Bergoglio's List: How a Young Francis Defied a Dictatorship and Saved Dozens of Lives

by Nello Scavo, Bret Thoman (Translator)

In 1976 when Fr. Jorge Bergoglio was just 39 years old and serving as provincial superior of the Jesuits of Argentina, the military overthrew the government in a coup. The dictatorship went to work against subversives and communist adversaries through abductions, tortures, and even murders, resulting in the disappearance of about 30,000 people.  Much has been made about the mysteries of Bergoglio’s actions during this time of upheaval.  Did he fail to act against human rights violations out of fear or weakness?  Was he guilty of delivering opponents into the hands of the regime?  Or, did his courage and compassion prompt him to save lives?  These are the questions that Italian legal journalist, Nello Scavo, set out to Argentina to answer.  He had no idea of the remarkable truth his investigation would reveal.   Scavo uncovers how Bergoglio built an elaborate network consisting of clandestine passageways, secret hideouts, and covert automobile rides, all in attempt to save what has been estimated at more than 100 people from torture, imprisonment, and even death. Bergoglio’s List is a collection of personal stories from those who knew the now-Pope during the days of the dictatorship,    For the first time in English, experience not only the untold story of Bergoglio’s courage and heroism, but gain an insider’s view of the place where he was born and grew into a man -- the man we now know as Pope Francis. 
 

222 pages, Paperback

First published September 28, 2014

Reviews

[Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the period of 1976 to 1983, Argentina was a place undergoing political turmoil. It was known as "The Dirty War." Peron had just been deposed and the military took control of the government. It was a horrendous time and place to live, and that is putting it mildly. People were abducted, tortured, and murdered. Pregnant women gave birth to babies that were ripped from their arms. The babies were given to military families, and the mothers were killed. At least 30,000 people were murdered, and the world turned a blind eye to Argentina by and large. To make matters worse, people within Argentina (including some clergy of the Church) did the same or worse, assisted in the murder of these people. Not all in the Church were guilty. Some brave priests, bishops, religious, and laity did their part, either in secret or the open, to save as many people as they could. Jorge Bergoglio (now Pope Francis) was one of those priests who did what was right by defying the military government and helping people escape. The book Bergoglio's List highlights the stories of some of those who lived because of him.

The first three chapters of the book provide a mini-history of life during the Dirty War. In addition to detailing some of the general atrocities I listed above, we also learn about a few specific ones as well. For example, Alfredo Astiz lived among the Argentine people and pretended to be their friend. He was known as El Rubito or "the blonde guy." He was actually working for the military government and was giving the government information on who needed to be targeted and killed. The next ten chapters focuses on the stories of specific people that Bergoglio helped save. They were priests, scholars, unionists, Marxists, married couples, etc. The background or affiliation did not matter to Bergoglio. These were human lives, and everyone of them was precious.

I found myself struggling to read this book, particularly the early parts. After almost every chapter, I had to set the book down and step away from it, because it was a harsh reality to accept that things like this occurred not so long ago, and unbeknownst to me, probably still do. The firsthand accounts of people who were saved were tough as well. You knew they were going to escape, but you still feared for them as you read their stories. This is a book that you not only should read, but have to read. It shows us that ordinary people can do extraordinary things and that one person can make a difference. It also shows us firsthand the kind of man and leader our pope is.

[Jack R. Cotner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book documents some of the many good works of Jorge Bergoglio, now known as Pope Francis, in Argentina during the period of 1976-1983 where his tireless efforts helped save people from brutal government atrocities in the ‘Dirty War’. The book’s narrative was both interesting and informative with interviews, photographs, and timelines. Bergoglio’s efforts were (and are) inspiring, but I found Nello Scavo’s writing style weak and occasionally irritating. Overall, however, it was a good read about a fascinating man.

[Brace1737 · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cruel military junta ruled Argentina from 1976 to 1982. Many people disappeared never to be seen again,During those years Father Jorge Bergoglio was serving as provincial superior for the Jesuit order. You know him today as Pope Francis. This book gives accounts of how he acted to save many lives.
Comment: This is not an easy book to read because of the accounts of cruelty.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing and informative and personal accounts of a period in history about which I knew little. Written in a journalistic style, I enjoyed it as such and learned much with regard to Pope Francis' role during the Dirty War in Argentina. It is not a literary masterpiece but worth reading if you're interested in an historical account.

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Absorbing material, opened the door on times and events that I knew very little about. It's both interesting and helpful to be more aware of some of Pope Francis' background.
Not the most captivating writing style, perhaps too journalistic? the translation? Or maybe a combination of the two.

[C. Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating subject. Writing style and translation could perhaps be more lucid, but the book is a quick and interesting read nonetheless.