The Great Reformer: Francis and the Making of a Radical Pope

by Austen Ivereigh

A biography of Pope Francis that describes how this revolutionary thinker will use the power of his position to challenge and redirect one of the world's most formidable religions

An expansive and deeply contextual work, at its heart The Great Reformer is about the intersection of faith and politics--the tension between the pope's innovative vision for the Church and the obstacles he faces in an institution still strongly defined by its conservative past. Based on extensive interviews in Argentina and years of study of the Catholic Church, Ivereigh tells the story not only of Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the remarkable man whose background and total commitment to the discernment of God's will transformed him into Pope Francis--but the story of why the Catholic Church chose him as their leader. With the Francis Revolution just beginning, this biography will provide never-before-explained context on how one man's ambitious program began--and how it will likely end--through an investigation of Francis's youth growing up in Buenos Aires and the dramatic events during the Perón era that shaped his beliefs; his ongoing conflicts and disillusionment with the ensuing doctrines of an authoritarian and militaristic government in the 1970s; how his Jesuit training in Argentina and Chile gave him a unique understanding and advocacy for a "Church of the Poor"; and his rise from Cardinal to the papacy.

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

445 pages, Hardcover

First published October 21, 2014

About the author

Austen Ivereigh is a British writer, journalist, and commentator on religious and political affairs who holds a PhD from Oxford University. His work appears regularly in the Jesuit magazine America and in many other periodicals. He is well known on British media, especially on the BBC, Sky, ITV and Al-Jazeera, as a Catholic commentator.

Reviews

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

You have no idea how hard it is to find a bio of any Pope that isn't fawning hagiography. Good news, this one isn't, though the author finds little to criticize. Pope Francis nee Jorge Bergoglio may be saintly, but he's no stranger to controversy, most notably reports of collaboration with the Argentine dictatorship. I'm happy to say that Mr. Ivereigh does a good job of laying that controversy to rest. And he does a good job of biography with background, facts, motivations, and modus operandi.

And though Francis may be saintly, he's no stranger to power politics - you can't become a high ranking prelate anywhere without understanding and navigating the secular forces that tend to push civic morality to limits, and you certainly don't become Pope without having weathered the storms of local, national, and international ecclesiastical politics. That being said, it appears that Pope Francis has managed to maintain a highly functioning and accurate moral compass while traversing the secular and sacred seas, and will hold onto it while navigating the Holy See.

Radical does not mean revolutionary. We're warned not to expect huge changes in the Catholic Church's dogma, but to be prepared for a deep commitment to the poor, and a reign that will "comfort the afflicted, and afflict the comfortable."

If you want to understand what this Pope is about, and what the Church will be about into the future (as of now Francis has elevated 52 new members to the College of Cardinals) this is the book for you.

[Lon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm sure I'm not the only non-Catholic to have developed a serious man-crush on Pope Francis, and I have been keen to read a biography on this charismatic champion of the downtrodden, whose pontificate has reinvigorated 1.2 billion Catholics and forced the rest of us to make a fresh reappraisal of the moral influence the Bishop of Rome might possibly wield in an increasingly secular world.

This is the first book-length treatment of the Argentine Jesuit-turned Pope I've read and, though I found myself predictably spell-bound by its subject, I was disappointed by the biography itself. The narrative structure was interrupted frequently by leaps from past to present. It was narrative whiplash. And the story-telling itself did nothing to enliven key events. It's hard to say, also, if the biographer was a dispassionate presenter, lacking as I do, any knowledge of any Bergoglian warts. Criticisms that Bergoglio inevitably faced in his various leadership capacities were often presented somewhat dismissively, or at least in ways that softened their edge. In general, the tone was more sympathetic than journalistic--but certainly fell short of being hagiographical. In fact, after finishing the biography, I find that, though my admiration for Francis had not diminished, my appreciation had been complicated: Francis' positions are more nuanced than the media have reported--and the liberals most endeared by Francis' progressive and pastoral approach will find themselves squirming here and there when the Pope's positions don't all map as perfectly onto their own as they they might have assumed.

More than a few times, I was aware that I was an outsider, unfamiliar with the ecclesiastical terminology that must be second hand to Catholics.

If anyone has suggestions for a biography on Pope Francis that I might enjoy more, please let me know in the comments.

[Kylie Vernon · Rating 4 out of 5]

i could never have imagined the impact that an argentine jesuit would have on an SBC-raised girl in texas. pope francis had deeply moved me, helped me clarify what i believe to be true, confronted me with my sin, and given me a new trajectory to aim towards.

the principles of inculturation, the preferential option for the poor, a rejection of ideology, a Christ that recognizes the dignity in each of his sheep will stick with me forever.

oh, and sweet jorge makes me cry and cry and cry.

[Roger Smitter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading The Great Reformer is a challenge…but a rewarding one. We are introduced to the life of the current Pope and in the process learn a lot about Argentina politics, Church politics, and the leadership.

We get an insight to the childhood years of the new Pope that reveal a tendency for understanding big issues and understanding religious faith. It’s sometimes a surprise that the childhood is not that different from every other kid. We also pick up a few insights into the politics of Argentina in the 1950’s and 1960’s and into the Jesuit Order.

The most profound section of the bio is how Francis comes to understand the process of social change. He learns that change always comes from the periphery of society. We also learn that we have lived in a time of enormous change in the Catholic Church.

Some of the chapters go deeply into details about of the subject’s life, his early signs of being a reformer, and especially his formation as a priest. There’s also plenty about the politics of the Catholic Church For someone like me, who is looking for an engaging read and seeking out insights into leadership, those passages become tedious. At the same time, Catholics and non-Catholics can gain insights into leadership from the bio.

Nevertheless, (most) of the time spent on this biography will be well worth the effort.

[Lisa Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though this book was a bit heavy with history and political information it was worth the read. I really liked the quote about how Pope Francis' " overall effect has been to restore the church as an admirable and lovable presence on the world stage".
And it's interesting...it made me think: he hasn't really changed anything ( in the church doctrine) yet he has changed everything.

[Ari Damoulakis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not a Catholic, but I totally love Pope Francis and for me he is possibly the best, most humanitarian pope ever.
Sadly he is not well, and, since I will explain below why I never read a book about him, I decided to do so in case, hopefully not, the worst happens.
So Francis became pope while I was at uni and I still remember all the media saying how humble and different he was.
Unfortunately, at the time, apart from too short books on Audible, coppies of a nice, long, thorough book about Francis were just not accessible to me.
Anyway I carried on studying and one day we got assigned to read his encyclical on the environment. It really was amazing, but, apart from that, on Christmas Eve the Tv here would show the celebration at the Vatican.
We used to have it on.
Even if one doubts God or has a different religion, or struggles to believe, it was always amazing listening to this humble man somehow trying to send a message of peace and hope into the suffering world, somehow trying to plead with us to act better towards each other and the earth, to try become and behave better. Trying to give you that lovely feeling like when you watch the opening ceremony of the Olympics that you want to feel that the world is at total peace and you just want to feel happy and fuzzy when you go to bed afterwards. Somehow wanting there to be an energy of hope going all around the world. Nothing like you would hear from mostly nasty pulpits of many Evangelicals.
The pope is an adult among immature, self-righteous brats.
So to the book.
You can probably definitely sort of call it a hagiography, but I did not mind that for a pope like this.
He is smeared by American conservatives for being a Communist, but he denies that and, anyway, I think since 2008 and especially now, most rational people know just how small the minds of such people are anyway.
So this book will show you how Francis grew up quite poor in Argentina, plus it will give a bit of interesting Argentinian history for us who did not know it.
At 17 in church, Francis seems to have had some mystical experience or calling that made him decide right from then that he wanted to be a priest.
By the way, my next book I would like to read is the novel he loves the most, The Betrothed.
So the book, this book, will take you backwards and forwards from what Francis does as pope and the enthusiasm the common people have for him, but it will also take you back to Argentina and often quite difficult challenges he sometimes had to face.
Read this if you are interested in these sorts of things.
And, for many people who can easily make the error that only people who aren’t really bright become priests or believe in a god, it is generally agreed by people who even knew him from young, that Francis is very smart and astute.

[Mark Oppenlander · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not Catholic, but like many Christians in the 21st century, I have found myself intrigued by Pope Francis, a global leader who seems to be walking a tightrope between history and tradition, progress and stability. This biography, written in the early years of his papacy, helps describe the forces that shaped the man.

Austen Ivereigh, a British journalist and a Roman Catholic, conducted months of interviews in Argentina in preparation for writing this book. In addition, he uses hundreds of source documents, including many of the Pope's writings. From this research, Ivereigh traces the childhood of the young Jorge Bergoglio, his early years in the Jesuit order, and his gradual ascendancy in the Catholic hierarchy. Through a series of chapters broken up by phases of Bergoglio's life, we see how his middle class childhood, Jesuit education, and the particular politics of Argentina (e.g. the Peron administration, the "dirty war," etc.) shaped his theology, especially his focus on santo pueblo fiel de Dios, God's holy faithful people. The idea emphasizes an understanding of God that comes from the bottom up, not the top down. Francis' own election, as the first Pope from South America, not Europe, the historical home of the Roman Catholic church, emphasizes this directionality.

Bergoglio's story traverses high points and low points. At times, he was part of the "in crowd" in Argentina, while other times, he was an outsider and even demoted within the church. Bergoglio rides these waves, retaining his commitment to humility, his dedication to service, and his ineffable joy in being with ordinary people who love God. We see the young priest as an astute student of human nature and eventually as a canny political operator - not for his own aggrandizement, but as one who is jealous for the people and for his God.

A few parts of the book proved challenging for me. Not understanding the Catholic church's structure and polity, I occasionally found myself at a loss. However, the emphasis in this book is on the character of the man, not the nature of the institutions in which he served - the latter is merely context.

This book feels like a fine introduction to the life and work of a remarkable figure in modern Christianity. More will certainly be written, probably in even greater detail. His pronouncements will be dissected for years to come. Scholars will write dissertations. But as an overview to understanding the individual behind the trappings of the role, look no further than Ivereigh's thoughtful, thorough, yet still relatively concise tome.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comprehensive and wise biography of Jorge Bergoglio which ends with observations of his first year as Pope Francis. Throughout his priesthood and continuing into his papacy, Bergoglio made his first priority that of the destiny of the poor and destitute. He is a man grounded in pragmatics, but immersed in spirituality, the first guided by the second.

HIghlights of the book include his deft navigation of the dreadful Argentina times of the 1970s and after; his role in the election of Cardinal Ratzinger as pope; his young life as a Jesuit and his emerging abilities to connect with common people while managing the priorities of those who would be in positions of authority for their own self-aggrandizement (both within and without of the Church hierarchy)

His mission is underscored by a spirit of ecumenical collegiality; the author describes his relationships with Pastor Tony Palmer, Rabbi Abraham Skorka. From early on Bergoglio sees Jesus as not knocking on the door to be let in, but knocking from inside to be released by the faithful into the wider world.

The book is authoritatively and thoroughly researched. The author provides his perspective framework in his introduction, and wraps things up efficiently in his epilog. I listened to Ivereigh read his book.

[Martinez Claudio · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author did his Oxford PhD about religion and Peronism in Buenos Aires. The right person to write a 600-page bio about this Pope.

A detailed and thrilling account of his life, thought and above all actions. A shrewd, complex but yet humble and very holy man. A Prophet for our times. A light from above that has exposed and thrashed our miseries and the theoretical ivory towers of the West.

It has been a blow for me. I am still shocked. I will need time to absorb the whole book.

We are, catholics and Christians in a new Era. It's a new beginning. And he is a kind of Moses showing us the path.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pope Francis is loved by so many and others... not so much. This pope has definitely changed things up a bit with his style and views that are necessarily those of the cardinals and bishops. But many Catholics are also finding it hard to accept some of the Pope's views.

I enjoyed learning about how Pope Francis grew up in Argentina and how he chose his name of Francis.

The biographer did a good job of showing the good and the bad of the pope, but of course, mostly the good...which is reasonable to expect.
As a Catholic, I am not going to provide my stance on this pope. I just hope God has us in His hands.

[Angie Reisetter · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last 50 years of Argentinian history are somewhere in my peripheral memory. I had the outlines, but not details. This book is rich in Argentinian history, and especially the role that the Catholic church in general and Bergoglio in particular played in it. The author blog says that he has his Ph.D. in the role of the church in Argentina, and I can certainly tell that's his passion in the book. The storyline is clear and I learned a great deal.

The author is Catholic, and is clearly a fan of Pope Francis. This biography is clearly heavily biased toward its subject. But that isn't such a bad thing. He's open about it. It makes his claims that those who don't like Bergoglio were just jealous of his popularity, integrity, and humility a little suspect. There's probably another side to the story. But frankly, I can imagine the other side, and it's not that important to the story of the culture and life story from which Pope Frances has come. He has lived a life consistently focused on assisting the poorest of the poor and living the love of Christ. I'm not Christian, but I'm very interested in religion, and the story of Bergoglio's life is told in a very relate-able, understandable way for people of any faith.

When I was halfway through this book, someone asked me what the difference in theology is between this pope and the previous one. I couldn't tell them, except that the action brought about by Francis' faith focuses on social justice. This book is not full of arguments quoting the gospels. It's not an argument that change is needed in the Church or what the Church has done wrong in the last several years. It just focuses on Pope Frances and the Argentina he hails from. In fact, much of the book, and the best part of the book, focuses on a time period in which Bergoglio is not really rising in the ranks of the church, but just working in relative anonymity in Buenos Aires and the region around the Jesuit school he worked in for years.

I read this book hoping to gain a greater understanding of the new pope's background and how he views and lives life. I wanted to know what he considers the most important aspect of the Church's role, and this book answered that clearly and thoroughly. It was what I hoped it would be. And if I had to chose a bias for the biography I read about this Pope, I would have chosen a sympathetic one, as in this book. The unsympathetic views are easy enough to find elsewhere.

I got a free copy of this book from the First Reads program.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Great Reformer: Francis and the Making of a Radical Pope by Austen Ivereigh is a highly readable and informative biography of Jorge Mario Bergoglio-the Jesuit priest who is now Pope Francis, head of the Roman Catholic church. Bergoglio, an Argentinian priest born to Italian immigrants, has impressed the world with his insistence on simplicity, poverty and a focus on a theology "shaped by the periphery, not the center," the church's obligation to a radical commitment to the poor. Ivereigh provides not only insight into the formation of this remarkable Jesuit but also a history of the country he comes from and the order which has shaped his religious life. Great detail is provided about the history of Argentina, the struggles of the Jesuit order, Vatican II, and the political/social climates that shaped the present pope (sometimes the background is a bit overwhelming and makes for slow albeit fascinating reading) and Ivereigh is clearly a fan of Francis and has nothing but praise so that the book becomes something of a hagiography. However, on the whole (and as a Catholic), I found the book inspirational and fascinating. I learned a great deal about the Church, Argentine history, and Jesuit values as well learning about a man who seems to be destined to become a powerful player in world politics. The book might provide more information than a non-Catholic is interested in learning about the present pope but the lucid prose and clear organization makes for easy comprehension.

(Full disclosure: I won this book through LibraryThing. The review reflects my opinions of and responses to the book.)

[Liz Estrada · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have given this book 4 stars had it not been for the obvious catholic bias by th catholic author, who seems to lean conservative and "defends" the horrible military coup which took place in Argentina in 1976.

Having said this, I, who am quite an avid follower of late 20th centruy Latin American politics, still learned quite a bit about Argentina's turbulent past and its association (its ups and downs) with the catholic church and how Peron completely influenced and polarized the mentality of all its people. Interesting enough, there is a chapter that talks about Peron's exile to Madrid, and it reminded me how my Dad told me that he was our neighbor back in '73, literally living down the street from us!

I discovered alot about Bergoglio's early days as Jesuit, then Bishop and Cardinal, and how hard it is to try and put a label on him. He seems to be neither a leftist marxist nor a conservative catholic, but being Latin, does incorporate some great traits of Liberation Theology, by living and working with the poor and disenfranchised. He seems to not just talk the talk, but walk the walk, which is quite refreshing in these days of polemic, scandal and corruption within the Vatican.

The book stresses Pope Francis' disenchantment with the bureaucratic Curia and shows how he is no hypocrite. A truly humble and holy man who wants people to see the evils of corruption and greed, not just in the political world, but in the Vatican itself.

For those interested not just in this great man but in the horror of Argentina's troubled and ghastly past this book is a good one. Though the Pope definitely does not smoke dope, he at least is riding that peace train!

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received this book for free through the Goodreads First Readers program.

At times, I wondered if I was reading the history of Argentina, or a dissertation on the Catholic church in the country, rather than the biography of the current pope. There were just too many names, places, ideas and ideologies, concepts and religious terms for me to comfortably wrap my head around. But I realized after setting it aside that this is what molded the pope into the man he is today.

The author clearly knows his history and the Catholic church. And he is obviously a fan of the pope. I am, too, despite not practicing Catholicism for over a decade. My favorite parts had nothing to do with politics or the deep, spiritual passages that run throughout this biography -- they were the windows into the pope's childhood, the peeks into his days as a teacher, and what he has done since his ascension, that resonated with me the most.

I read this not for its Catholic-heavy tones -- these will definitely appeal to those who are more religious than I -- but for the historical aspects. And in that way, this book delivers. Personally, I don't see the pope as a radical figure, but within the context of the church, I suppose that is true.

[Conor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good background on Pope Francis. Ivereigh is at his best in helping to explain the Argentinian context of Pope Francis. The final chapters are a bit too breathless and verge on hagiography. Ivereigh seems incapable of taking the criticisms of Pope Francis seriously.

Furthermore, there are questions that I wish Ivereigh had answered. For instance, did Cardinal Bergoglio attract vocations to the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires? If not--I've heard reports that he did not--why not? What explains his ability to attract vocations in the Jesuits but his seeming inability to do so as Archbishop? Furthermore, if the Pope is so rooted in the faith of the simple people, why does Pope Francis say things that appear to be insulting about the faith of the little people?

Still, this shouldn't take away from what is a very good book.

[Adrienne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Real talk: some parts of this book are unapologetically boring. I like history, and I'm fascinated by the pope, and the organization of this book is, I think, terrific. It's biggest sin (ha) is almost too much dedication to the minute historical details of to the political/social/religious environment contributing to Bergolio's formation as a Jesuit, etc. And it's important, but I was mostly captivated by the man himself and his charism, and skimmed through some of the more historical-expository bits.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book I will recommend to anyone interested in understanding Pope Francis. It made me love him. Ivereigh does for Pope Francis what Weigel did for Pope John Paul II-- a thoroughly referenced bio full of cultural context and humanizing stories that build a bridge for the reader. A must read.

[Crystal Keith · Rating 1 out of 5]

Stopped reading cound not get through all the Argentinan history. I did not understand half of the content because they use the proper names for everything, and there is a language barrier there for me. I am sad because I would love to know more about the Pope.

[Marie-Chantale Sundberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

As the daughter of a Maronite priest and having grown in a fervent home, most people get bothered by some of my rebellious takes on the Church and people of the Cloth. In my defense, I have my "insider" perspective and my senses to guide me and I don't impose my point of view on anyone. I decided to read this book at a time when I had very high doubts about the statements of Pope Francis, who had been marketed as a reformer and the person who would take the Catholic Church into modern times. Hmmm. I am skeptical of crowd or mainstream opinions, and even if I definitely am not a judgemental person, I intuitively try to connect the dots and understand the bigger picture. I had just been reading about the Black Pope and the Jesuits, who are not very dear to my heart, to say the least, and was curious to find out more about Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the first Jesuit Pope of the Roman Catholic Church who came from the Americas.

The author, Austen Ivereigh, is a British Roman Catholic journalist who holds a PhD from Oxford on religion and politics in Argentina. This hagiography is easy to read and 455 pages long. It was published shortly after Cardinal Bergoglio was named Pope. It relies on several sources: the Pope's speeches and writings, the account of his friends, and also some parishioners. The pontiff's bio depicts him as the son of immigrants who didn't have an easy life and who doesn't shy away from debate, without being a liberal. He does claim that "God is not afraid of new things" and it seems he can make some serious waves through the Church and the communities worldwide, as well as create serious controversy when it comes to his narrative on homosexuality and divorce for instance. And his recent position on the Covid injections, which I do not understand. He was equally denounced for not being sharply decisive against the Bishops accused of covering up sex crimes against minors. He has always criticized Donald Trump and the supporters of the former US President don't miss a chance to get back at him...

Does all this make him a good or a bad Pope? Who am I to say? I'm not one to cast the first stone. Do I agree on it all? Of course not! I observe. Form my opinion. And wait to see how things unfold. I know that change, in whichever direction it might head, can only come from inside any type of institution or structure. I am not a zealot nor a bigot and I remain a spiritual daughter of the Church while reserving myself the right to raise my voice when I see it stray away from the teaching of our Lord. Then again, I am no theologian nor am I so knowledgeable to cast a verdict, even if I wanted to. And since I cannot have all the needed info to come to a final conclusion, I do notice the black spots on the white shirt and choose to live and let live, firmly believing that "to err is human; to forgive, divine" (Alexander Pope). Because "faith is a knowledge within the heart, beyond the reach of proof" (Khalil Gibran).

[Puddles Meo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since Pope Francis passed away, I have been sad that a leader who truly loved the people has moved on to God. I realized his value and honesty as a leader when they elected him pope in 2013. He was deeply concerned about the poor and marginalized in the world. This book reveals how he was a man of God from his early childhood. He believed that the Holy Spirit lives within the body of the masses. He did not adhere to the institutional view of Catholicism, as dictated by the church hierarchy, regarding what the word of God should be for the people to follow. In Latin America, the Catholic Church was very involved in political life from the beginning of the 16th century. Pope Francis's beliefs align closely with the theology posited by the Argentine theologian Lucio Gera. “The people have a rationality,” wrote Gera. “They have their project; we don’t give it to them.” The role of theologians was not to impose categories but to interpret the people’s project, considering its place within salvation history. Spirituality originates from ordinary people living their daily lives, rather than from elites, such as monarchical rule. Francis believes the spirit of God should come naturally from “the bottom for a church to grow. The church clerics and hierarchy should be with the people as they live. Faith in Christ should be that the people live for the church to thrive. If there are poor among us, then we all need to care and provide in fulfillment of Christ’s teachings.

Pope Francis was a gifted and humble man. He could be with others who disagreed with him in a way that gained their respect. From my vantage point, I could see the love of God in his eyes. It gave me such a warm and comforting feeling as a lapsed Catholic in the United States.

Mr. Ivereigh describes the man and the environment that influenced him throughout his life. The life of Pope Francis as a young man, pastor, and bishop in Argentina. He experienced a working-class life where his grandparents immigrated from Italy in the early 20th century. Argentina encouraged Italians from northern Italy to move there when the country wanted white Europeans to populate it.

I highly recommend this book as a way to understand Pope Francis the man.

[James Millikan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pope Francis is the first pope to be elected after passing beyond the unscrutinized (and at times neglected) faith of my adolescent years. I watched the run up to the 2013 conclave with interest, knowing that the man chosen to be at the helm would not only be the Holy Father to over a billion Catholics worldwide, but would also be the public face of the faith that I have grown to deeply treasure. I was stunned as much as anyone with the choice of pope from the global south, from relative obscurity, who took the name of Francis--the renowned saint who championed the cause of the poor. My surprise turned to delight as I learned more about the focus of his Petrine ministry (the poor, immigrants, reigning in feral capitalism, showing compassion to those on the margins), and I became more interested in the formation that shaped his prophetic vision, and genuine concern for others.

My admiration for Francis has grown after reading this well-balanced book. Austen Ivereich's The Great Reformer provides a meticulously researched, illuminating, and downright compelling biography of Pope Francis from his early childhood through his election as the 265th successor of Peter. Written in clear, lucid style which draws heavily upon Francis' own words, The Great Reformer starts each chapter with a vignette from his time as pope and then chronicles the relevant experiences that provide a context for understanding that particular element of the papacy. The result is a book that cuts right to the core of the question of "Who is Pope Francis, and why does he act the way he does?"

A biography, by its nature, is already a summary of a life, and Ivereigh's treatment of the life of Jorge Bergoglio is far too expansive to be reduced to a tidy synopsis. But to give sense of the tone of the book, I would like to highlight a few areas of the book that were especially insightful: Pope Francis' desire to serve those on the periphery, his deep distain for spiritual worldliness, and the tenor of his apostolate--both as bishop and as pope.

Pope Francis has received wide-spread press for his call for the Church to go out and meet the needs of those on the margins. He famously remarked that priests need to have "the smell of the sheep", the at-times less than glamorous contact with the followers of Christ, whatever there station be in life. Francis sees this as a way to rekindle the spirit of evangelism of the early Church. Francis believes that Christ is indeed at the door of the Church "calling" but this calling isn't "about Jesus knocking to be let in, but about Jesus being trapped on the inside, asking to be let out." The Church, in Francis' assessment needs to move beyond its inward focus, and be missioned out to the peripheries.

This need to be sent out and engage with the world is the prescription that Francis offers for the sickness of "spiritual worldliness." Francis does not mince words about the dangers of this illness, noting, "It is what Jesus saw going on among the Pharisses: 'You who glorify yourselves Who give glory to yourselves, the ones to the others,'" and continues, quoting Henri de Lubac, "[Spiritual worldliness is] something infinitely more disastrous than any worldliness of the purely moral order" (p. 241). The loss of the full richness and vibrancy of spirituality through worldly concerns is especially disastrous for clergy who distance themselves from the lay faithful through unchecked ambition and egoism. In resisting spiritual worldliness, Francis has four major areas of focus: "the poor, politics, education, and dialogue with other Churches and faiths" (p. 246).

Interestingly, it is not unfettered capitalism itself that Francis finds objectionable, but rather the precepts of neoliberalism that advance spiritual worldliness. Iverigh says that Francis "had no difficulty with capital accumulation that increases productivity"--rather, the issue is with "the spirit that has driven capitalism, utilizing capital to oppress and subject people, ignoring the human dignity of workers and the social purpose of the economy, distorting the values of social justice and the common good" (Pope Francis' words). Neoliberalism willingness to subordinate the needs of other human beings to one's one self-interest in the name of material gain is what leads Francis to say, "No one can accept the precepts of neoliberalism and consider themselves Christian" (p. 238).

The tone of Francis' words throughout his lifetime is an especially interesting element of the biography, given popular perception. Francis rejects discussion of theology in terms of liberal or conservative, right, or left, but rather seeks to present the faith with an eye for "orthodoxy." Francis has been careful to cite many of the documents of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, and Francis's life shows clearly that this has not been political posturing, but rather is driven by a deep reverence for the scholarship of his predecessor and a belief that the magisterium's teachings promote human flourishing. Even the books title, The Great Reformer speaks to his efforts to bring a reform of collegiality and dialogue, rather any efforts to rework doctrine.

This collegiality is a thread that runs through Francis' life. As the biography notes, Francis is comfortable using the language of liberation theology, a strand of Church teaching that looks to address systems of injustice, but he has been careful to distinguish between mainstream liberation theology that is primarily concerned with advancing the preferential option for the poor and marxist interpretations that would subvert religion to serve a purely political end. The model is to encounter those on the periphery embrace and affirm and build off of their faith, rather than the particular theological agenda items of the influential elites--both those on the left as well as those on the right.

All and all, The Great Reformer succeeds in both being thoroughly informative and deeply captivating. This book will change the way you interpret the words and actions of Pope Francis, and give you a better sense of where he hopes to lead the Catholic Church. Austen Ivereigh has established himself as the most authoritative biographer on Francis, and it is with good reason. Recommended.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm finding that reading nonfiction takes patience for me. There was so much information about the political and economic situation in Argentina that quite frankly was overkill for me and I had to begin skipping some sections.

Other than that, the information was presented in an easy-to-read format and divided up into different years in the life of Pope Francis to share the history of his life and how he developed into the person who others felt confident would be a good Pope. He's such an interesting, kind, patient, creative person.

I love his approach to changing the church, keeping it vibrant, breathing new life into it, yet also embracing the fact that there are many different religions and the Catholic Church is not the be-all-and-end-all. He doesn't seem to be in competition with the other religions, he just wants the Catholic Church to be healthier than it has been. I marvel at his commitment to his faith and his ability to tackle so many issues important to the church and important to the world.

It was surprising to find out that he felt/feels that he will be Pope for only a short time period. Pope Francis is refreshing and I hope he stays longer than he thought he would.

[Gionata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ho molto apprezzato questo libro, scritto bene, preciso e fluido. L'autore cerca di spiegare con chiarezza le differenti tappe della vita di Bergoglio prima del Pontificato.

L'analisi attenta e dettagliata del contesto storico-politico e ecclesiale dell'Argentina mi hanno permesso di capire meglio le sfide di Bergoglio nelle sue differenti missioni (Maestro dei Novizi, Provinciale, Vescovo Ausiliario, Arcivescovo). A volte, pero' ho avuto l'impressione di una certa ripetitività dell'autore nelle descrizioni delle vicende politiche.

Grazie a questo libro ho potuto meglio approfondire la visione di Papa Francesco e capirne meglio il suo processo di formazione specialmente su tematiche come "l'importanza dell'opzione preferenziali per i più poveri", "la devozione popolare", "l'importanza delle teologia dell'incontro", "l'ecumenismo", il dialogo inter-religioso, ecc.

Ne consiglio la lettura.

Ps. Forse, l'unica pecca del libro è che, a volte l'autore è un po' prolisso.

[Bill Poston · Rating 5 out of 5]

A biography that follows Jorge Bergoglio from his grandparents move from Italy to Argentina to his election as Pope Francis. Iverveigh explains how Bergoglio navigates the politics of Argentina with Peron, the disappeared and death squads and the politics of the church under Rome, as part of Latin America and as priests picked sides in Argentina. Bergoglio lives a life of truth devoted to simplicity and steering the church to work for the poor. This good life propels him forward into leadership positions where his honesty and integrity are demanded to clean up the church. When the Jesuit cardinal is elected pope, he takes the name Francis showing his willingness to rebuild the church, care for the poor and lead with humility.

[Socraticgadfly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of grokking, so much to label this DNF.

Per other reviews of three stars or less, I got tired of the degree of discursiveness into Argentinian history in general, and Peronism and related in particular. I already know the basics of Francis' relationship to the pre-1982 military dictatorship.

Second, yes, he may be radical compared to Benedict XVI, and John Paul II, in some ways. I mean, almost anybody would look radical compared to Ratzi the Nazi. But, it's moderate and hedged "radicalness," except as il papa speaking on foreign affairs, maybe.

Third, Ivereigh is in the tank for Francis, per his later book about him.

So, skipping over the middle 2/3, I went to the conclave and epilogue chapters. The chapter on the 2015 conclave was the one thing saving this from two stars.

[Stephen Riker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful biography of another, in my opinion, soon to be Catholic saint. As a former Franciscan, I am humbled that Jorge Bergoglio's life modeled the radical conversion to Christ that Francis of Assisi did in following the commitment to the poor that comes from Christ Himself most notably in the gospel of Matthew. He was also a Jesuit, the first Jesuit to become Pope, but after a rapid rise in his province, including being Provincial for a while, he was effectively cut off by his own community, which is tragically sad. And he began a Great Reform of the Church as Pope, especially in the Curia in Rome, which was long overdue. He learned on the job concerning the sexual abuse crisis, and I think he made progress in making things right. But, as he said: "Who am I to judge?"

[Carlos Carrasco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Una biografía maravillosa. Muy bien documentada. Es una narración de la vida del Papa Francisco que nos acerca a su persona y da luces para entender su actuar y sus palabras. Un Papa que solo puede ser entendido desde el contexto en el que Dios lo llevó a ser el gran reformador. Es impresionante la documentación, la cantidad de anécdotas, y sobre todo la cantidad de personajes que se cruzaron en la vida del Papa y que han ayudado a entender la vida de este personaje que pasará a la historia como el gran reformador.

[Glenn Kilayko · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Great Reformer is a page-turner biography of the life of Jorge Bergoglio leading up to his election as Pope Francis. Austen effectively paints how Jorge's life experiences, against the backdrop of Argentina's 20th century political and economic upheavals, shaped his views on what the Catholic Church should be and why he is the pope that we need in these times. Most importantly, with this book, I got to know Pope Francis - not like the distant hero portrayed in popular media, but more like a dear friend.

[Caleb Tseng · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading as a Protestant, I loved this book. The perspective is undoubtedly a little rose-colored, but the narrative weaves seamlessly between broader context (Jesuits, Argentina, church polity) and Pope Francis' life. There's plenty of fun anecdotes (how true are they really?) to satisfy curiosities. And I'm left both moved and inspired - Pope Francis certainly images Christ in a special way (as do so many other great Christians, in other ways).

Interestingly, I imagine that I likely would enjoy this book less if I was a Catholic, as there's certainly over-simplifications of theological and ecclesiological issues which are almost always presented in favor of Francis.

If I had one nitpick, it would be that the pacing of the narrative can be a bit inconsistent, which is likely more a result of the availability of first-hand accounts. The section on Argentinian politics was also a bit length.

"The religious vocation is a call from God to a heart which is expecting that call, either consciously or unconsciously."

"The secret to enjoying great suffering is not to try to imagine its end, but to find meaning in its present... Her simple words, 'With your pain, you are imitating Christ.'"

"Here we have poor people, and because they are poor, they rely on faith. And because they have faith, they are our center."

"The world being transformed by technology and wealth is prone above all to human beings, not God, as sovereign. Mercy is the great antidote to progressive optimism as well as conservative pessimism, for it grounds itself in God's forgiveness of our sins rather than our belief in our resources. That's why the poor are faster to grasp the pope than the rich and the educated, and why the opposition to Francis has come from elite groups coming from particular narratives."

[Patrick Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This biography of Pope Francis gives a detailed narrative of the developments and politics of the church and Argentina. Sometimes this gets a bit heavy. But the Pope’s commitment to the poor and marginalized- the option for the poor, and the implications of that for how the church should manage itself, shine through in every chapter.