
The Promise of Francis
The Man, the Pope, and the Challenge of Change
David Willey(Author)
Gallery (Publisher)
Published on 18. May 2017
Book
Paperback/Softback
336 pages
978-1-4767-8906-4 (ISBN)
Description
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 Vatican-a 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 Francis's 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 world's 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 Francis's 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.
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 Vatican-a 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 Francis's 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 world's 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 Francis's 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.
Reviews / Votes
"Willey keeps the story moving as well as compelling, sharing vignettes from history to the present day...this honest account will allow readers to become more informed on pressing issues facing the Catholic Church." -- Library Journal "Willey's take on the pope is certainly positive, and his views on the topics presented are always clear. An interesting page-turner for the armchair Vatican-watcher." -- KirkusMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York, NY
United States
Publishing group
Simon & Schuster
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
8pg 4-C insert
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 18 mm
Weight
612 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4767-8906-4 (9781476789064)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
09/2015
1st Edition
Gallery Books
€14.83
Available for download
Person
David Willey has reported for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) from Rome since 1971 under five Popes: Paul VI, John Paul I, John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis I. He is their longest serving foreign correspondent. He also broadcasts about the Vatican for NPR, CBC, ABC in Australia, Deutsche Welle Radio and TV in Berlin, and Swiss and Austrian Radio. His articles have appeared in The Tablet, The Observer (London), and the Sunday Telegraph. In 2004 he was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to broadcast journalism.