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Pope Francis and the New Vatican
National Geographic goes behind-the-scenes of the new papacy with unprecedented, exclusive access to Pope Francis. Embedded with the Pope inside the Vatican for 6 months, award-winning photographer David Yoder captures intimate moments in never-before-seen photographs presented here for the first time--including in the Sistine Chapel with the Pope alone on Christmas Day. These extraordinary images reveal the majesty and splendor of the Vatican alongside the humbleness of the man changing it--a compelling juxtaposition. The pontiff's public life and personal crusades are exposed as never before, as well as the inner workings of the Vatican--a uniquely powerful state.
Complementary essays by acclaimed journalist and author Robert Draper--drawn from interviews around the world with many who had never spoken publicly before--insightfully cover Pope Francis's personal story, his journey to the papacy, and the heart of his ministry. The book also features a timeline, maps, and Pope Francis's most inspiring words of wisdom.
The "people's Pope" has electrified the world with his message of mercy and humility, energizing the Catholic Church and appealing to people of every faith. National Geographic's vivid reporting and world-class photography present a captivating view of Pope Francis and his remarkable papacy. This glorious celebration of the new pontiff is timed to coincide with his first visit to the U.S. and is a lasting keepsake of a historic event.
Complementary essays by acclaimed journalist and author Robert Draper--drawn from interviews around the world with many who had never spoken publicly before--insightfully cover Pope Francis's personal story, his journey to the papacy, and the heart of his ministry. The book also features a timeline, maps, and Pope Francis's most inspiring words of wisdom.
The "people's Pope" has electrified the world with his message of mercy and humility, energizing the Catholic Church and appealing to people of every faith. National Geographic's vivid reporting and world-class photography present a captivating view of Pope Francis and his remarkable papacy. This glorious celebration of the new pontiff is timed to coincide with his first visit to the U.S. and is a lasting keepsake of a historic event.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published August 4, 2015
2 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Robert Draper
38 books80 followersRobert Draper is a freelance writer, a correspondent for GQ and a contributor to The New York Times Magazine. Previously, he worked for Texas Monthly, where he first became acquainted with the Bush political family.
Robert Draper attended Westchester High School in Houston, Texas. He is the grandson of Leon Jaworski, prosecutor during the Watergate scandal, segregation trials, and Nazi war crimes, which is said to have influenced Draper's writing about the use and abuse of power. Draper was active in high school debate. He attended the University of Texas at Austin, writing for the university newspaper The Daily Texan.
Robert Draper attended Westchester High School in Houston, Texas. He is the grandson of Leon Jaworski, prosecutor during the Watergate scandal, segregation trials, and Nazi war crimes, which is said to have influenced Draper's writing about the use and abuse of power. Draper was active in high school debate. He attended the University of Texas at Austin, writing for the university newspaper The Daily Texan.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 14, 2015
Beautiful book, with beautiful photos, alternated with very interesting and informative text on Pope Francis and how he has changed, and is still changing, the status quo of the the Vatican and the Catholic Church.
I am not Catholic, but I am still fascinated by the Popes, and have been for years. I liked Pope John Paul II. Pope Benedict did not impress me much. But Pope Francis...this is a man I would love to meet. I love his ideas, his demeanor, everything about him.
And again, the photos in this book are great, and give an up close look at the man who is Pope Francis, and give a behind the scenes, informal look at the church and the crowds that come to catch a glimpse of the Pope.
I am not Catholic, but I am still fascinated by the Popes, and have been for years. I liked Pope John Paul II. Pope Benedict did not impress me much. But Pope Francis...this is a man I would love to meet. I love his ideas, his demeanor, everything about him.
And again, the photos in this book are great, and give an up close look at the man who is Pope Francis, and give a behind the scenes, informal look at the church and the crowds that come to catch a glimpse of the Pope.
September 24, 2020
Bought this for my mom, but I read it, too. It's filled with beautiful, very personal insights into this special pope. And the photographs demonstrate the essence of this extraordinary man. Highly recommend this for, both, Catholics and non-Catholics. I number among the latter, but when someone this special somehow breaks all barriers that usually prohibit the truly worthy from ascending to positions of influence, you have to stand in awe. And this man is very, very special.
August 22, 2015
Full Disclosure: I bought and read this book because my cousin wrote the essays. I gave it 5 stars because the essays about Pope Francis were interesting and well written, and also because it is impossible for me NOT to enjoy National Geo photographs!
January 17, 2016
Pope Francis and the New Vatican is a “coffee table” style book published by National Geographic. It combines the work of writer Robert Draper and photographer Dave Yoder, to bring stunning photos and well-written essays on both the Vatican and Pope Francis into one beautiful tome. This book is a feast for the eyes. While it sat on my desk waiting fto be reviewed, nearly every person who walked into my office gravitated toward the book, picked it up and smiled as they turned the pages and drank in the beautiful photos that depicted both the traditional beauty of the Vatican and the tender moments of Pope Francis with the people.
The book’s essays look at Pope Francis’ past and how his papacy is changing the outlook of the Catholic church. The writings are bookended by gorgeous photos and quotes by Pope Francis, making this book great for sitting down to read, or for a quick scan.
The first essay juxtaposes Pope Francis’ humble approach to the papacy with how the world has come to view the Catholic Church: wrapped in tradition and palaces and distant from real people. It sites Francis’ many instances of side stepping tradition in favor of taking the quieter approach, the way that helps the every day person and the person in need.
The second essay looks at his former life, both as a boy in Argentina and as the endearing “Padre Jorge.” It also discusses his priestly formation as a Jesuit and accusations of Marxism and Communism, refuting those charges, as well explaining his Jesuit “exile” prior to being named Archbishop of Buenos Aires.
In the essay, “The Tradition of the Vatican,” Draper takes a look at the many symbols and rituals associated with the Vatican, and gives a brief history of it including its physical structure, its status as a sovereign nation, the Swiss guards and its long line of mostly Italian popes. It doesn’t shy away from the violence, war, scandal and crusades that have let both ugly scars and hope in the wake of the Vatican and office of pope. The essay, though brief, is informative and explains the efforts made by popes to both bring the Church current with the world through the Second Vatican Council, and to bring a more welcoming face to the world with help from Pope John Paul II and now Pope Francis.
“A Changing World,” opens up with a description of the canonization of Popes John Paul II and John XXIII. It explains how the Church has employed technology to bring the pope to a large number of Catholics, including many young lay Catholics, priests and nuns. Draper says, “The pope – especially this pope – knows how to draw a crowd.” It discusses the changes Pope Francis has made, such as removing the glass around the popemobile, embracing the disabled, that have led the world to dub him the “available pope.” He also continues to emphasize that the Catholic Church should be for the poor and it should actively seek them out.
Beginning this book, I was skeptical about what the “New Vatican” was, but was happy to read that Draper identifies it not as a change in doctrine, but as a fresh, approachable, welcoming version of the Catholic Church through the arms and words of its beloved pope.
While it’s tempting to scan past the essays and stare at the book’s abundant stunning photography, printed in large scale and photographed by Yoder in such a way that it makes the viewer feel a part of the moment, the essays are worth the time to read. Through them you get not only a feel for the Vatican and how important its historical trek and tradition has been throughout the world, but you get to know Pope Francis, the available pope – just in time for his visit to the United States.
The book’s essays look at Pope Francis’ past and how his papacy is changing the outlook of the Catholic church. The writings are bookended by gorgeous photos and quotes by Pope Francis, making this book great for sitting down to read, or for a quick scan.
The first essay juxtaposes Pope Francis’ humble approach to the papacy with how the world has come to view the Catholic Church: wrapped in tradition and palaces and distant from real people. It sites Francis’ many instances of side stepping tradition in favor of taking the quieter approach, the way that helps the every day person and the person in need.
The second essay looks at his former life, both as a boy in Argentina and as the endearing “Padre Jorge.” It also discusses his priestly formation as a Jesuit and accusations of Marxism and Communism, refuting those charges, as well explaining his Jesuit “exile” prior to being named Archbishop of Buenos Aires.
In the essay, “The Tradition of the Vatican,” Draper takes a look at the many symbols and rituals associated with the Vatican, and gives a brief history of it including its physical structure, its status as a sovereign nation, the Swiss guards and its long line of mostly Italian popes. It doesn’t shy away from the violence, war, scandal and crusades that have let both ugly scars and hope in the wake of the Vatican and office of pope. The essay, though brief, is informative and explains the efforts made by popes to both bring the Church current with the world through the Second Vatican Council, and to bring a more welcoming face to the world with help from Pope John Paul II and now Pope Francis.
“A Changing World,” opens up with a description of the canonization of Popes John Paul II and John XXIII. It explains how the Church has employed technology to bring the pope to a large number of Catholics, including many young lay Catholics, priests and nuns. Draper says, “The pope – especially this pope – knows how to draw a crowd.” It discusses the changes Pope Francis has made, such as removing the glass around the popemobile, embracing the disabled, that have led the world to dub him the “available pope.” He also continues to emphasize that the Catholic Church should be for the poor and it should actively seek them out.
Beginning this book, I was skeptical about what the “New Vatican” was, but was happy to read that Draper identifies it not as a change in doctrine, but as a fresh, approachable, welcoming version of the Catholic Church through the arms and words of its beloved pope.
While it’s tempting to scan past the essays and stare at the book’s abundant stunning photography, printed in large scale and photographed by Yoder in such a way that it makes the viewer feel a part of the moment, the essays are worth the time to read. Through them you get not only a feel for the Vatican and how important its historical trek and tradition has been throughout the world, but you get to know Pope Francis, the available pope – just in time for his visit to the United States.
January 18, 2016
Beautiful book. Made my day.
January 19, 2016
Superb photos.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews