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Želim ti dobar život: Ti si čudesan
Danas nas Bog zadivljuje i svakom od nas kaže: Ti si čudesan!
Živi, ljubi, sanjaj, vjeruj. I, uz pomoć Božje milosti, ne očajavaj.
Važan si. Jedinstven si. Čudesan si!
Ovo je poruka pape Franje za tebe danas. Čak i kada te obuzmu brige ili umor, sjeti se da si doista dragocjen i da u sebi nosiš svjetlo koje ti je povjereno. To je najveći dar koji ti nitko ne može oduzeti. Zato sanjaj, nemoj se umoriti sanjati. I nadasve dopusti da te iznenadi Božja ljubav. To je dobar život. A to je i najveća i najljepša želja koju možemo poželjeti jedni drugima. Radost, potpuna i konkretna radost za kojom svatko čezne, bit će njegova prirodna posljedica. To nije uvijek lagan put, životne teškoće i sveprisutni pesimizam ponekad otežavaju prepoznavanje i prihvaćanje milosti, ali – jamči Papa – život postaje lijep upravo kada se srce otvori Providnosti i dopusti da u njega uđu nježnost i milosrđe. Utješno je znati da uvijek možemo početi ispočetka jer Bog može u nama započeti novu povijest čak i od naših krhotina.
Nadahnjujući se s 15 pravila za dobar život koje je naznačio papa Franjo, možemo u potpunosti otkriti vlastitu čudesnost i iskusiti autentičan okus istinskoga življenja, zaraznu radost koja čini život dobrim.
Živi, ljubi, sanjaj, vjeruj. I, uz pomoć Božje milosti, ne očajavaj.
Važan si. Jedinstven si. Čudesan si!
Ovo je poruka pape Franje za tebe danas. Čak i kada te obuzmu brige ili umor, sjeti se da si doista dragocjen i da u sebi nosiš svjetlo koje ti je povjereno. To je najveći dar koji ti nitko ne može oduzeti. Zato sanjaj, nemoj se umoriti sanjati. I nadasve dopusti da te iznenadi Božja ljubav. To je dobar život. A to je i najveća i najljepša želja koju možemo poželjeti jedni drugima. Radost, potpuna i konkretna radost za kojom svatko čezne, bit će njegova prirodna posljedica. To nije uvijek lagan put, životne teškoće i sveprisutni pesimizam ponekad otežavaju prepoznavanje i prihvaćanje milosti, ali – jamči Papa – život postaje lijep upravo kada se srce otvori Providnosti i dopusti da u njega uđu nježnost i milosrđe. Utješno je znati da uvijek možemo početi ispočetka jer Bog može u nama započeti novu povijest čak i od naših krhotina.
Nadahnjujući se s 15 pravila za dobar život koje je naznačio papa Franjo, možemo u potpunosti otkriti vlastitu čudesnost i iskusiti autentičan okus istinskoga življenja, zaraznu radost koja čini život dobrim.
208 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2022
About the author
Pope Francis
1,343 books1,011 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 48 reviews
February 20, 2024
With his wisdom, Pope Francis puts together fifteen mindsets that allow readers to find hope and meaning in different circumstances.
With warmth and intelligence, he encourages and inspires to look deep inside us and search for what is truly meaningful in life.
In this fast-paced and digital world, many of us get disconnected from what is truly important.
Our desolation and anguish is our own creation as we no longer have room for others and no place for the poor. But there is meaning in our weaknesses and lessons to be learned from them.
In my favorite Chapter 2 – “The Best Part of Life,” he talks about most important lesson – we’re not meant to be a storage of information, but to be wise. It’s not about accumulation of information, but it’s about what you do with that knowledge.
Mind, heart and hands need to come together. What you think, feel and do together matters. Those three components create the harmony of wisdom.
He states that we lost this wisdom of living well. That’s why we need to go back to the ancient lesson that is in different religions – “less is more.”
Accumulation of goods is distracting to heart and gets in a way of cherishing each and every moment. We need to go back to simplicity and appreciating small things.
Learn to travel through life, don’t wander aimlessly without a destination. Life has a goal.
If you make a mistake, admit it. Learn from it and move on. Take the reins and be in charge of your life.
“Trivial choices lead to a trivial life; great choices lead to a great life. We become what we choose, for better or for worse.”
In the following chapters, he explores much more, touching upon living in the present moment, having strong roots, meaningful lives, contributing to society, carrying gratitude and kindness, having face-to-face contact, giving the gift of a smile, speaking a word of encouragement, taking the time to listen, being inquisitive and creative among other subjects.
“We didn’t come into this world to vegetate. We came into this world to leave a mark.”
For those who read books on self-help, a lot of subjects will ring a bell. But with Pope Francis’ wisdom and compassion he weaves those mindsets with so much depth and warmth. They fill each fiber of human body. With gentle suggestions and nudges, he mentors how to have a meaningful life filled with purpose and growth.
It’s written in a form of vignettes, capturing the significant passages of life. It’s one of those books that can be read one passage a day, and reread for months and years. It’s a kind of read that lingers and stays with a reader for a long time.
TRENDING INSPIRATION: Leave a Mark
https://biopurposeland.blogspot.com/
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
With warmth and intelligence, he encourages and inspires to look deep inside us and search for what is truly meaningful in life.
In this fast-paced and digital world, many of us get disconnected from what is truly important.
Our desolation and anguish is our own creation as we no longer have room for others and no place for the poor. But there is meaning in our weaknesses and lessons to be learned from them.
In my favorite Chapter 2 – “The Best Part of Life,” he talks about most important lesson – we’re not meant to be a storage of information, but to be wise. It’s not about accumulation of information, but it’s about what you do with that knowledge.
Mind, heart and hands need to come together. What you think, feel and do together matters. Those three components create the harmony of wisdom.
He states that we lost this wisdom of living well. That’s why we need to go back to the ancient lesson that is in different religions – “less is more.”
Accumulation of goods is distracting to heart and gets in a way of cherishing each and every moment. We need to go back to simplicity and appreciating small things.
Learn to travel through life, don’t wander aimlessly without a destination. Life has a goal.
If you make a mistake, admit it. Learn from it and move on. Take the reins and be in charge of your life.
“Trivial choices lead to a trivial life; great choices lead to a great life. We become what we choose, for better or for worse.”
In the following chapters, he explores much more, touching upon living in the present moment, having strong roots, meaningful lives, contributing to society, carrying gratitude and kindness, having face-to-face contact, giving the gift of a smile, speaking a word of encouragement, taking the time to listen, being inquisitive and creative among other subjects.
“We didn’t come into this world to vegetate. We came into this world to leave a mark.”
For those who read books on self-help, a lot of subjects will ring a bell. But with Pope Francis’ wisdom and compassion he weaves those mindsets with so much depth and warmth. They fill each fiber of human body. With gentle suggestions and nudges, he mentors how to have a meaningful life filled with purpose and growth.
It’s written in a form of vignettes, capturing the significant passages of life. It’s one of those books that can be read one passage a day, and reread for months and years. It’s a kind of read that lingers and stays with a reader for a long time.
TRENDING INSPIRATION: Leave a Mark
https://biopurposeland.blogspot.com/
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
April 27, 2024
While no Jane Austen, the author is my Pope. In simply selected words, he reminds us of the importance of hope and joy. He suggests a gentle path to a good life by focusing on values and actions.
April 9, 2026
*Audiobook* what a treat to listen to on my drives. The simplicity of the words were wonderful for a little guy like me. I took notes, here are my top 9 quotes:
Let your plans be upset. Go and serve. It is sad to see Christians play defense only, content only to observe rules and obey commandments. Those moderate Christians never push the boundaries because they are afraid of taking risks. And, if you will permit me, those who choose to take care of themselves and avoid all risks start a process of mummification of their souls and end up as mummies.
Saintliness does not make you less human. It is the encounter between your weakness and the power of God’s grace.
Having compassion is choosing not to have any enemies and seeing a neighbor in everyone. Having compassion is a choice.
Prayer does not mean avoiding the difficulties of life, the light of faith is not just a beautiful, spiritual feeling to be experienced, this is not the message of Jesus. We are called on to experience an encounter with Christ, so that we, illuminated by his light, can shine it all around us. We need to switch on small lights in everybody’s hearts. We need to be small lanterns of the scriptures that proclaim Love and Hope. This is what it means to be Christian. This is our mission.
Kindness frees us from the cruelty that at times poisons human relationships, from the anxiety that prevents us from thinking about others, from the frantic flurry of activity that forgets that others also have the right to be happy.
We risk being struck by an even worse virus, selfish indifference. This spreads by thinking that life is getting better for all if it is getting better for me, things will be all right if they are all right for me. This is how it begins. It ends by choosing some people over others. Ignoring the poor. Sacrificing those who are left behind on the altar of progress. The pandemic was a reminder that there are no differences or borders between those who suffer. We are all frail. We are all equal. We are all precious.
St. Faustina: Lord, they often take advantage of my goodness. Jesus replied: that makes no difference my daughter, that is no concern of yours. As for you, be always merciful towards other people.
Prayer is not an escape, not a way of running away from our problems. On the contrary, it is the only weapon at our disposal for keeping Love and Hope alive when we are surrounded by so many weapons of death.
We are all good at crucifying others to save ourselves.
Let your plans be upset. Go and serve. It is sad to see Christians play defense only, content only to observe rules and obey commandments. Those moderate Christians never push the boundaries because they are afraid of taking risks. And, if you will permit me, those who choose to take care of themselves and avoid all risks start a process of mummification of their souls and end up as mummies.
Saintliness does not make you less human. It is the encounter between your weakness and the power of God’s grace.
Having compassion is choosing not to have any enemies and seeing a neighbor in everyone. Having compassion is a choice.
Prayer does not mean avoiding the difficulties of life, the light of faith is not just a beautiful, spiritual feeling to be experienced, this is not the message of Jesus. We are called on to experience an encounter with Christ, so that we, illuminated by his light, can shine it all around us. We need to switch on small lights in everybody’s hearts. We need to be small lanterns of the scriptures that proclaim Love and Hope. This is what it means to be Christian. This is our mission.
Kindness frees us from the cruelty that at times poisons human relationships, from the anxiety that prevents us from thinking about others, from the frantic flurry of activity that forgets that others also have the right to be happy.
We risk being struck by an even worse virus, selfish indifference. This spreads by thinking that life is getting better for all if it is getting better for me, things will be all right if they are all right for me. This is how it begins. It ends by choosing some people over others. Ignoring the poor. Sacrificing those who are left behind on the altar of progress. The pandemic was a reminder that there are no differences or borders between those who suffer. We are all frail. We are all equal. We are all precious.
St. Faustina: Lord, they often take advantage of my goodness. Jesus replied: that makes no difference my daughter, that is no concern of yours. As for you, be always merciful towards other people.
Prayer is not an escape, not a way of running away from our problems. On the contrary, it is the only weapon at our disposal for keeping Love and Hope alive when we are surrounded by so many weapons of death.
We are all good at crucifying others to save ourselves.
August 15, 2024
a codification of His Holiness Pope Francis' lessons and beliefs, this series of short homilies focus on the importance of real love for others, and real and compassionate service to others, as our path to a good life.
January 11, 2024
Pope Francis' latest work, "A Good Life: 15 Essential Habits for Living with Hope and Joy," isn't your typical religious treatise. It's a warm, inviting conversation, a grandfatherly nudge towards finding meaning and fulfillment in the everyday. Forget rigid dogma; this book is a tapestry woven from personal anecdotes, philosophical musings, and practical advice, all delivered with the Pope's characteristic wit and humility.
The book's core lies in 15 "rules" for living, each a stepping stone on the path to a good life. These are not commandments, but rather gentle suggestions, nudging us towards self-discovery, compassion, and a deeper connection to the world around us. Francis champions the simple things – the joy of a shared meal, the power of forgiveness, the importance of dreaming and hoping. He reminds us that even amidst life's inevitable struggles, there is always beauty to be found, purpose to be discovered.
One of the book's strengths is its accessibility. Francis speaks directly to the reader, addressing anxieties and challenges common to all, regardless of faith or background. He doesn't shy away from tough topics like poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation, but instead uses them as springboards for calls to action and collective responsibility.
Of course, the book isn't without its limitations. Some readers might find the religious underpinnings too pronounced, while others might crave a more in-depth exploration of certain themes. However, these are minor quibbles in the face of the book's overall warmth and wisdom.
"A Good Life" is not a self-help manual with quick fixes or guaranteed success. It's a slow, thoughtful read, meant to be savored and reflected upon. It's a book that will leave you feeling a little lighter, a little more hopeful, and a little more inspired to embrace the good things in life, big and small.
Pub Date: 20 Feb 2024
#NetGalley
The book's core lies in 15 "rules" for living, each a stepping stone on the path to a good life. These are not commandments, but rather gentle suggestions, nudging us towards self-discovery, compassion, and a deeper connection to the world around us. Francis champions the simple things – the joy of a shared meal, the power of forgiveness, the importance of dreaming and hoping. He reminds us that even amidst life's inevitable struggles, there is always beauty to be found, purpose to be discovered.
One of the book's strengths is its accessibility. Francis speaks directly to the reader, addressing anxieties and challenges common to all, regardless of faith or background. He doesn't shy away from tough topics like poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation, but instead uses them as springboards for calls to action and collective responsibility.
Of course, the book isn't without its limitations. Some readers might find the religious underpinnings too pronounced, while others might crave a more in-depth exploration of certain themes. However, these are minor quibbles in the face of the book's overall warmth and wisdom.
"A Good Life" is not a self-help manual with quick fixes or guaranteed success. It's a slow, thoughtful read, meant to be savored and reflected upon. It's a book that will leave you feeling a little lighter, a little more hopeful, and a little more inspired to embrace the good things in life, big and small.
Pub Date: 20 Feb 2024
#NetGalley
January 21, 2025
SO MUCH GOODNESS!!! I love Pope Francis, what a guy!!! This book is like an antidote to all of the ugliness in our current climate😮💨
January 7, 2026
Beautiful words, from a beautiful soul. 🙏
July 26, 2025
This book by His Holiness is simple and straightforward... a set of aphorisms on how to lead a holy and virtuous life filled with recognizing God's perpetual presence in our lives as well as the concomitant need we have for each other and the advancement of each other's well being. Interspersed are poignant anecdotes from his ministerial life and erudite rationales as to how these set of suggestions might lead to more unity and charity amongst us.
October 29, 2024
This is not a typical religious book but rather an excellent book at relating common sense approaches to guide through life situations.
July 25, 2025
Although there are Francis' homespun wisdom scattered in pieces throughout this book, much of this material feels that it is included just to get another book of the late Pope published.
January 25, 2024
I'm not Catholic but I love reading spiritual texts as I try to become more centered and part of the world. Pope Francis has some of the best, most practical, and most beautiful advice on how to live in the world. This short book is particularly good, because it focuses on the most basic parts of spiritual life, like living others. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this
May 28, 2024
I'm not Catholic but I feel the Pope speaks to all of us. I didn't agree with everything but I got some things to work on. I try to work for peaceful solutions and will continue to do that. I also want to get away from materialism and anxiety in my life. PRAYER then Action go together. You can't have one without the other.
February 25, 2024
I really enjoyed this new collection of lessons from Pope Francis. As a Catholic, I try to read papal texts when I can for spiritual development. I really liked this collection for a few reasons. Pope Francis has split up his lessons into chapters, and in each chapter into even smaller points. I found this style incredibly easy to follow and read. You don't always get that in spiritual texts! That being said, I was a bit confused at the end because the last chapter was 14, so that made me think I was missing a habit. Overall, what Pope Francis here discusses is straightforward and represented in a stern but kind way. Very simply put, he offers reminders for why Christians act the way they do, with citations, and emphasizes how even if it's something difficult to follow, we should still strive to try. The tone of this book was hopeful and non-judgemental. You can tell that he really values people as children of God and sees the potential and good in humanity, which in this day and age can feel rare.
March 16, 2025
If you tried all the other books to help you figure out what is missing in your life or how you can be better and none of them seems to help then try this. Yes, it is coming from a religious prespective and it is based in Christianity, but it may surprise you and help you. For me, I was struck by the concept of taking risks and that your Faith may be too shallow if you do not take risks. Basically the last two-ish chapters were the most thought provoking, but this full of great tidbits for life.
March 26, 2025
I am a life-long Catholic who loves the Pope, so my critique does not come from an anti-Catholic bigotry. Taking the author's name away, I found this book overly simplistic. I would expect deeper insights from a Jesuit. It seems like an editor took some writing here and some writings there and mashed them together into a book. I doubt that Pope Francis sat down and thoughtfully wrote this book. Sometimes, it is addressed to the elderly and then to young people and then to married people. I only finished reading the book because of the respect I have for the Pope's age and position.
January 3, 2026
Inspirational words of hope and action. Well read by Jonathan Keeble. So much of Francis' scripture teachings can be aligned with the fundamental principles of Buddhism and other religions - the interconnectness of living things (indeed, all things); the "all of my relatives" concept of Indigenous teachings; most of all this book is an invitation to become active, compassionate, giving. Lots of examples from scripture - of course within Catholic epistemology, but applicable even if one is not Catholic, Christian or any religion.
May 3, 2025
I feel like I just listened to Papa Francis sit down with me for hours and explain the mysteries of life. Pain. Disappointment. Grief. Loneliness. Frustration. My own self absorbance. Friendship. Aging. Wow. He is the most authentic and honest and humble Pope. I wish I had read this when it was first published, but I’m recommending it to all of my friends now who really need some direction in life. Especially the younger generations! (I listened to this via audiobook.)
March 20, 2026
Simple yet eloquent. Written for young people but important reminders for all. I am not Catholic but I am a believer. This was written in a way that one could use it as a devotional. Writing does not have to be complicated to be beautiful and when it is based on the Bible, even a few lines are worth dwelling on for the day. I highly recommend this reading as a gentle, loving reset for our peace and priorites.
May 15, 2025
Read more like a collection of sound bites than any kind of in depth on stating hope or joy. Perhaps each little section was abstracted from a more thoughtful sermon or writing, but standing alone many seemed like throwaway bits of advice.
June 16, 2025
Exceptional read and/or listen. Less about being Catholic and more about living out the call of Christian life, especially in this day in age. Incredibly inspiring and a reminder to always hope and never forget to dream.
July 9, 2025
‘Ako te snadu zalost i gorcina, cvrsto vjeruj u sve osobe koje jos uvijek rade za dobro. U njihovoj je poniznosti sjeme novoga svijeta. Pohodi osobe koje su sacuvale djetinje srce. Uci iz divljenja, njeguj cudenje. Zivi, ljubi, sanjanj, vjeruj. I uz pomoc Bozije milosti, ne ocajavaj.’
July 19, 2025
BEST BOOK I HAVE READ THIS YEAR.
- Restored my hope in humanity
- Helped me believe that everything will be okay
- somehow healed my religious wounds
I’m not even catholic and I highlighted every page! Cannot recommend this book enough.
- Restored my hope in humanity
- Helped me believe that everything will be okay
- somehow healed my religious wounds
I’m not even catholic and I highlighted every page! Cannot recommend this book enough.
November 3, 2025
Simple biblical wisdom delivered plainly. Though it's a quick, easy read, I think it will be one I return to for gentle reminders again and again. Next time, I won't read it quite so quickly; it needs time to percolate.
February 11, 2026
Perfect for someone wanting to grow in their faith- not 5 stars because I do feel like a lot of it was repetitive. As a convert catholic I appreciated hearing from the previous popes perspective, and getting steps to walk deeper in my faith.
April 6, 2024
Life isn't a good life without Jesus, is the theme of the entire book. Pathetic. Ah well, at least the Inquisition isn't around to force me to convert to Catholicism at the end of a sword.
April 20, 2024
It was inspirational.
May 4, 2024
It’s like I was getting a lecture from my grandpa! But an awesome lecture!
May 12, 2024
Loved this book. Good way to live your life. Spread love everywhere 🫶🏻
January 15, 2025
If you're Catholic and need a "pep talk", I recommend this. Can be used for devotions. Doesn't have to be read straight through, can be read in sections.
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February 7, 2025Pub. 2021
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews