I recently finished reading Hope, the autobiography of the late Pope Francis. It was an inspiring read that provided perspective on the world’s troubles and what it will take to heal the divisions in society.

A wise and humble man

Reading the book confirmed what I’ve always known about the late Pope. He was a wise, compassionate and humble man.

I feel I have a reputation I do not deserve, a public esteem of which I am not worthy. This, beyond doubt, is my strongest sentiment.

Born in Argentina to Italian immigrant parents, the young Jorge Mario Bergoglio saw his share of injustice as he lived through Argentina’s military dictatorship. In the book, he writes extensively about his experience and shares tales of the desaparecidos—those who “disappeared” during the dictatorship.

When he was the first Pope to choose the name Francis after being elected as Pope in 2013, it sent a message that his values aligned with those of his namesake St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of the poor. Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis fought for mercy, compassion, and care for the poor and marginalized in society. Despite his status, he lived simply and humbly—shunning status symbols like the posh papal apartment and grand summer villa enjoyed by previous popes.

During his time leading the Church, Pope Francis took big steps towards reconciliation, justice and inclusivity. He also showed remarkable wisdom on environmental issues—his 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’ addressed issues related to climate change and equality.

In the words of Pope Francis

As I read the book, I noted many quotes. Rather than comment or try to put them in my own words, I’ll simply share the words of Pope Francis to give you an idea of the book’s themes.

Economics

Genuine development is inclusive, fruitful, directed toward the future and future generations, whereas false monopolistic development makes the rich richer and the poor poorer, in all times and all places.

An economy that kills, that excludes, that starves, that concentrates enormous wealth in a few to the detriment of so many, that multiplies poverty and grinds down salaries, that pollutes, that produces war, is not an economy. It is just an emptiness, an absence, a sickness.

Peace, conflict and the plight of migrants

Only those who build bridges can move forward: the builders of walls end up imprisoned by the walls they themselves have built. Most of all, their hearts become entrapped.

The fight should be against the distant causes, not the poor people who pay the consequences.

Injustice

Church doctrine urges us to fight against every form of injustice, without allowing us to be swept away either by ideological colonization or by the culture of indifference.

The environment

There is no tomorrow if we destroy the environment that sustains us.

Divisions in society

We need a vaccine for the heart.

The world can only change with a change of heart.

Freedom and peaceful co-existence are threatened when human beings yield to the temptation of selfishness, the urge for profit, and the thirst for power.

Fear is the origin of slavery, and it is the origin of every form of dictatorship, because it is on the exploitation of popular fears that indifference and violence grow.

I pray that our new Pope Leo XIV continues the good work of love, justice and inclusivity started by the late Pope Francis. The late Pope left big and well worn shoes to fill.

Pope Francis’ book Hope is an inspiring read. It will be of interest to anyone—Catholic or not—who shares his common values of mercy, compassion, and care for the poor and marginalized.