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Pope Francis Takes the Bus, and Other Unexpected Stories
The whole family will enjoy these charming, real-life stories from the life of Pope Francis. Following a quirky A-to-Z format, the eighty lighthearted anecdotes in Pope Francis Takes the Bus are full of warmth and humor, revealing the simple humility of the man whose spirituality and concern for others has transformed the Church and captured the imagination of Catholics and non-Catholics alike.
In only the first year of his pontificate, Francis has already reinvented the very role of pope and bishop of Rome. His less formal style of dress, his choice to live at the Casa Santa Marta, his use of a small car in place of a limousine and his frequent personal phone calls to friends and even complete strangers are everyday manifestations of a larger understanding of Christ’s message—one that emphasizes humility, mercy and care for the poor and suffering. What we can see in Pope Francis is a radical change in priorities, one that is being declared in his words but also evidenced by his actions and personal way of life.
Pope Francis Takes the Bus contains stories and episodes from various stages in his as the parish priest known as Padre Bergoglio, then later as rector, bishop, archbishop, cardinal and finally, pope. Italian author and radio personality Rosario Carello’s collection will help readers gain a clearer picture of Pope Francis—and will serve as inspiration for anyone seeking a humbler, more Gospel-guided daily life.
In only the first year of his pontificate, Francis has already reinvented the very role of pope and bishop of Rome. His less formal style of dress, his choice to live at the Casa Santa Marta, his use of a small car in place of a limousine and his frequent personal phone calls to friends and even complete strangers are everyday manifestations of a larger understanding of Christ’s message—one that emphasizes humility, mercy and care for the poor and suffering. What we can see in Pope Francis is a radical change in priorities, one that is being declared in his words but also evidenced by his actions and personal way of life.
Pope Francis Takes the Bus contains stories and episodes from various stages in his as the parish priest known as Padre Bergoglio, then later as rector, bishop, archbishop, cardinal and finally, pope. Italian author and radio personality Rosario Carello’s collection will help readers gain a clearer picture of Pope Francis—and will serve as inspiration for anyone seeking a humbler, more Gospel-guided daily life.
176 pages, Paperback
Published July 1, 2016
16 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 10, 2024
What a delightful little book! I ordered several copies for family and Catholic friends several years ago, and appreciated seeing these stories, mostly about the pontiff's earlier days in South America.
It's sure to put a glimmer of hope in your heart in your darker days. You can't keep a good man down for long, and Francis rises to every occasion with his humble, reverent ebullience and love for life! Like cream rising to the top of milk bottles, back in the 1950's, his exemplary demeanour always gives away his best, first.
We're all human, and the Pope no less so than us. His health is beginning to fade a bit, his health and energy are dwindling, but he has a remarkable reservoir of joy and good humour to see him through what must be for him his increasingly onerous duties.
Look at me - lucky enough to retire at 55 with full benefits, I had the same yen for increased R&R that he had on that fateful long-ago day on which the white smoke pluming out of the Vatican chimney sealed his fate.
I got my wish.
He didn't.
No, it was a heavy mantle, just as he had feared in his worst nightmares.
But, just as these stories do for us now, the tight creases around his mouth softened - as his fellow cardinals thronged him in a happy embrace.
But, smiles notwithstanding, he knew he was in it for the long haul, as he showed them when he emotionally entreated them all:
"PRAY for me!"
Then he strode to the balcony for his famous informally joyful greetings to the immense crowd beneath, this man who Remade the Papacy.
It's sure to put a glimmer of hope in your heart in your darker days. You can't keep a good man down for long, and Francis rises to every occasion with his humble, reverent ebullience and love for life! Like cream rising to the top of milk bottles, back in the 1950's, his exemplary demeanour always gives away his best, first.
We're all human, and the Pope no less so than us. His health is beginning to fade a bit, his health and energy are dwindling, but he has a remarkable reservoir of joy and good humour to see him through what must be for him his increasingly onerous duties.
Look at me - lucky enough to retire at 55 with full benefits, I had the same yen for increased R&R that he had on that fateful long-ago day on which the white smoke pluming out of the Vatican chimney sealed his fate.
I got my wish.
He didn't.
No, it was a heavy mantle, just as he had feared in his worst nightmares.
But, just as these stories do for us now, the tight creases around his mouth softened - as his fellow cardinals thronged him in a happy embrace.
But, smiles notwithstanding, he knew he was in it for the long haul, as he showed them when he emotionally entreated them all:
"PRAY for me!"
Then he strode to the balcony for his famous informally joyful greetings to the immense crowd beneath, this man who Remade the Papacy.
September 2, 2022
This wasn’t a book filled with deep thoughts but one that challenged in simple ways. It’s a good reminder that it’s the little things done in love that matter.
July 15, 2016
It's been a while since I've read a book about Pope Francis. I was suffering what I have dubbed "Francis Fatigue." Now, don't misunderstand me. I love our Holy Father. It just seems like every other Catholic book since he was elected Pope has been about him. And while some of the books have been great, others have been lackluster. When I heard about the book Pope Francis Takes the Bus, and Other Unexpected Stories, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I thought it might be time to end my moratorium on Pope Francis books.
The book is divided into eighty unique stories and organized in a clever A-to-Z format. The only letters in the alphabet not included are X and Z. (I guess Pope Francis can't play the xylophone and doesn't like zebras.) The stories cover a large swath of Pope Francis' life. We learn about his parents and his time before being a priest. We also learn about his early time as a priest and new things he is doing as the pope, like no longer making daily Mass private. All the stories are quick and interesting, but two really jumped out to me. The first one was called "Girlfriend." Apparently, while Pope Francis was still a seminarian, he became infatuated with a girl he met at a wedding. He definitely struggled with the decision on whether to return to seminary or marry her, but we all know the ultimate decision he made. The other one was called "Emotions." It talked about how he when he experiences something very emotional, like being elected Pope, he completely freezes for a minute or two while everything is processing. I can relate to reacting like that as well.
I have read a lot of biographies on Pope Francis, and while they all contain the same basic information on his life, they are all told from a different perspective. Unfortunately, a lot of people feel they don't have time to read a full biography or worry they might get bogged down in details. Pope Francis Takes the Bus is the perfect solution for those who are biography-averse. It gives us bite-sized portions of Pope Francis' life in an easy to read format that makes you fly through the pages. I was able to read this book in a little over an hour. It painted a very human picture of a great man and is a book that is worth sharing with your family and friends.
The book is divided into eighty unique stories and organized in a clever A-to-Z format. The only letters in the alphabet not included are X and Z. (I guess Pope Francis can't play the xylophone and doesn't like zebras.) The stories cover a large swath of Pope Francis' life. We learn about his parents and his time before being a priest. We also learn about his early time as a priest and new things he is doing as the pope, like no longer making daily Mass private. All the stories are quick and interesting, but two really jumped out to me. The first one was called "Girlfriend." Apparently, while Pope Francis was still a seminarian, he became infatuated with a girl he met at a wedding. He definitely struggled with the decision on whether to return to seminary or marry her, but we all know the ultimate decision he made. The other one was called "Emotions." It talked about how he when he experiences something very emotional, like being elected Pope, he completely freezes for a minute or two while everything is processing. I can relate to reacting like that as well.
I have read a lot of biographies on Pope Francis, and while they all contain the same basic information on his life, they are all told from a different perspective. Unfortunately, a lot of people feel they don't have time to read a full biography or worry they might get bogged down in details. Pope Francis Takes the Bus is the perfect solution for those who are biography-averse. It gives us bite-sized portions of Pope Francis' life in an easy to read format that makes you fly through the pages. I was able to read this book in a little over an hour. It painted a very human picture of a great man and is a book that is worth sharing with your family and friends.
January 18, 2017
It was cute and a small insight into who Pope Francis is (I Hope)
August 6, 2017
I enjoyed this book - I like Pope Francis, I think he is doing a lot of good in his role of Pope through a sense of humility that not all bring to the role or, indeed, to the church. It was eye opening to discover more about this extraordinary and dedicated man. The layout of this book was interesting and works well and the reflections on the life of Father Bergoglio were simply and sweetly written.
September 18, 2023
There have been many books written about Pope Francis, most of which contain deeper theological explanations and details; but this one contained mostly snippets and short stories from his life in a simple structure. Although it was a simple and refreshing book, I struggled to get through this one because it lacked a defined chronological structure. There is however, enough interesting material in the book to make it a good read.
December 31, 2019
I like how the author told stories from throughout Pope Francis' life, and not just his pontificate. I think because the book came out about a year after his election, it tends to feel a bit dated. However, the stories surrounding his family and the work he did in Argentina make him more understandable as a real person.
September 13, 2021
POPE FRANCIS TAKES THE BUS offers 80 compassionate stories displaying the humility, simplicity of lifestyle, love, and faith of Father Jorge Bergoglio, our Supreme Pontiff, Pope Francis, throughout his life of serving others. It is a heartwarming collection of stories to model and influence our daily lives. Pope Francis encourages all Christians to "take the bus".
August 16, 2025
A nice book of short stories about the life of Pope Francis most before he became pope. There are stories from his childhood, his calling to the priesthood, his days as archbishop of Buenos Aires and early days as pope. I enjoyed learning about his history from his own stories. He lived a simple life and practiced what he preached.
January 29, 2017
This was billed as something "for the whole family", however, I believe much of the language would be too difficult for children to understand on their own. That being said, it is still enjoyable. I was certainly able to glean religious meaning from it.
May 2, 2020
This is a wonderful look into the life of Pope Francis. I love that it is alphabetical and there are dip many wonderful tidbits. I especially love that there are some of his personal prayers and devotions included in this small volume! I would recommend this for anyone including children!
January 17, 2021
Fun (how many books about popes are fun?). Charming collection of anecdotes about Francis, before and after his election as pope - collected by a journalist. Gives insight to his character. Really fun to read, easy to pick up and put down again. Breezy, easy.
September 28, 2024
Such a cute little book. I read one passage a night for a while to help me relax before bed and I recommend it.
Sometimes funny , silly , delightful, inspiring, and all things A-Z 😜.
A cute book for Christian/catholic friends
Sometimes funny , silly , delightful, inspiring, and all things A-Z 😜.
A cute book for Christian/catholic friends
November 3, 2016
This was a quick read and I enjoyed learning more about Pope Francis. Pope Francis provides wonderful examples of how to live the gospels through his many acts of kindness and humility.
Want to read
April 17, 2021Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
September 21, 2016
Pope Francis Takes the Bus, and Other Unexpected Stories by Rosario Carello published last First July by Franciscan Media is truly enchanting exactly like enchanting is our new Bishop of Rome and guide of the Catholic Church Francis or Father Jorge Bergoglio, from Argentina.
He is an extraordinary human being, Francis a man completely integrated with the folk and the poor and more a person is poor and more he will love him/her.
In this book many anecdotes if you still don't know Francis from the A to the letter... Z.
His integrity can't be discussed.
Once elected archbishop of Buenos Aires he avoided to going at the big mansion reserved at the new archbishop, Olivos, but preferred to stay in the Curia, in central Buenos Aires so that he could breath the city and the problematic of people.
Compassionate once a lady stopped by there for talking to him. She was very poor, she had had seven children with two different men and they had to be still baptized. She didn't have money for everything. Bergoglio helped her to organize a good feast and a good moment for her children and her friends and family.
Francis love Borges and Holderlin.
He fell in love for a girl. He was still in seminary and well he experienced his week on the clouds before to take an important decision.
Explained why he lost one of his lungs, how he communicated the news he wanted to become priest to his parents.
Fr. Bergoglio doesn't live as we all know in Vatican but at Santa Martha and everyday he says a morning mass opened to people where he loves to talk of the current events and the problematic of Church with the linearity, simplicity we discovered as main treat of his character.
Francis is frugal. He doesn't eat a lot, but he is a good cook when necessary, he had a special talent for chemistry at school and he loved to help other children when they needed some help.
Patient and compassionate, go for this joyous book where it will be revealed all you need to know and more, of this so beloved Pope.
Perfect for everyone, for a gift, for being read and re-read in family.
He is an extraordinary human being, Francis a man completely integrated with the folk and the poor and more a person is poor and more he will love him/her.
In this book many anecdotes if you still don't know Francis from the A to the letter... Z.
His integrity can't be discussed.
Once elected archbishop of Buenos Aires he avoided to going at the big mansion reserved at the new archbishop, Olivos, but preferred to stay in the Curia, in central Buenos Aires so that he could breath the city and the problematic of people.
Compassionate once a lady stopped by there for talking to him. She was very poor, she had had seven children with two different men and they had to be still baptized. She didn't have money for everything. Bergoglio helped her to organize a good feast and a good moment for her children and her friends and family.
Francis love Borges and Holderlin.
He fell in love for a girl. He was still in seminary and well he experienced his week on the clouds before to take an important decision.
Explained why he lost one of his lungs, how he communicated the news he wanted to become priest to his parents.
Fr. Bergoglio doesn't live as we all know in Vatican but at Santa Martha and everyday he says a morning mass opened to people where he loves to talk of the current events and the problematic of Church with the linearity, simplicity we discovered as main treat of his character.
Francis is frugal. He doesn't eat a lot, but he is a good cook when necessary, he had a special talent for chemistry at school and he loved to help other children when they needed some help.
Patient and compassionate, go for this joyous book where it will be revealed all you need to know and more, of this so beloved Pope.
Perfect for everyone, for a gift, for being read and re-read in family.
January 1, 2017
The world has been fascinated with Pope Francis since his election in 2013. His love for the poor, his down-to-earth demeanor, and his folksy homiletic style are attractive to a world looking for authenticity.
Pope Francis Takes the Bus and Other Unexpected Stories, written by Rosario Carello, is filled with stories that show this very side of Pope Francis. Many of the stories are from his days before he was elected to the Chair of Peter, including his insistence on using public transportation (even as a cardinal), his devotion to both the Blessed Mother and Saint Joseph, and his tendency to make personal phone calls to people who have written to him. The stories are folksy and sweet, and each one holds a lesson for the reader.
The book was originally published in Italian when Pope Francis was still rather new to the pontificate, and it’s setup is a list of topics from A to Z (sort of…there’s no X or Z). The stories were fun to read, and they’re quick as well. There’s no need to read the book in order, really, because the stories are all stand-alone tales that can be picked up and put down at the convenience of the reader.
I did enjoy the book, though the style was a little more informal than I was expecting, and the stories sometimes feel as if they simply stop without a clear ending. Overall, I think the book is a neat way to humanize our pope and to show his humility. Again and again in the stories, we encounter Pope Francis – or Father Bergoglio, as he has preferred to be referred to (even as cardinal) – demonstrating kindness and humility, a love for the poor and concern for everyone’s spiritual welfare, humor and gravity… This is an opportunity to really get to know how Pope Francis ticks.
Pope Francis Takes the Bus and Other Unexpected Stories, written by Rosario Carello, is filled with stories that show this very side of Pope Francis. Many of the stories are from his days before he was elected to the Chair of Peter, including his insistence on using public transportation (even as a cardinal), his devotion to both the Blessed Mother and Saint Joseph, and his tendency to make personal phone calls to people who have written to him. The stories are folksy and sweet, and each one holds a lesson for the reader.
The book was originally published in Italian when Pope Francis was still rather new to the pontificate, and it’s setup is a list of topics from A to Z (sort of…there’s no X or Z). The stories were fun to read, and they’re quick as well. There’s no need to read the book in order, really, because the stories are all stand-alone tales that can be picked up and put down at the convenience of the reader.
I did enjoy the book, though the style was a little more informal than I was expecting, and the stories sometimes feel as if they simply stop without a clear ending. Overall, I think the book is a neat way to humanize our pope and to show his humility. Again and again in the stories, we encounter Pope Francis – or Father Bergoglio, as he has preferred to be referred to (even as cardinal) – demonstrating kindness and humility, a love for the poor and concern for everyone’s spiritual welfare, humor and gravity… This is an opportunity to really get to know how Pope Francis ticks.
April 14, 2016
Mettiamo subito una cosa in chiaro: questo libriccino non ha alcun merito letterario. Nonostante ciò è piacevole da leggere perché narra di modesti episodi di una persona che, nella sua umiltà, in pochi anni ha cambiato, spero per sempre, l'idea che il mondo ha di un Papa cattolico, mettendo definitivamente in pensione l'immagine del Papa Re, sostituita da quella del Papa al servizio.
Lascia un po' d'amaro in bocca la riflessione che al giorno d'oggi questi episodi, del tutto normali, siano così inconcepibili da sembrare eroici.
Ringrazio Franciscan Media e Netgalley per avermi fornito una copia gratuita in cambio di una recensione onesta.
We get it clear: this little book has no literary merit. Despite this, it is enjoyable to read because it tells of modest episodes of a person who, in his humility, in a few years has changed, hopefully for ever, the idea that the world has of a Catholic Pope, finally putting in retirement the image of the Pope King, replaced by that of the Pope that serves.
The reflection that nowadays these episodes, quite normal, are so inconceivable as to seem heroic, leaves a little of bitter taste.
Thank Franciscan Media and Netgalley for giving me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Lascia un po' d'amaro in bocca la riflessione che al giorno d'oggi questi episodi, del tutto normali, siano così inconcepibili da sembrare eroici.
Ringrazio Franciscan Media e Netgalley per avermi fornito una copia gratuita in cambio di una recensione onesta.
We get it clear: this little book has no literary merit. Despite this, it is enjoyable to read because it tells of modest episodes of a person who, in his humility, in a few years has changed, hopefully for ever, the idea that the world has of a Catholic Pope, finally putting in retirement the image of the Pope King, replaced by that of the Pope that serves.
The reflection that nowadays these episodes, quite normal, are so inconceivable as to seem heroic, leaves a little of bitter taste.
Thank Franciscan Media and Netgalley for giving me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 19, 2016
In this thriller, the Vatican is under attack and, while the enemy forces invade the City, the Pope flees aboard a bus, disguised as a deliveryman and ...
Stop, stop! None of this is true ... "Pope Francis takes the bus" is not a thriller novel; rather, it looks like the album of photos in any family: eighty "shots", eighty scenes starring Jorge Mario Bergoglio; a pleasant book, that makes you at times cheerful, sometimes sad. But, as recommended by the afterword, don’t read it quickly, then close and forget it. Rather, in every scene ask yourself: What would I do in Fr. Bergoglio’s place? Maybe not right away, or not always, but looking for an answer will help you to know yourself better and perhaps to improve also.
A final note: the scenes are presented in alphabetical order, from A to ... Y!
That's right, Z is missing.
Or maybe it doesn’t have a voice of its own because it’s illustrated and radiated through the whole book: maybe Z is for ... "Zest for Life" and "Zeal for Jesus and people", bursting from the person and the actions of Pope Francis.
Stop, stop! None of this is true ... "Pope Francis takes the bus" is not a thriller novel; rather, it looks like the album of photos in any family: eighty "shots", eighty scenes starring Jorge Mario Bergoglio; a pleasant book, that makes you at times cheerful, sometimes sad. But, as recommended by the afterword, don’t read it quickly, then close and forget it. Rather, in every scene ask yourself: What would I do in Fr. Bergoglio’s place? Maybe not right away, or not always, but looking for an answer will help you to know yourself better and perhaps to improve also.
A final note: the scenes are presented in alphabetical order, from A to ... Y!
That's right, Z is missing.
Or maybe it doesn’t have a voice of its own because it’s illustrated and radiated through the whole book: maybe Z is for ... "Zest for Life" and "Zeal for Jesus and people", bursting from the person and the actions of Pope Francis.
April 28, 2016
*I received a free copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Let me start off by saying that I am not a religious person, and I am not Catholic. However, I can honestly say that from what I have seen, heard and read Pope Francis is one of the most kind, generous, humble and progressive individuals of our time.
This book contains a number of lovely anecdotal stories, that take place throughout Pope Francis' life, both before and after he stepped into his current position. The stories are humbling to say the least and remind us all how important it is to take a step back, to reflect, to learn, to listen and help.
Let me start off by saying that I am not a religious person, and I am not Catholic. However, I can honestly say that from what I have seen, heard and read Pope Francis is one of the most kind, generous, humble and progressive individuals of our time.
This book contains a number of lovely anecdotal stories, that take place throughout Pope Francis' life, both before and after he stepped into his current position. The stories are humbling to say the least and remind us all how important it is to take a step back, to reflect, to learn, to listen and help.
July 19, 2016
What’s Pope Francis really like? You’ve heard bits and pieces in news stories about him paying his own hotel bill, riding the bus around Buenos Aires and forgoing a plush Papal apartment in favor of a life in community. Italian journalist Rosario Carello has put together eighty vignettes from the life of Pope Francis in a book that will help readers get to know the Pope in his new book, Pope Francis Takes the Bus.
My full review is here.
My full review is here.
July 21, 2016
I loved this book. I admired Pope Francis before I read this book. This writer only confirmed my ideas about the Pope. There were 80 segments about the Pope. They took the form of an alphabet. Of course I especially liked "B...is for Books." But there was also one about soccer, F...is for football. Nor does the author neglect the spiritual side of the Pope. H...is for humility and M...is for Mary are just a couple. Nicely done!
May 4, 2016
I wasn't sure what to make of this book when I read the description but I was immediately intrigued. The book for me was a really pleasant surprise and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm not religious in anyway so that shouldn't put people off, its really worth having a look it and I found it to be a really nice way of setting out the facts and telling us more about the current Pope.
October 21, 2016
Not having any religious affiliations, I was a bit skeptical about asking for this book.
My skepticism disappeared though whilst reading it!
Pope Francis comes across as human and warm hearted and I shall certainly be buying this for my Catholic friend!
I was given a digital copy of this book by the publisher Franciscan Media via Netgalley in return for an honest unbiased review.
My skepticism disappeared though whilst reading it!
Pope Francis comes across as human and warm hearted and I shall certainly be buying this for my Catholic friend!
I was given a digital copy of this book by the publisher Franciscan Media via Netgalley in return for an honest unbiased review.
May 12, 2016
It may be an issue of translation, but the writing is annoyingly choppy. If it were a shorter book, I would think it was written this way to help children learn to read, but since it is so long, it simply seems like bad writing.
I received an ARC from NetGalley.
I received an ARC from NetGalley.
July 30, 2016
I really enjoyed this short book. It was an easy format to pick up and take a bit of wisdom about Pope Francis.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews