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The Church of Mercy
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.
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.
143 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
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About the author
Pope Francis
1,327 books999 followersPope 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
January 13, 2015
I'm not Catholic. I was raised as a Protestant, but mostly I avoid organized religion altogether. The fact that I was compelled to read this book means you should as well. If you're reading this review you're either Catholic, or not, and you're already in love with this pope. Just read the book. Sure, for me there was a bit much of the religious, but hey, he's the Pope for Christ's sake. What do you expect? But his message, or I should say messages, have a central theme in this book, and that is that it's our job to look after our fellow human beings on this planet. His message is to all Christians, but it might as well be to everyone, and I think it is. If you want to call yourself a Christian, or a religious person of any kind, then you must have compassion for those who have so little. They are the path to salvation. I like this guy. He's a Hobbit Pope, with a touch of ole Gandalf thrown in.
October 17, 2018
Pope Francis is really an inspiring Pope of the history. His writings have a soul to convert the hearts of the people. This book consists of different sermons he gave in different contexts and it is really thought-provoking. I really enjoyed this book fully. I need to read more from Pope.
May 17, 2025
this book slaps, rip
May 26, 2014
The Church of Mercy is the latest book with a compilation of talks given by Pope Francis. Each book (by many different publishers) have chosen to address a certain audience. For example, Ignatius Press recently released a book on sin and humility, and Our Sunday Visitor has released one on hope and another on love. Loyola Press has chosen to focus on the theme of mercy. Drawing on talks given in 2013, this book addresses topics such as the Gospel, the Poor, advice for Pastors, and Mary. Each talk is designed to draw people closer to Christ who is the giver of mercy.
The parts which spoke to me the most were Part Two: A Poor Church for the Poor and Part Seven: The Choice of the Last. In these chapters, we see the heart of Pope Francis' papacy so far, the marginalized of society. He says, "Each individual Christian and every community is called to be an instrument of God for the liberation and promotion of the poor, and for enabling them to be fully a part of society." He also says, "The Church must step outside of herself. To go where? To the outskirts of existence, whatever that may be, but she must step out." These are just a sample of the depth of wisdom and love that Pope Francis contains.
If you're looking for an idea of what Pope Francis had to say his first year as pope, this is a very good starting place. Though you could find these talks online (if you looked hard enough), they would not be so neatly assembled and categorized all in one place. Another perk for this book is that you don't have to read it in order. Pick a topic that is interesting to you or speaks to you and read that. Then, move on to the next topic that speaks to you. Then, after you get done with this book turn to a practical layperson's guide on mercy entitled Mercy in the City.
The parts which spoke to me the most were Part Two: A Poor Church for the Poor and Part Seven: The Choice of the Last. In these chapters, we see the heart of Pope Francis' papacy so far, the marginalized of society. He says, "Each individual Christian and every community is called to be an instrument of God for the liberation and promotion of the poor, and for enabling them to be fully a part of society." He also says, "The Church must step outside of herself. To go where? To the outskirts of existence, whatever that may be, but she must step out." These are just a sample of the depth of wisdom and love that Pope Francis contains.
If you're looking for an idea of what Pope Francis had to say his first year as pope, this is a very good starting place. Though you could find these talks online (if you looked hard enough), they would not be so neatly assembled and categorized all in one place. Another perk for this book is that you don't have to read it in order. Pick a topic that is interesting to you or speaks to you and read that. Then, move on to the next topic that speaks to you. Then, after you get done with this book turn to a practical layperson's guide on mercy entitled Mercy in the City.
June 4, 2025
I'm not particularly religious so it's tough for me to rate The Church of Mercy by Pope Francis, but this was interesting. I did appreciate that the Pope's overall message her seems to be along the lines of take care of each other. Anyway, while reading this I couldn't help but think of those like Joel Osteen that preach the prosperity gospel and Trump who's White House the other day released the AI image of him dressed as the Pope.
May 9, 2014
The more I read of Pope Francis the more I admire his humility, openness, and welcoming message toward all.
April 10, 2025
I LOVE THIS BOOK I LOVE PAPA F!! It’s a selection of speeches he gave during the first year of his pontificate that demonstrate his vision for the Church! It is so good. My 8 senior citizen besties and I had such a blast discussing it. It covers a wide breadth of topics but through the same Christ-centered lens.
My favorite thing about Pope Francis’s teaching is that he challenges us all to think deeply about the realities of today and to respond to them with concrete action in accordance with our duty(!) to Christian charity. It’s sometimes even uncomfortable because it is convicting in the best way possible.
My favorite thing about Pope Francis’s teaching is that he challenges us all to think deeply about the realities of today and to respond to them with concrete action in accordance with our duty(!) to Christian charity. It’s sometimes even uncomfortable because it is convicting in the best way possible.
May 2, 2016
In retrospect, this was best read not as an audiobook. For one thing, something about the narrator's cadence bothered me, but even more so, there's a lot here to digest, and if my attention wandered at all I missed major points for the chapter at hand. This isn't a single, coherent book, but a compilation of Pope Francis' speeches (and some writings) in his first year as pope, so it covers a broad range but doesn't go deep into everything. I'd like to read his latest book, and then possibly go back and read this more slowly. There's very little here that I disagree with, even though I disagree with some aspects of Catholic teaching, but Pope Francis doesn't spend time on the "culture wars" topics—he's much more concerned with how we live day to day, how we pray, and how we care for those most in need. Some of his advice is practical, though much of it is pretty overarching, which is not surprising since these were all relatively short speeches or writings. In any case, I'm glad I read this in advance of attending World Youth Day this summer.
April 29, 2016
I read a wide range of Christian and spiritual books that do include beliefs anywhere from Quaker to Roman Catholic to my end of the spectrum, evangelical. Thomas Merton was my introduction to the Catholic faith which has taken me deeper into the spirituality that I crave. Reading this book is more theological than a Thomas Merton book would be and I found much to relate to or enjoy. I am not so familiar with the reliance and importance of the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus and this book helped me to understand her importance to the Catholic faith. There were several points that Pope Francis touched upon that really opened my understanding of our walk with the Lord. Reading this book inspires me to be willing to walk out of my comfort zone to show the love of Christ to those in need.
March 28, 2016
A compilation of homilies and speeches show Francis emphasizing mercy and compassion. The pope's style is unpretentious and straightforward, but also literary, graceful, and at times electrifying in its rich use of similes and metaphors--reflecting a long life steeped in the classics. These talks have been edited well--few are more than a few pages long, but there's enough space for Francis to develop his ideas effectively. It only takes 10 or 20 pages to get a sense for why Pope Francis has been rousing the church from a drowsy complacent spirit. His voice is prophetic the way the Hebrew prophets were prophetic--comforting the afflicted and afflicting the comfortable.
March 23, 2016
I loved reading this collection of homilies and other speeches by Pope Francis. He has such a simple and loving way to encourage us to be a church who goes out, who opens our doors, and who shows mercy to all. An excellent choice for a book group to discuss!
June 21, 2014
Best Pope ever!
June 20, 2019
Slightly repetitive, but very important messages about having a heart for the needy and marginalized.
May 16, 2025
I started reading Pope Francis’ work too late — or maybe it was providential timing. I found this book in a Goodwill on Divine Mercy Sunday, the same week of the Pope’s passing. Let me tell you: Pope Francis writes so simply yet powerfully. From the beginning of his legacy as Pope, he had an outstanding vision of a culture of encounter. He said we need to do more than just feed the hungry, we must change our attitude towards those in need. Really encounter them by touching the flesh of Christ with an embrace.
Here are some quotes I took away from the book:
-The Lord surprises us. He calls us beyond our comfort zone to follow him (read Jonah). God is bigger than our little way of seeing things!
-We are an apostolic church because 1st we pray then we proclaim the Gospel. We must be missionaries by our words & our Christian life.
HIGHLY recommend reading this! I will be reading more of his papal encyclicals in the near future.
Here are some quotes I took away from the book:
-The Lord surprises us. He calls us beyond our comfort zone to follow him (read Jonah). God is bigger than our little way of seeing things!
-We are an apostolic church because 1st we pray then we proclaim the Gospel. We must be missionaries by our words & our Christian life.
HIGHLY recommend reading this! I will be reading more of his papal encyclicals in the near future.
April 25, 2017
This is an outstanding collection of letters, speeches, comments, and writing from Pope Francis about different aspects of mercy. It can be used as a reference, as a guide, or simply when you need a bit of advice on prioritization or what is important.
March 4, 2025
Important words of grace and love because this is what we are called to.
August 16, 2018
A beautiful and deeply thought-provoking book for any Catholic to read. Through simple, yet powerful words, Pope Francis adds depth, dimension, and clarity to our faith. I was moved to tears with his truly inspired passion and come away being thankful that we are blessed with this extraordinary pope. Our world needs him and to implement his words...we would be a much better place.
November 5, 2024
It soothes my soul.
June 22, 2014
A good collection of the Pope's first year homilies and speeches that helped me to learn more about his perspective and that of the Catholic Church. It was also inspirational to hear him talk about various topics such as poverty, hunger, etc. The book was repetitive, though, in that the Pope obviously used, verbatim, parts of some speeches in others, so sometimes it felt a bit like deva vu. The Pope also has a tendency to create lists of two to three items or main points that he talks about in his speeches which makes the points very clear but does get a bit tedious after a time. An interesting book for a non Catholic, and for Catholics alike.
July 2, 2014
Although I am not Catholic, I found this collection of the homilies of Pope Francis during the first year of his papacy to be inspiring and inclusive. A call to understanding and love for all people.
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November 10, 2015I started this, and it looks like a good compilation of the early homilies and writings of Pope Francis's pontificate. After I started, I realized that I had already read some of the excerpts. So, I decided to set it aside and get up to speed with Laudato Si.
September 1, 2014
I love his humanity and emphasis on the poor
May 5, 2016
Evangelize with your life.
July 20, 2017
I'm not Catholic but I've been as taken with Francis as the next person since he became Pope. I mean, just look at the guy's smile; it's pretty hard not to like him. My admiration for him only increased with this series of speeches and homilies, all of which are earnest pleas for the church to reorient their entire lives to emanate love for all. He wants that to bleed out into a restructuring of how society helps the poor and underprivileged, how Catholic authorities relate to their parishioners, and how each of us treat each other day to day. In a way, I view him as the same sort of person as Barack Obama: a charismatic person who presides over an institution allergic to being reformed for the better who, behind the scenes, will occasionally act in a disappointingly pragmatic way towards said institution as a result. Just as Obama had his drone strikes, deportations, etc., there are a host of things I vehemently disagree with Francis and the Catholic Church as a whole on and they admittedly tarnish my idea of his character as a whole. But, having recently read a book about the history of the papacy, I'd honestly say this guy is one of the best Popes we've had, same as Obama was one of the best presidents. Perfect? No. But much better than average? Definitely. Especially after reading this, I truly think the world is better for having his voice and influence in it.
February 21, 2021
Church of Mercy is short and very understendable book on how does pope Francis sees the Church, how should we behave as catholics, how should we judge other faiths and how should we live as a true catholics in this modern world.
I love it. It is so easy to read. Reading it now I understand why does our pontif acts the way he acts. He sees the Church as not some elite company of chosen people but as body of Christ that should go out on the margins to the poor and neady to spread the good news of Christ. I got to admit I was very critical of pope Francis at first, I didn't understand him but more and more I see the bigger picture, I see what he wants to accomplish and how hard task it is. I pray for pope Francis tgat God gives him strenght and courage.
I love it. It is so easy to read. Reading it now I understand why does our pontif acts the way he acts. He sees the Church as not some elite company of chosen people but as body of Christ that should go out on the margins to the poor and neady to spread the good news of Christ. I got to admit I was very critical of pope Francis at first, I didn't understand him but more and more I see the bigger picture, I see what he wants to accomplish and how hard task it is. I pray for pope Francis tgat God gives him strenght and courage.
September 24, 2017
Solid collection with thoughtful introductions. The context on Pope Francis' papacy given only one year in still rings true today given the consistency and persistence of his themes.
Some selections are very particularly focused (homilies/addresses to specific audiences of clergy, Jesuit school graduates) but many scriptural meditations which stand on their own and together build on Francis' consistent themes: Shepherds must smell like the sheep, Church of and for the poor, willing to be wounded in the same street rather than grow ill from being shut in, culture of solidarity and encounter to resist the dangers of throwaway culture.
Some selections are very particularly focused (homilies/addresses to specific audiences of clergy, Jesuit school graduates) but many scriptural meditations which stand on their own and together build on Francis' consistent themes: Shepherds must smell like the sheep, Church of and for the poor, willing to be wounded in the same street rather than grow ill from being shut in, culture of solidarity and encounter to resist the dangers of throwaway culture.
January 4, 2018
Two things I really, really liked about this:
1. He advocates meditation without calling it meditation (you should sit still and listen each day)
2. Helping the poor is not enough - you need to fight the structures of poverty
Although there was way too much Jesus talk for me in this book, I think this pope has it right. I'm grateful he's around in this world and I get to live in a time where he is living. He's an amazing guy.
1. He advocates meditation without calling it meditation (you should sit still and listen each day)
2. Helping the poor is not enough - you need to fight the structures of poverty
Although there was way too much Jesus talk for me in this book, I think this pope has it right. I'm grateful he's around in this world and I get to live in a time where he is living. He's an amazing guy.
November 20, 2019
This is the second book that I've read of Pope Francis' work. I found the book to be over all wonderful to read and so uplifting. This is coming from an aspiring pastor of course and find it interesting to read other pastors views on christianity. I'm not catholic so he and I differ alot when it comes to how the virgin Mary is look at. However if you want an uplifting message of love and peace and faith in the lord Jesus Christ this is a great book.
August 10, 2020
Whoever did the English translation of Pope Francis' words did a fantastic job. This book really brings out his thoughts and vision. I'm humbled by how hopeful HH's outlook is, and at the same time his feet are firm on present-day reality. If you want to get to know HH's perspective on today's Church, this is a great book to read. I'm really admiring HH more and more as I get to know him. Now I want to find more books with thematic synopses of his words!
April 19, 2022
My favorite Pope Francis book so far.
“God always thinks with mercy. Do not forget this. God always thinks mercifully. He is the merciful Father.
God thinks like the father waiting for the son and who goes to meet him when he spots him coming when he is still far off.
What does this mean? That he went every day to see if his son was coming home. THIS is our merciful Father. It indicates that he was waiting for him with longing on the terrace of his house.”
“God always thinks with mercy. Do not forget this. God always thinks mercifully. He is the merciful Father.
God thinks like the father waiting for the son and who goes to meet him when he spots him coming when he is still far off.
What does this mean? That he went every day to see if his son was coming home. THIS is our merciful Father. It indicates that he was waiting for him with longing on the terrace of his house.”
Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews