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Walking with Jesus: A Way Forward for the Church
Two thousand years ago, Jesus said, "Follow me." What if the 21st-century Church actually heeded that call? What would the world look like if the Church were truly on the move? Simply put, very different. But these ponderings beg one more critical What exactly should the Church be moving toward? In Walking with A Way Forward for the Church , Pope Francis's own words lead us to the answer. Francis urges us to make Jesus central in our individual lives and in the collective life of the Church—to walk toward him, and ultimately to walk with him at all times and in all places. Each chapter of this Vatican-authorized book helps us put one foot in front of the other as we move ever closer to God and to our neighbors through the sacraments, prayer, evangelization, the gifts of the Spirit, and service to others. Francis reminds us that while the Church is indeed made up of individual people, we must walk together as a community of believers in a transformative relationship with Jesus if the Church is to be an effective, faithful witness to the Gospel. With a foreword by Archbishop of Chicago Blase J. Cupich, Pope Francis's first major appointment in the United States,Walking with Jesus offers the Church a much-needed way forward, past its inner and outer walls, as it fearlessly follows Christ toward the future.
160 pages, Hardcover
First published January 20, 2015
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About the author
Pope Francis
1,340 books1,006 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 54 reviews
January 6, 2020
So, I don't know what was expecting from this book from Pope Francis, but it wasn't a long dissertation on Catholic doctrine on various topics. I guess I thought there would be some kind of conversation with the reader about the challenges the Catholic church faces, and by extension Christianity faces, and what his plan is to deal with it. I expected stories, engagement, and real conversation. But no. I was bored by a compilation of one-sided, dry sermons instead.
That is not to say I didn't learn things. I am not of the Catholic faith, and so there were many new things I encountered in this book, as well as a few things I already knew, but that I was reminded of. I will list them, mostly because I love lists.
- The Catholic church, like any other group, has its own jargon. Litany, homily, Eucharist, etc, etc. I've encountered these terms here and there, but only in passing, and never in complete context. Well, I'm much more aware of these terms now, although I doubt they will show up in my vocabulary, or that I could really define them in a way that wouldn't have my Catholic friends rolling their eyes.
- The Catholic religion has many doctrines that are different than my faith. That is no surprise to anyone. However, when I put Sunday sermons aside and look at outcomes, these two religions have a lot in common, as do most other religions I have encountered. Take care of the poor, beware of greed, pray. We should all be leveraging our commonalities to promote peace and a general community of faith, rather than focusing on differences.
- But to talk about our differences... the main differences between what I heard in this book, and what I hear every Sunday at church, for me, boiled down to how we see mankind among God's creations. This book left me with the impression that man is worthless, and without power or choice. That we are meant to suffer and be poor during our whole existence, and that to exercise freedom of will, or to strive to improve our temporal means is an act against God. I just can't see humanity in this light. We are obviously beings who have the power to make choices, and if we choose to better our lives, we have even more choices to do good or evil. So I don't want to dwell on this difference, but if I summarize it to one main difference, that's it.
- Finally, if there is any doctrine I straight up disagree with, it is the concept of abstinence as a spiritual requirement. Several times in these speeches, the Pope gives advice on marriage and raising kids. At best, it was the advice of someone trying to teach someone something they read about but never tried themselves, and at the worst, absolutely awful advice. This is not just an idle opinion, but from someone who has been married for over 20 years (to the same person) and is raising 4 children. They really need to revisit that whole concept. Man was not meant to be alone.
That is not to say I didn't learn things. I am not of the Catholic faith, and so there were many new things I encountered in this book, as well as a few things I already knew, but that I was reminded of. I will list them, mostly because I love lists.
- The Catholic church, like any other group, has its own jargon. Litany, homily, Eucharist, etc, etc. I've encountered these terms here and there, but only in passing, and never in complete context. Well, I'm much more aware of these terms now, although I doubt they will show up in my vocabulary, or that I could really define them in a way that wouldn't have my Catholic friends rolling their eyes.
- The Catholic religion has many doctrines that are different than my faith. That is no surprise to anyone. However, when I put Sunday sermons aside and look at outcomes, these two religions have a lot in common, as do most other religions I have encountered. Take care of the poor, beware of greed, pray. We should all be leveraging our commonalities to promote peace and a general community of faith, rather than focusing on differences.
- But to talk about our differences... the main differences between what I heard in this book, and what I hear every Sunday at church, for me, boiled down to how we see mankind among God's creations. This book left me with the impression that man is worthless, and without power or choice. That we are meant to suffer and be poor during our whole existence, and that to exercise freedom of will, or to strive to improve our temporal means is an act against God. I just can't see humanity in this light. We are obviously beings who have the power to make choices, and if we choose to better our lives, we have even more choices to do good or evil. So I don't want to dwell on this difference, but if I summarize it to one main difference, that's it.
- Finally, if there is any doctrine I straight up disagree with, it is the concept of abstinence as a spiritual requirement. Several times in these speeches, the Pope gives advice on marriage and raising kids. At best, it was the advice of someone trying to teach someone something they read about but never tried themselves, and at the worst, absolutely awful advice. This is not just an idle opinion, but from someone who has been married for over 20 years (to the same person) and is raising 4 children. They really need to revisit that whole concept. Man was not meant to be alone.
May 10, 2021
Walking with Jesus is a collection of homilies and addresses early in Pope Francis's tenure as pontiff. After listening to this audiobook it becomes clear why I have returned to the Roman Catholic faith after nearly a 20-year hiatus. It is an excellent book that reaffirms I made the right choice to return to the church after my time away.
Being raised in a very traditional Catholic doctrine, I was taught that you need to fear God. Additionally, I was taught that Jesus set a minimum standard that every Christian was expected to meet, otherwise you are subject to eternal damnation.
In this book, Pope Francis paints our relationship with Jesus in a completely different light. No, he doesn't deny you should aspire to be "like" Jesus, but he encourages us to be "with" Jesus. Although the sentences are very similar, the meanings are completely different. Instead of holding ourselves to perfection, an absolute statement, Christians should embrace the journey of being with Jesus. Walking is the metaphor that Pope Francis uses throughout his lectures in this book.
Being raised in a very traditional Catholic doctrine, I was taught that you need to fear God. Additionally, I was taught that Jesus set a minimum standard that every Christian was expected to meet, otherwise you are subject to eternal damnation.
In this book, Pope Francis paints our relationship with Jesus in a completely different light. No, he doesn't deny you should aspire to be "like" Jesus, but he encourages us to be "with" Jesus. Although the sentences are very similar, the meanings are completely different. Instead of holding ourselves to perfection, an absolute statement, Christians should embrace the journey of being with Jesus. Walking is the metaphor that Pope Francis uses throughout his lectures in this book.
December 29, 2022
Beautiful exposition of the faith. Let no man state that Pope Francis is theologically uninformed - I’ve even heard, “third world thinker.” (Which seems kinda racist)
Though fundamentally pastoral, rather than theological, Pope Francis engaged - in the spirit of nouvelle théologie - with the scriptures and early fathers beautifully. Further, he outlined - in the spirit of Vatican II - a proper engagement with the culture which would have made St. John Henry Cardinal Newman proud. Not the clawless submission that’s often caricatured about his beliefs, but that of a courageous shepherd seeking to grow his flock.
As always, Pope Francis places a great deal of emphasis on the poor and the marginalized, which ought to inspire all Christians, rather than cause us to put our guard up.
Overall, I’ve been told for years to hate Francis and that he’s a heretical Pope. Well, that’s an exaggeration, we Catholics never admit to hating anyone, we just rip people apart and dedicate great amounts of time and energy to dismantling their reputation and interpreting them uncharitably… but we pray before and after, so it’s just seeking the truth, not being a pathetic, weird, gossipy, hateful moron who speaks about tradition as though a surface-level reading of Aquinas and literally nobody else makes us an expert of a tradition which turned out to really get it right between like the 1100’s and 1962, but was utterly lost before and utterly useless after.
What was I saying?
Oh yeah, I was taught to do everything I possibly could to appear to hate Francis while calling it love and saying 2 prayers because he’s a heretic, but I found very little in this book which I opposed. In fact, I think it’s a very illuminating piece of pastoral literature and will be remembered fondly in the future.
So yeah, good book, fun stuff, big money, holla holla.
Alright, one love.
Though fundamentally pastoral, rather than theological, Pope Francis engaged - in the spirit of nouvelle théologie - with the scriptures and early fathers beautifully. Further, he outlined - in the spirit of Vatican II - a proper engagement with the culture which would have made St. John Henry Cardinal Newman proud. Not the clawless submission that’s often caricatured about his beliefs, but that of a courageous shepherd seeking to grow his flock.
As always, Pope Francis places a great deal of emphasis on the poor and the marginalized, which ought to inspire all Christians, rather than cause us to put our guard up.
Overall, I’ve been told for years to hate Francis and that he’s a heretical Pope. Well, that’s an exaggeration, we Catholics never admit to hating anyone, we just rip people apart and dedicate great amounts of time and energy to dismantling their reputation and interpreting them uncharitably… but we pray before and after, so it’s just seeking the truth, not being a pathetic, weird, gossipy, hateful moron who speaks about tradition as though a surface-level reading of Aquinas and literally nobody else makes us an expert of a tradition which turned out to really get it right between like the 1100’s and 1962, but was utterly lost before and utterly useless after.
What was I saying?
Oh yeah, I was taught to do everything I possibly could to appear to hate Francis while calling it love and saying 2 prayers because he’s a heretic, but I found very little in this book which I opposed. In fact, I think it’s a very illuminating piece of pastoral literature and will be remembered fondly in the future.
So yeah, good book, fun stuff, big money, holla holla.
Alright, one love.
November 20, 2018
I’ve long held respect for Pope Francis and his views on many issues. I wanted to hear more from him directly as most exposure was through the media. I found this book an interesting exposure to his ministry and his spiritual leadership. The first half was really... traditional. A lot of focus on the sacraments and institutional view of spirituality and religion. I was honestly a bit disappointed. But the second half really went into more contemporary issues, with a fresh view inspired by Christ and with inspiring moral leadership. Taking the two together made me think about my own bias and preferential self-selection (wanting to find what I wanted to find). Instead I’m prompted to look more at the whole picture. Pope Francis is inspiring because he celebrates both. The power of institutional and priestly worship as well as seeing the progressive and spiritual nature of Christ’s life and ministry. Both.
January 10, 2020
Nesta compilação de discursos do Papa Francisco vê-se um líder preocupado em por seus comandados nos trilhos, seus clientes internos e externos engajados no propósito, traduzindo o interesse do Patrocinador com pleno alinhamento às necessidades continuas de inovação e de clareza na comunicação, adaptando-se aos novos tempos, inclusive com as ferramentas virtuais.
Válido não só para os católicos, mas sim para todo aquele que o participa de qualquer organização e que busca por princípios para se manter nela e para se desenvolver continuamente.
Uma vez defensor do uso das tecnologias de comunicação e da contínua inovação em qualquer processo, aqui destaco was passagem do livro:
“Assim, é importante saber dialogar, entrando, com discernimento, também nos ambientes criados pelas novas tecnologias, nas redes sociais, para fazer emergir uma presença, uma presença que escuta, dialoga, encoraja.”
Válido não só para os católicos, mas sim para todo aquele que o participa de qualquer organização e que busca por princípios para se manter nela e para se desenvolver continuamente.
Uma vez defensor do uso das tecnologias de comunicação e da contínua inovação em qualquer processo, aqui destaco was passagem do livro:
“Assim, é importante saber dialogar, entrando, com discernimento, também nos ambientes criados pelas novas tecnologias, nas redes sociais, para fazer emergir uma presença, uma presença que escuta, dialoga, encoraja.”
November 29, 2017
This is a compilation and abbreviation of several sermons Pope Francis gave over the years, broken down into 36 short readings. My favorite quote comes from #29, "The Culture of Encounter:"
"May the image of the Good Samaritan, who tended to the wounds of the injured man by pouring oil and wine over them, be our inspiration. Let our communication be a balm that relieves pain and a fine wine that gladdens hearts. May the light we bring to others not be the result of cosmetics or special effects, but rather of our being loving and merciful neighbors to those wounded and left on the side of the road."
Another favorite, from #8, "Grace from Generation to Generation:"
"The People of God are a *disciple people* because they receive the faith, and they are a *missionary people* because they transmit the faith."
"May the image of the Good Samaritan, who tended to the wounds of the injured man by pouring oil and wine over them, be our inspiration. Let our communication be a balm that relieves pain and a fine wine that gladdens hearts. May the light we bring to others not be the result of cosmetics or special effects, but rather of our being loving and merciful neighbors to those wounded and left on the side of the road."
Another favorite, from #8, "Grace from Generation to Generation:"
"The People of God are a *disciple people* because they receive the faith, and they are a *missionary people* because they transmit the faith."
December 29, 2018
I would give the content a 4 star rating, but the narrator a 2 star, thus I am settling on 3 stars. There are some great gems in these short speeches by Pope Francis - it is an eclectic mix of different audiences and occasions, so it is a bit disjointed at times. The narrator wasn't the worst I've ever made it through, but there is something about Catholic audiobooks that often just have not very good narrators. The last 4-5 chapters sounded like the narrator had a hard candy in his mouth and that just drove me crazy.
August 24, 2021
Beautiful look into HH heart and prayers, confirming his flock that he’s striving to follow Tradition and Magisterium faithfully, especially by leading with mercy and love. Highly recommend this anthology to anyone wanting to get to know HH. Good to meditate over ever so often as well. Well put together and engaging. Would make a good adult baptism gift as well!
November 1, 2021
Very much the voice of Pope Francis, but a rather tame version of the man who might just resurrect the Catholic Church. "The Lord does not disappoint those who take this risk (striving for a renewed personal encounter with Jesus) ; whenever we take a step toward Jesus, we come to realize that he is already there, waiting for us with open arms" (15).
March 8, 2025
There is a charm to the simplicity of this book, collected as it is, from sermons, pontifical ex-cathedra, homilies, discourses and messages and compiled into a nice summa of the catholic faith, as I wish it were. In fact, there is very little (but for exposition on the sacraments) that the protestant part of my mind could disagree with.
November 2, 2017
A collection of homilies and other talks given by Pope Francis that pertain to drawing close to Jesus and leading by Christian example. I love the straightforward way he presents the gospel and applies it to how we should live it.
November 15, 2019
Really interesting summary of various speeches by Pope Francis. While definitely geared toward Catholics, I found a lot of principles which resonated with me.
I am trying to learn from religious leaders of all traditions and this book was a great overview.
I am trying to learn from religious leaders of all traditions and this book was a great overview.
February 19, 2020
El mensaje muy bueno, repasó la base del Cristianismo reforzando las bases de la Fé, la Iglesia. Como in catecismo solo que con una redaccion levemente complicada de seguir.
Pero fundamentos para ser felices es decir para ser buenos cristianos.
Pero fundamentos para ser felices es decir para ser buenos cristianos.
July 17, 2021
was hoping to learn the pope’s perspective on what it means to walk with jesus. instead got what feels like a set of vaguely connected sermons that somebody collected and slapped a title on. not bad as a devotional i guess.
April 3, 2022
Pese a ser una compilación de homilias y discursos, este es un libro de viaje, que lleva a reflexionar sobre ese viaje espiritual propio de la comprensión cristiana y que se remonta a la comprensión espiritual judía de la vida.
December 10, 2022
This book is a compilation of sermons and speeches made by Pope Francis. I have been a Catholic for 70+ years. Pope Francis is my favorite pope. It’s always good to be exposed to his thoughts on different topics.
March 23, 2023
From a spiritual sense, this book was just okay- I don’t feel like I gained much. I did enjoy learning a bit more about catholic sacraments and thought it was and interesting way to hear the popes perspectives.
April 29, 2023
Master the purpose/topic? Yes
Narration? They did well with what they had.
Educated me? Yes
Made me think? Yes
Made me a better person? I hope!
Recommend? - Depends on the person/audience
Quip- "We should never just scrape by- we should LIVE! [in Jesus]"
Narration? They did well with what they had.
Educated me? Yes
Made me think? Yes
Made me a better person? I hope!
Recommend? - Depends on the person/audience
Quip- "We should never just scrape by- we should LIVE! [in Jesus]"
May 18, 2025
I was anticipating a more personal journey in the Late
Pope’s faith but it turned out to be more of a description of the stations of the Catholic Church. I did not grow up Catholic so it has no meaning to me.
Pope’s faith but it turned out to be more of a description of the stations of the Catholic Church. I did not grow up Catholic so it has no meaning to me.
June 16, 2025
This shares a collection of Francis’ speeches and homilies from 2013-2014. I started reading this right before his passing. This has only made me love him more. He just loved people and wanted us as the Church to love them well.
February 2, 2018
Listened to this and felt like I was listening to the Pope himself. A collection of his homilies and talks that is very inspirational.
August 11, 2018
At first I did not like it but got used to it. Listened to it on retreat.
August 12, 2018
Profundo
September 27, 2018
No lo leí hasta el final
January 31, 2019
Como siempre, las entrevista con el Santo Padre Francisco son maravillosas porque en ellas es donde más nos habla desde su corazón de sacerdote. Estupendo libro.
March 26, 2019
This book went in great depth drawing upon Pope Francis's words that related to the various topics. I feel like reading after having listened to it.
March 14, 2020
This collection of speeches and sermons is full of simple wisdom, profoundly inspiration for a church in need of direction. A delight.
December 23, 2020
A good introduction book for those who are new to faith, but not even in the close depths as the ones from Pope Benedict
May 21, 2021
The more I read Pope Francis writings the more I want to read! I love the way he thinks!
June 22, 2021
Really good intro to the thought of Pope Francis. Captures not only the breadth of his theology, but also his philosophy of ministry and role of the church in society.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews