The Great Reformer: Francis and the making of a radical pope

By Austen Ivereigh

When Pope Francis was elected in March 2013, he was virtually unknown. He fast captivated the world with his rejection of papal pomp, his love of the poor, his fearless critiques of injustice and corruption, and his far-reaching reforms of the Catholic Church.

This is the first intimate, in-depth biography of a pope whose visionary leadership has breathed new life into the Church and turned him into a global phenomenon.

Through extensive interviews in Argentina and elsewhere, and drawing on the author's deep knowledge of the country and Church that shaped him, The Great Reformer reveals the life, the spirituality and the thought of Jorge Mario Bergoglio as never before. It tells for the first time the story of how his visionary reform of the Jesuit order led to his internal exile in Argentina. It also offers the first behind-the-scenes accounts of the conclaves of 2005 and 2013.

The Great Reformer shows how a shy, austere assistant bishop came to be the leader of the Latin-American Church and eventually pastor of over a billion Catholics.

'This is a great read about a man who's exploded into our consciousness, whom we're yet to really know but whom we sense may offer precious revitalisation for our bruised Church. This book will help make up your mind.' - Geraldine Doogue

• Language: English
• Publisher: Allen & Unwin
• Release date: Dec 1, 2014
• ISBN: 9781743439500

Austen Ivereigh

Austen Ivereigh is a writer, journalist, and commentator best known for two highly regarded biographies of Pope Francis: The Great Reformer: Francis and the Making of a Radical Pope and Wounded Shepherd: Pope Francis and His Struggle to Convert the Catholic Church.  

Reviews for The Great Reformer

[schmerguls · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a 12014 biography of Pope Francis. I was quite surprised to learn that he had quite a stressful time when he was Jesuit provincial in Argentina and that he was estranged from the Jesuit community while he was bishop and archbishop. But the account of his election and his time as Pope is a joy to read and makes the entire book worthwhile. The book makes me very hopeful for the future of the Church. Ths only sad part is that Francis is not younger but he certainly has conducted himself as a true shepherd and we can all hope that he will continue in good health.

[lynnb_64 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I greatly admire Pope Francis (though I am not Catholic) for his priority on the poor, and for putting the mercy of Jesus front and centre of his teachings and actions. This biography gives a comprehensive look at his life, including his time as a priest, then bishop, then cardinal in Argentina. The author shows how Francis worked in the political atmosphere of his time...a time of government-caused "disappearances", high inflation, guerrilla war fare and other major upheavals. It shows how he reached out to the poor, and to those of other faiths. It also provides a glimpse into Vatican politics and how popes are chosen. Very interesting, lots of context, and lots of Pope Francis's own words and deeds to give us a better understanding of this man.