With more than four decades of firsthand experience reporting from
Vatican City, David Willey explores the religious and personal
background of Pope Francis and his ability to fulfill the promises of
reform made during the first two years of his papacy.
Sex crimes
and cover-ups, financial scandal, declining membership, and the
unprecedented resignation of its chief executive, Pope Benedict XVI.
These were the ingredients of a twenty-first century crisis in the
Vaticana crisis that might have anticipated the election of a steadily
conservative pope, a career bureaucrat, and an insider. An operator.
Instead they chose Francis. Using his unparalleled access and knowledge
of the inner workings of the Vatican, BBC correspondent David Willey
chronicles Franciss first two years as pope and analyzes what could
happen in the years to come. He tells the inside story of how this most
unlikely man came from the end of the world to lead the worlds
largest corporation into the future, stirring millions to interest and
faith again through his frank speeches and benevolent beliefs. In
putting this all into context, Willey seeks to further unravel the
mysteries and conspiracies that continue to surround the worldwide
headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church.
The world has never seen
the Church in a greater state of flux, as Franciss words and deeds have
enchanted, entertained, and sometimes enraged the public. In this
comprehensive biography complete with full-color photography, David
Willey explores the religious and personal background of the
inspirational Pope Francis, his stunning impact on the Catholic Church,
the hopes he has raised, and the legacy he will leave behind.