keeping the same pectoral cross he had as Cardinal. He maintained that the church should be more open and welcoming. He did not support unbridled capitalism, Marxism, or Marxist versions of liberation theology. Francis maintained the traditional views of the church regarding abortion, euthanasia, contraception, homosexuality, ordination of women, and priestly celibacy. He opposed consumerism, irresponsible development, and supported taking action on climate change, a focus of his papacy with the promulgation of Laudato si'. In international diplomacy, he helped to restore full diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba.

Reviews

[Raymond · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a pretty good read. This autobiography covered Pope’s Francis childhood all the way up to around 2023. This memoir was special because it was mainly told from Pope Francis’s own words. Covered in the chapters are many of the pope’s political, spiritual, & of course religious beliefs. I particularly enjoyed reading Chapter 9 because Pope Francis gave a detail account of the 2013 papal conclave & what led up to Jorge Bergoglio ascension to Pope Francis… I think this autobiography is a must read especially for Catholics.

[Grace Ellen Hanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5? Really cool to see his life framed through major historical events.

[Wendelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

"“History repeats itself, and what happened then is happening now too: we are all suffering because of the conflict and violence affecting various parts of the planet, and we wonder what we can do to relieve people’s suffering. We contribute through charitable works, of course, like reconstruction or distribution of aid, but our most significant contribution may be the effort to eradicate from our hearts any hatred and resentment for those who live alongside us. We are all brothers and sisters, and there must be no resentment among us.”" -from Pope Francis' memoir

This book is a unique window of opportunity to learn the extraordinary vantage point of Pope Francis. Pope Francis has lived as a witness to many crucial events in history, such as the tail end of World War II, the dire revelation of the horrors of the Holocaust, the 1969 Moon Landing, the imposition of a brutal dictatorship in Argentina (where one of his friends and mentors was kidnapped out of a church and murdered by being pushed out of an airplane), Diego Maradona's win for Argentina in the World Cup, the 9/11 attack, his initiation to archbishopric and the cardinalship.. and all these events shaped his values, which by all accounts led to a life that has been distinguished by service, social justice, humility and ministry to those in need. From the memories mentioned above, he has become cognizant of the plight of children in war, the need to welcome refugees, the importance of science as the source of knowledge, the need for management of technology to serve humanity's future, the contributions of sport as a safety valve for children and communities at risk, the conduct of service to people in need, and the importance of tolerance, love and mutual brotherhood. It is a great book too to learn about history, and also to glean insights about the priestly way of life. It's also revelatory of Pope Francis' lively youth-- he played billiards, danced the tango and discussed politics with his friends-- before he turned towards his calling and accepted the meditative life.

[Kim K! · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just not the best biography I’ve ever read :/ but really cool to read more about his life life and all the world events he’s lived through! Neat life story!

[Sofia Aguayo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an easy read and very eye opening to the Pope’s perspectives on the world, war, peace, and other historical events. I’d recommend this book to everyone honestly and thought it had lots of good messages.

[Michelle L · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Pope passed away this week and his funeral was today. I felt compelled by the moment to get a little more context.

I thought it was useful that he framed his life using some of the most notable, well-known historical events from the past 88 years. It helped to anchor his personal stories with the reader using events with which anyone would be familiar.

I also loved that he didn't turn the book into a sermon. There isn't an overwhelming use of biblical references but he does make cogent arguments and provides heartfelt calls to action on a variety of topics. It felt like he struck a balance. He was definitely making an effort to speak to the masses on topics that are relevant to everyone.

There was, however, something missing. Some memoirs make me feel closer to the person even if I can't relate to them. Some don't. While I appreciated his use of historical context alongside his personal experiences, I just never felt like I could "see" him.

I enjoyed progressing through the book, but I found I couldn't really enjoy his growth and anticipate his mental or emotional state as his stories took shape. It lacked the kind of occasional novelty and insights and revelations that I love learning about people.

That said, should you decide to pick this one up, give it some time. It gets more and more interesting. While he is always direct, he is a bit more daring with his positions and statements. By the time I got to the last few chapters I realized he had my full attention. I definitely didn’t regret using my time to take in his life and lessons.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I don’t necessarily agree with the late Pope’s views on everything, I enjoyed reading this book as it followed his life from when he was a small child until just before his passing. I also liked that it discussed his life in the context of historical events such as ww2, the moon landings, 9/11 etc.

[Andrew McLaughlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The concept of the book was interesting, recapping major world events of the Pope’s life and him describing his views on them and how the world’s reaction/the events themselves align or are counter to Church teachings. Think the book missed on differentiating between the ideal and the current reality of world politics, goals of peace, and global initiatives. Things we can strive for, but would have liked more specifics and a little more nuance.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Livro super interessante, com reflexões super importantes e profundas de diversos momentos históricos pela perspectiva do Papa. Achei muito interessante conhecer um pouco mais da vida do Papa e da visão de mundo dele. Indico para todos que se interessam por não ficção e inclusive para quem não é católico e tem interesse em entender um pouco mais.

[Michael Duquaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I really liked the concept of a narrator setting the stage of various historical events and then Pope Francis talking about his thoughts and actions around that event. I was left often wanting more and felt like sometimes Pope Francis went on more of a tangent and didn’t address the historical events as much as I’d have liked. This book did provide me valuable insight in our recently deceased Pope Francis. It further confirms in my mind and my prior belief that he was a genuinely good person with a handful of political and practical views of which I disagree. I am reminded that he and I grew up in different places and different times, under different circumstances. Pope Francis grew up relatively poor in Argentina and was influenced by and supportive of people who actively supported communism. He even helped them defy laws at personal risk. He says he was not personally communist, but he was certainly sympathetic to people pushing for it and had a globalist agenda with goal to redistribute wealth in a manner where all are practically equal financially. His concern for the poor and marginalized is admirable, but the way he spoke and believed the problems needed to be addressed left many faithful Catholics and especially American Catholics who believe in personal freedom and a capitalist republic democracy feeling isolated and in some respects abandoned. Pope Francis did challenge me to view the world in a wider scope and I embrace much about his message especially in regard to compassion and love for all people and following Jesus joyfully. Love that may not always mean acceptance but a bigger love that wishes the very best for all. May Pope Francis rest in peace, and may Pope Leo XIV lead the Catholic Church with a humble heart and with clear and unifying message that stays true to Jesus in all his teachings.

[Albert Ogrodski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice book, I feel like I know the Pope a lot better.

[Bargain Sleuth Book Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting to hear some of the stories of Pope Francis' life, like when he was living under a dictatorship. I know the feeling.

[Fernanda Paredes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Um livro que traz grandes marcos para a humanidade em 80 anos sob a perspectiva do Papa Francisco.

Um livro pra fazer a gente refletir sobre tudo que realmente importa. Papa Francisco era um grande homem, único e humano demais!

Me emocionei em diversas partes com suas palavras tão fortes, tão amorosas, tão sensíveis. Acredito que ficarei muito tempo ainda de luto por essa grande perda. 😔

Que Deus abençoe o novo Papa e aue ele carregue um pouco de Francisco com ele. 🙏

[KristaM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly interesting and I liked the format of talking about his life in relation to historical events.

[Stacy Nicholson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was my privilege as an Australian author to read and write review for biography LIFE My Story Through History OF His Holiness POPE FRANCIS.

This biographical book of His Holiness is divided into fourteen chapters starting with the second world war when His Holiness was only four years old. Each chapter describes one significant world event that marked the century. Some chapters are positive world changes such as the first landing on the moon that is followed with big excitement all over the world, the fall of the Berlin wall, uniting of Europe, etc. On the contrary, these are chapters which marked the century with devastating events such as atom bombs which ended the second world war, the terrorist attack on September 11. COVID 19 pandemic and others unfortunate and tragic events during His Holiness life. His Holiness gives insight where he was when the event struck and how he experienced it following a detailed analysis.

At the start of the book, in chapter one covering the second world war, His Holiness devotes a significant amount of writing about his family especially his mother's devastation for what happened to Jewish people and later he writes of his own. Thinking about the value of human life and that is given by God His Holiness in this first chapter continues to talk about present time and his devastation for what is happening in Yemen, Sudan, Ukraine, Middle East and other places of the world where lives of people are in danger obviously reminding him of the second world war.

To bring attention to war and the importance of peace in the world His Holiness visited a memorial for holocaust in Auschwitz. He attended the memorial for September 11 and in 2019 His Holiness signed a peace calling agreement between nations, religions and races in Saudi Arabia with the grand imam. Resignation of His predecessor His Holiness former Pape Benedict that covers one of the chapters at the end of the book He calls brave and courageous. Pope Francis thanked His Holiness former Pope Benedict for his service with deep respect for his faith and devotion to church. These are some of His Holiness contributions for world peace and better humanity I read about through the book.

From a more personal aspect inside the book His Holiness shares life wisdom as we and our families get obviously affected with big world changes. The most memorable to me was His Holiness share about divided and broken families in chapter eight titled Fall of Berlin Wall. We all know that the Berlin wall divided in some instances nearest family members but sometimes we ourselves add the invisible walls and family members stop talking to each other. His Holiness talks about his own family struggles and continues:

“The family is where we first learn to love, a point I have always clearly understood. But
we also know that every family has a cross to bear, because the Lord has provided a way
to overcome it: some misunderstandings, some problems can be overcome only by
love.”

The book is also personal. His Holiness talks about his personal life. He was born in Argentina 1936 in an Italian migrants’ family who were devoted Catholics. When he was twelve years old for the first time, he experienced a wish to be priest and In 1969 he was ordained to the priesthood. His father sadly died a few years before it, but mother and grandmother joined the ceremony. His grandmother expressed the biggest joy.

His Holiness Pope Francis' words are filled with love, wisdom, caring, compassion. I wish him good health and long life. It was very meaningful read.

[Alan Barrientos · Rating 4 out of 5]

A walk through big events throughout history, seen through the eyes of the pope. Yes please!
This showed me the reason pope Francis was chosen by God. Humble and very holy. I was shocked at the weight he carries, both the spiritual aspect of the church but also the political weight on wars around the world. He write contemplative thoughts on being merciful and loving. This book demonstrates why he calls himself Francis. A pope for the poor. He ends the books with a call to pray for him not against him. Let’s all do this

4/5

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned that our Pope's grandmother's name is Rosa! I learned other things, too, but that fact is most relatable.

[Luisa Beguiristain · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I don’t always agree with canon teachings in Catholicism, Pope Francis shows time and time again that he is a first and foremost of the people, often finding ways to apply Christian values to our modern world. I especially appreciate the way he expresses the need to value other human beings regardless of their background, and welcome them into our lives. This is a must read for any Christian, and for all humanitarians.

Note: As a Catholic woman, I don’t agree with the Church’s views on reproductive rights, some of which Pope Francis expresses in this book. Namely, the understanding of reproductive care such as in vitro fertilization and surrogacy seems flawed to me. The phrasing surrounding abortion also felt too harsh to me (very in line with the wider narrative from religious communities), though I appreciate the Pope’s request to hold men as accountable as women and to provide support before and after an unplanned pregnancy.

[manuel góis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A vida de um pastor. Pastor que sai para o campo e que se depara com as pobres ovelhas que vivem afastadas do rebanho e nelas vive a Alegria e nela a sua vida e missão.

Pastor que pela serenidade, seriedade, disciplina e proximidade rasga o coração de quem o vê e dá-lhe boa corda.

Pastor que louva o Pai agindo. Acolhendo as vontades de quem o chama, mas sempre agindo onde e como sabe que o seu coração O serve melhor.

Jorge Mário Bergoglio pastor que toca e tocou nas estórias do mundo e por isso, e muito mais, merece a nossa oração.

[JEAN-PHILIPPE PEROL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sem ser uma biografia, Vida nos conta alguns momentos fortes da vida do Papa Francisco. Uma narrativa simples mas cheia de emoção, de força e de inteligencia. Espalhadas no texto, muitas observacoes brilhantes sobre a escuta, o trabalho, a dignidade, o amor e, claro, os caminhos da Igreja católica para enfrentar o presente e o futuro.

[Sherrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. I really like this Pope. This book brought to light on how he thinks. I do like that at the end he apologizes for all the children who were sexually abused in the church and outside of the church. He says it is truly demonic to abuse children that we are to protect.

[Ari Damoulakis · Rating 5 out of 5]

So instead of a book review, which I don’t want to do, I am copying the lyrics and translation to an incredibly popular South African song you will almost always hear at funerals.
Just one thing about the book, I wish it was longer and had more life stories and that Francis loved quoting poetry and literature less.
Now about this song, why do I think it also fits so well?
The singer, his nickname was The Village Pope.
He unfortunately died during covid.
It will be rather fascinating to know what the reactions will be to this song, as I said it is absolutely popular and sad here.
Unfortunately because of issues we’ve had with the one TV company we were using closing down, I haven’t really heard much from the new Pope, hardly know much about him or any of his hopefully inspiring speeches or his work. I must change that because, when I think of the Catholic Church I still think of amazing Pope Francis and his books and deeds. I am not adjusting, but probably this is my lack of knowledge and this pope is new.
So here we have the song, translation, and link at bottom to listen.
Oh yeah, I don’t speak Sotho, so the translation is not mine.
Actually, it won’t let me copy lyrics, so here are two links.
The first link is to the song, the second link is to the translated lyrics.

https://youtu.be/xciijm-D9qQ?si=z6-P8...

https://africangospellyrics.com/2016/...

[Benedict Vitai]

This was my Lenten book for 2025.

To be precise, this was my Lenten book on Sundays of Lent this year, because I chose to give up reading as my penance this Lent.

Why reading?

Because I longed to be filled with the Lord's ideas not my own, with things of the Creator, not of His creatures. So that I can be able to enter into a more fruitful dialogue with the things and words of this world. To be able to approach the words of man from within the standpoint of the Word of God. Through, above all, an encounter with Jesus Christ, who was, is and ever shall be the Word Made Flesh.

################

Immediately after writing these words, I received the news that Pope Francis has died. I am still in a state of shock and it will take my some time to process this. The primary feeling I have is one of deep and profound sorrow and grief.

I will end my review here and take some time to pray for the repose of his soul. May he rest in peace and rise in the glory of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit: Amen.

##########################

Here is a video of Pope Francis which I think sums up who he was and is and ever shall be: Meet the Disfigured Man Kissed by Pope Francis. A beautiful video and a beautiful example of the Christ-like love which Pope Francis showed to "the least of these". God rest you and God speed you and God bless you, Holy Father.

[Rosário Tormenta · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Mas falar dos pobres não significa automaticamente ser comunista, os pobres são a bandeira do Evangelho e estão no coração de Jesus! A pobreza não tem ideologia, a Igreja não tem nem pode ter ideologia, como costumo dizer, não é um Parlamento! Não se pode reduzir tudo a fações de direita ou de esquerda. (…) E assim é: nas primeiras comunidades cristãs a propriedade era partilhada. Isto não é comunismo, mas cristianismo em estado puro!”

“Hoje em dia é fundamental abandonar a rigidez do passado, afastar-se de uma Igreja que aponta e condena (…). Estes comportamentos fizeram com que os fiéis se afastassem. Por isso é importante guardar e promover a fé aproximando-nos da população, deixando as rendas, bordados e jóias no armário, e concentrando-nos em contrapartida na mensagem cristã de misericórdia e proximidade.”

Quanta sabedoria carrega este livro. Obrigada, eterno Papa Francisco.

[Ryan O'Malley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting format for a book. It is an autobiography/interview which focuses on the major events of Pope Francis life. I am curious as why they didn’t just lean in and do a full autobiography as I think that would have been better.

Overall I feel so attracted to Francis’s way of thinking about religion and the world. Yet, he loses me when he discusses issues such as gay marriage and women priests. He seems so close to being a revolutionary figure in the religious world. It is very hard to mix my clear admiration for Francis on his stances on poverty and climate change with his views on social issues. But hey, humans are complex.

[Shane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Up front, I want this review to serve as judgement of this book a memoir, not as judgement of faith doctrine. I also think it’s important to point out that it *is* a memoir, and nothing more.

That said, I always find it fascinating to hear how leaders contextualize world events. In that respect, this book kept my interest. What I struggled with was the alternating narrative between first and third person. I “read” this in audiobook format, which helped distinguish between what Pope Francis wrote in his own voice, versus what was the contribution of a third-party narrator/observer. To that end, it was a bit distracting. In the third-person POV, I found myself wondering about accuracy and embellishment.

Still, it’s an easy read.

[Ziad Daoud · Rating 3 out of 5]

The chapter on Pope Benedict’s resignation and the conclave electing Pope Francis was ‎engaging and personal. The rest of the book felt flat. It hints at divisions in the Church but ‎never addresses them directly. The closing line—"Pray for me! For, not against!"—feels like ‎a recurring joke. He even used it in this video: ‎www.youtube.com/watch?v=masvbpO8iR4‎

[Mitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a treat to read this book by our Holy Father. The book was very well put together by hearing the Pope’s thoughts during various significant events through history during his lifetime. Great insight and thoughtful discussion of the events and where he was and what he was doing during the time of those events. Will read this one again.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very simple memoir looking at snapshots of the major world events and where Pope Francis was at those times. His reflections are nice, but I was hoping for something much deeper from this book.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pleasant, albeit superficial, look at the Pope’s life. Love the concept, thought the last chapter was particularly relevant given the state of everything.