New Releases by Pope Francis

In his fourth encyclical, Dilexit Nos ("He loved us"), Pope Francis writes, at a time of profound global challenges, on the human and divine love of the heart of Jesus Christ. As Pope Francis observes, "We find ourselves immersed in societies of serial consumers who live from day to day, dominated by the hectic pace and bombarded by technology, lacking in the patience needed to engage in the processes that an interior life by its very nature requires." The Holy Father calls for a change of perspective, urging humanity to rediscover what is most essential: the heart. In Dilexit Nos, Pope Francis invites us to reflect on aspects of the Lord''s love that could illuminate the path of ecclesial renewal and resonate meaningfully with "a world that seems to have lost its heart." This encyclical, which includes reflections from Sacred Scripture and previous magisterial teachings, reintroduces the Church to the spiritually profound devotion to the Sacred Heart. The encyclical''s release coincides with ongoing celebrations commemorating the 350th anniversary of the first appearance of Jesus to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque in 1673, when he revealed to her his Sacred Heart.

POPE FRANCIS'' DEBUT MEMOIR · A moving, deeply human account of the life and legacy of one of the bravest and most visionary leaders in modern history—A must read for all generations in a world yearning for hope and change For the first time, Pope Francis tells the story of his life as he looks back on the momentous world events that have changed history—from his earliest years during the outbreak of World War II in 1939 to the turmoil of today. An extraordinary personal and historical journey, Life is the story of a man and a world in dramatic change. A champion for the oppressed and marginalized—and the future of our planet—Pope Francis has inspired all of us to take action to alter the course of history toward a more loving and humane trajectory. With eloquence, passion, and humility, Pope Francis recalls his life through memories and observations of the most significant occurrences of the past eight decades. The book opens with three-year-old Jorge in the kitchen with his mother in Argentina as World War II breaks out, and he goes on to witness several historic events: The fall of the Berlin Wall Videla’s coup in Argentina The moon landing in 1969 And even the 1986 World Cup in which Maradona scored the unforgettable “hand of God” goal. Here are the frank assessments and intimate insights of a pastor reflecting on the Nazi extermination of the Jews, the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the 2001 terrorist attack on America and the collapse of the Twin Towers, the great economic recession of 2008, the Covid-19 pandemic, the retirement of Pope Benedict XVI, and the subsequent conclave that elected him Pontiff. The “pope callejero” recounts these world-changing moments with the candor and compassion that distinguishes him and offers important messages on major crises confronting us now, including social inequalities, climate change, international war, atomic weapons, racial discrimination, political unease, and the battles over social and cultural issues. An innovative change agent and a profoundly empathetic leader, the late Pope''s words and vision live on in this unforgettable account of a religious and humanitarian legend. “We must learn from our elders what our planet has experienced, so as not to repeat the mistakes of the past.”—Pope Francis

“The nativity scene is like a living Gospel rising up from the pages of sacred Scripture. As we contemplate the Christmas story, we are invited to set out on a spiritual journey, drawn by the humility of the God who became man in order to encounter every man and woman. We come to realize that so great is his love for us that he became one of us, so that we in turn might become one with him.” Pope Francis On the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’s original nativity, Pope Francis gives to the world this stirring call to come to the manger and encounter Christ anew. Written with his beloved down-to-earth style, Pope Francis tells the story of Christmas through the lens of the different characters of the Nativity scene. This book, in English for the first time, is destined to be a perennial Christmas classic.

The beloved Pope Francis’s prayers for the ten most pressing issues the world is facing today, inspiring action to radically unite humanity in hope for a peaceful future “The clock is ticking, and all life is in danger, yet we still have time. . . . So let us take the first steps and go out to encounter the other—those who are different from us. Let us put our hands, minds, and hearts into working together. Let us be the change we want to see in the world."—Pope Francis In this challenging and evocative book, Pope Francis reflects on ten vital issues the world is facing today, encompassing his hopes and dreams for the Church and for all of humankind. Among other prayers, Pope Francis is asking in the name of God • for the media to reject fake news and renounce hateful language • for a stop to the madness of war • for the welcome of migrants and refugees • for the eradication of the culture of abuse from within the Church This isn’t just a world leader’s reflections on spirituality. I Am Asking in the Name of God is a wake-up call for all of humanity, a practical path toward unity, and a lighthouse of hope in the darkest of eras. This unflinching and inspiring book is a catalyst of change to usher in a new age more beautiful than we can imagine.

When Pope Francis puts pen to paper, people around the world pay attention. Between 2017 and 2020, the Holy Father published six groundbreaking documents with topics ranging from the importance of scripture to Catholic social teaching, and from injustice in the Amazon to the role of religion in building world peace. These seven documents—letters, apostolic exhortations, an encyclical, and a statement cosigned by Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmad Al-Tayyeb—are gathered in one volume for the first time. Volume 2 includes: Gaudete et Exultate, March 19, 2018: In his apostolic exhortation Rejoice and Be Glad: On the Call to Holiness in Today’s World, Pope Francis reissues the universal call to holiness, challenges us to recognize the “saints next door” we encounter in daily life, and provides a practical meditation on how we can respond to the Lord’s invitation to become his disciples. Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together, February 4, 2019: This document emphasizes the important role of religion in building world peace and the rights of freedom, justice, and full citizenship for all people—including women. It was cosigned in Abu Dhabi by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, during Pope Francis’s apostolic visit to the United Arab Emirates. Apperuit Illis, September 30, 2019: This apostolic letter, Instituting the Sunday of the Word of God, reflects on Vatican II’s teaching on the importance of the scriptures and encourages all Catholics to embrace the Bible as part of their rich spiritual heritage. Christus Vivit, March 25, 2019: Christ is Alive is the post-synodal apostolic exhortation to young people framed on three key principles: God loves you, Jesus saves and suffers with you, and Jesus is alive. Querida Amazonia, February 12, 2020: The 2020 post-synodal apostolic exhortation Beloved Amazon addresses injustice and exploitation in the Amazon region, outlines challenges to caring for creation and respecting the cultures of indigenous peoples, and renews consideration of how the Church’s mission can and should take shape in the twenty-first century. Fratelli Tutti, October 4, 2020: All Brothers and Sisters: On Fraternity and Social Friendship is Pope Francis’s third encyclical and the only one written between 2017 and 2020. This seminal work challenges us to take a fresh look at the great ideals of the Church’s social teaching and put them into practice on a new—and more personal—level. Patris Corde, December 8, 2020: The apostolic letter With a Father’s Heart declared 2021 the Year of St. Joseph, and provides an extended meditation on the various facets of Joseph’s fatherhood.

Pope Francis''s Apostolic letter surveys the ancient ministry of catechist beginning with those men and women who helped the Apostle Paul through to the many catechist Saints and Blesseds who advanced the Church''s mission over the centuries. Recognizing the work of catechists around the world this document establishes the lay ministry of catechist for "men and women of deep faith and human maturity, active participants in the life of the Christian community, capable of welcoming others, being generous and living a life of fraternal communion" who have received suitable formation.

May God grant that the entire Church be enriched and challenged by the work of the synodal assembly. May the pastors, consecrated men and women and lay faithful of the Amazon region strive to apply it, and may it inspire in some way every person of good will. (Pope Francis)Following the Amazon Synod held in Rome, October 2019, Pope Francis offers his own response to the process of dialogue and discernment in this Exhortation. He proposes a framework for reflection that can be applied concretely, not only to the life of the Amazon region, but to the whole world.

A study guide is included for individual reflection and small group discussion. Everyone who cares about the future of the Church needs to read Pope Francis'' new letter! "Get involved! Jesus was not a bystander. He got involved. Don''t stand aloof, but immerse yourselves in the reality of life, as Jesus did." A response to the Synod on Young People, Christ Lives is a passionate call for every Christian to embrace their role in the Church, to bring the gospel everywhere, and to meet young people where they are. From a Scriptural overview of how God views youth to inspiration from the saints to practical advice, Christ Lives is a timely commentary that will help you look back on your own experience of being young, enable you to assess your understanding of today''s youth, and equip you with tools to help the Church become a welcoming place for young people and a beacon of hope to the world.

Post-Syndoal Apostolic Exhortation " Christus vivit" (Christ is alive), inspired largely by the thoughts of the Synod in the youth held in 2018, Pope Francis gives the young people of the world a proposal for a journey of faith and hope. In a great development that goes through the Bible and the history of the Church, the Pope shows the companionship that unites God and the young people of all times and at every moment. It evokes the grace of youth and what it brings in the history of salvation, what it says about the will of God in this story.

To young Christians of the world, Pope Francis has a message for you: "Christ is alive, and he wants you to be alive!" In his fourth apostolic exhortation, Christus Vivit, Pope Francis encapsulates the work of the 2018 synod of bishops on "Young People, The Faith, and Vocational Discernment." Pope Francis has always had a special relationship with young people, and in his fatherly love for you he shows that: You can relate to young people in Scripture who made a difference You identify with the Christ who is always young You face difficult issues in the world today You yearn for the truth of the Gospel You are capable of amazing things when you respond to the Gospel You learn and grow with help from the faithful of all generations You need bold and creative youth ministry You can discover who God made you to be You are urged to pray for discernment Christus Vivit is written for and to young people, but Pope Francis also wrote it for the entire Church, because, as he says, reflecting on our young people inspires us all. "May the Holy Spirit urge you on as you run this race. The Church needs your momentum, your intuitions, your faith. We need them! And when you arrive where we have not yet reached, have the patience to wait for us."

Pope Francis celebrates women in the Church and the world, seen through the lens of Mary, the mother of Jesus, in this enlightening new work. “Mary was not omnipotent, she was a normal woman: full of grace, but normal. The power is that grace of the Holy Spirit. Mary is full of the Holy Spirit, who accompanies her for her entire life.”—Pope Francis In Ave Maria, Pope Francis explores and unpacks line by line the meaning of the Ave Maria prayer, while celebrating women and all they do as leaders, friends, sisters, and mothers. Teaming up again with theologian Marco Pozza, Francis illuminates Mary’s simple and complex nature and how her example challenges all of us to lead lives of faith, hope, and perseverance. In the end, she is an icon not just for the religious but for all who look to grow more deeply in their purpose in life.

This board book mainly for infants and toddlers shares the loving words of Pope Francis. With inspiring words and vibrant illustrations, Pope Francis Says... shows children how to live as Christians and know they are loved by God.

"Knowing how to love is never a thing acquired once and for all. We must begin anew every day. We must practice it.... We have to learn the art of loving every day." — Pope Francis, Regina Coeli, May 21, 2017 When Jorge Bergoglio was a young Jesuit, he wrote a statement of his personal beliefs. It began, “I want to believe in God the Father who loves me like a child, and in Jesus, the Lord who infused my life with His Spirit, to make me smile and so carry me to the eternal Kingdom of life.” The elements of this credo inspired the selection and arrangement of the reflections gathered here: Pope Francis’s thoughts on love for God and each other, and most importantly God’s love for us. Here are his most intimate thoughts about the purpose and promise of love, “the greatest power for the transformation of reality.” Whether you are at the beginning, middle, or end of your spiritual journey, may Pope Francis’s words open your eyes to true love: the kind of love that will never end. The audio edition of this book can be downloaded via Audible.

In these conversations, the late Pope Francis presented his hopes and aspirations for the Church, sharing many reflections and lessons Catholics can still learn from today.

Pope Francis'' Apostolic Exhoratation on the family, draws together almost three years of consultations with Catholics in countries around the world. The lengthy document, entitled ''Amoris Laetitia'', or The Joy of Love, affirms the Church''s teaching that stable families are the building blocks of a healthy society and a place where children learn to love, respect and interact with others. At the same time the text warns against idealizing the many challenges facing family life, urging Catholics to care for, rather than condemning, all those whose lives do not reflect the teaching of the Church. In particular the document focuses on the need for "personal and pastoral discernment''" for individuals, recognizing that "neither the Synod, nor this Exhortation could be expected to provide a new set of general rules, canonical in nature and applicable to all cases.

In his third apostolic exhortation, Pope Francis presents the universal call to live holy lives with a new, fresh approach. We are encouraged to strive for and achieve holiness in our everyday lives. As we actively live out holiness day by day, we not only draw closer to the Lord ourselves, but become participants in bringing others to Christ.

A collection of homilies, speeches, and “messages of the day” that brings together Pope Francis’s wisdom on finding happiness in the here and now For Pope Francis, the appreciation of our everyday lives is a spiritual undertaking. Joy is a divine attribute, and creating joy around us an essential part of faith. Every homily and speech in this book delivers, in warm, engaging language accessible to believers and nonbelievers alike, a key lesson, instructing readers on finding love and happiness in a chaotic world. Along the way, Pope Francis discusses the sanctity of women’s rights, talks about how the love of sports can bring out our best qualities, and explains why fighting discrimination is the essence of loving thy neighbor. He shares personal stories and anecdotes from his life, provides comforting messages of hope, and discusses the ways flawed families can make you a better person. The core ideas of Francis’s papacy—mercy, support for marginalized people, and diplomacy—shine through. Praise for Happines in This Life “Though the title of the book mentions happiness, this collection of thoughts addresses something much deeper—joy. Bringing together excerpts from Pope Francis’s sermons, speeches, prayers, and addresses, these pieces address a range of themes, from mercy and humility to simplicity and family. . . . Readers will be encouraged to clear away the cacophony of modern society and embrace the simplicity of joy. A book as loving and encouraging as the man himself seems to be.”—Booklist “With this wide-ranging collection of writings, homilies, and addresses, the current pontiff dispels any notion that religious practice is dour and antiquated. . . . It brings together the pope’s most affecting passages to inspire Catholics (and those of other faiths) to lift up those around them.”—Publishers Weekly “Reminiscent of the gentle encouragement of the Dalai Lama . . . Family-centered and practical—especially on difficult matters of familial contention—these homilies are, on the whole, gentle encouragements to do the right thing. . . . [This] collection offers clear insight into the pope’s doctrinal concerns.”—Kirkus Reviews

Each morning Pope Francis says Mass and offers a short homily for fellow residents and guests in the chapel of St. Martha''s Guesthouse, where he has chosen to live. These homilies reflect the spontaneous and original style that has won hearts throughout the world, as well as his power to communicate the gospel message with depth and freshness. In these accounts of Pope Francis''s morning homilies from the first five months of his papacy, it is now possible, for those who were not present, to experience and enjoy his lively manner of spaeking, and his capacity to engage his listeners and their daily lives.

The Apostolic Exhortation is striking for its breadth and detail. Its 325 paragraphs are distributed over nine chapters. The seven introductory paragraphs plainly set out the complexity of a topic in urgent need of thorough study. The interventions of the Synod Fathers make up [form] a "multifaceted gem" a precious polyhedron, whose value must be preserved. But the Pope cautions that "not all discussions of doctrinal, moral or pastoral issues need to be settled by interventions of the magisterium." Indeed, for some questions, "each country or region ... can seek solutions better suited to its culture and sensitive to its traditions and local needs. For ''cultures are in fact quite diverse and every general principle ... needs to be inculturated, if it is to be respected and applied''." This principle of inculturation applies to how problems are formulated and addressed and, apart from the dogmatic issues that have been well defined by the Church''s magisterium, none of this approach can be "globalised." In his address at the end of the 2015 Synod, the Pope said very clearly: "What seems normal for a bishop on one continent, is considered strange and almost scandalous - almost! - for a bishop from another; what is considered a violation of a right in one society is an evident and inviolable rule in another; what for some is freedom of conscience is for others simply confusion." The Pope clearly states that we need above all to avoid a sterile juxtaposition of demands for change and the general application of abstract norms. He writes: "The debates carried on in the media, in certain publications and even among the Church''s ministers, range from an immoderate desire for total change without sufficient reflection or grounding, to an attitude that would solve everything by applying general rules or deriving undue conclusions from particular theological considerations."

Pope Francis Apostolic Exhortation ''on the family, brings together almost three years of consultations with Catholics in countries around the world. The lengthy document, entitled ''Amoris Laetitia'', or the joy of love, affirms the doctrine of the Church that stable families are the building blocks of a healthy society and a place where children learn to love, respect and interact with other at the same time, the text warns against the idealization of the many challenges facing family life, urges Catholics to care, rather than condemn all those whose lives do not reflect the teachings of the Church. In particular, the paper focuses on the need for "personal and pastoral discernment '''' for people, recognizing that" neither the Synod, or this Exhortation might be expected to provide a new set of general rules, canonical in nature and applicable to all cases "

The broad topic has always been whether the Catholic Church should reposition itself to today''s world realities. Francis listened, prodded and sometimes steered the process, but he mostly kept his own counsel, until now. Having led Catholic into such delicate terrain, Francis has stirred hope and fear. Some religious conservatives even warn he could destabilise the church and undermine Catholic doctrine. Some liberals, though, are hoping Francis will continue in his progressive view in a way that would make the church more responsive to today''s world views. Having paddled through all these pressures Pope Francis document which is arguably the most anticipated document of 2016 from the Catholic world, and indeed the world at large seeks emphatically to affirm not the "ideal family" but the very rich and complex reality of family. Its pages provide an openhearted look, profoundly positive, which is nourished not with abstraction or ideal projection, but with pastoral attention to reality. The Pope brings in for the first time ever a path for the divorced, families, children and hope for gays in a way that destroys any type of discrimination against them whatsoever. The essential importance of this book is extremely beneficial to all Christians, families, children, politicians, the Catholic Church and indeed the world at large.

A New York Times Best Seller 2017 Illumination Book Awards, Gold (tie): Children’s Picture Book 2017 Independent Press Awards, Distinguished Favorite: Book Cover Design, Children’s 2017 Catholic Press Association Book Awards, First Place: Children’s Books 2017 Catholic Press Association Book Awards, First Place: Pope Francis 2017 Association of Catholic Publishers’ “Excellence in Publishing Book Awards,” Book of the Year If you could ask Pope Francis one question, what would it be? Children have questions and struggles just like adults, but rarely are they given the chance to voice their concerns and ask the big questions resting deep in their hearts. In Dear Pope Francis, Pope Francis gives them that chance and celebrates their spiritual depth by directly answering questions from children around the world. Some are fun. Some are serious. And some will quietly break your heart. But all of them are from children who deserve to know and feel God’s unconditional love. Also available in Spanish as Querido Papa Francisco. "Feels akin to sitting in on a series of intimate conversations." -Publishers Weekly "The People''s Pope shows that he is a down-to-earth man who understands both religion and children." -Kirkus Reviews

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Pope Francis invites all humanity to an intimate and personal dialogue on the subject closest to his heart: mercy. “Moving . . . [Pope Francis] opens the sacred space of his conscience to explain how he came to center his ministry, and now his papacy, around mercy.”—James Carroll, The New Yorker “The name of God is mercy. There are no situations we cannot get out of, we are not condemned to sink into quicksand.”—Pope Francis In this conversation with Vatican reporter Andrea Tornielli, Francis explains—through memories from his youth and moving anecdotes from his experiences as a pastor—why “mercy is the first attribute of God.” God “does not want anyone to be lost. His mercy is infinitely greater than our sins,” he writes. As well, the Church cannot close the door on anyone, Francis asserts—on the contrary, its duty is to go out into the world to find its way into the consciousness of people so that they can assume responsibility for, and move away from, the bad things they have done. Clear and profound, The Name of God Is Mercy resonates with this desire to reach all those who are looking for meaning in life, a road to peace and reconciliation, and the healing of physical and spiritual wounds.

During his historic visit to the United States in October 2015, Pope Francis encouraged the nation’s bishops to avoid harsh and divisive language, reminding instead that “only the enduring allure of goodness and love remains truly convincing.” These words provide as fine a summary of the Holy Father’s visit (and of Jorge Bergoglio’s papal ministry) as will be found anywhere. In Washington, New York, and Philadelphia, Pope Francis touched the hearts and consciences of Catholics, as well as people of all faiths or no faith, by the power of his gentle witness. The many addresses and homilies offered by the Pope were more than anyone could digest in a few short days. This handy volume gathers all of these texts in a single, inexpensive resource, making them accessible for reflection, study, or prayer by individuals or groups. Included here are his • homily for canonization of St. Junípero Serra • address to the Joint Session of Congress • greeting to a group of homeless people in New York City • address to the United Nations General Assembly • prayer at Ground Zero • extemporaneous address at the Festival of Families • words to victims of sexual abuse • address to inmates at a Philadelphia prison • and much more. This book will serve as a powerful reminder to any reader of “the allure of goodness and love” that America experienced through the presence of Pope Francis.

O Cross of Christ is an original, new prayer composed by Pope Francis himself and recited by him on the occasion of Good Friday 2016. It guides all who pray it to recognize Jesus'' cross in some of the most distressing circumstances of today''s world -- modern-day martyrs, victims of war, unfaithful ministers, and more--as well as in the lives of people who do great good--consecrated men and women, families, volunteers, and others. Presented as a litany, with responses that make it ideal for group use, this little booklet is beautifully illustrated with original art by the American artist Deborah Luke. The result is a prayer resource that promises to serve as a profound source of spiritual nourishment for Christians for years to come. Recommended for personal, family, group, or parish-wide prayer.

In his second encyclical, Praise Be to You, Pope Francis addresses "every person living on this planet," inviting us to dialogue together about the urgent environmental challenges facing the earth-our common home-and how we can work together protect its fragile resources. He challenges us to think of ecology not merely in terms of the environment,

Pope Francis landmark encyclical, On Care for Our Common Home, is addressed to every living person on this planet. It challenges each one of us to ask ourselves, our corporations, and our governments: How can anyone claim they are building a better future without thinking of the environment? The document is all-encompassing, calling for respect and protection not only of the earth, but also of the dignity and lives of the poor. Pope Francis stresses that human life is itself a gift which must be defended from various forms of debasement. Proposals for dialogue and action in the encyclical are broad, but are meant to affect international policy as well as individual lives.

The complete text of Laudato Si’, the landmark encyclical letter from Pope Francis that, as Time magazine reported, “rocked the international community” In the Encyclical on Climate Change and Inequality, the beloved Pope exhorts the world to combat environmental degradation and its impact on the poor. In a stirring, clarion call that is not merely aimed at Catholic readers but rather at a wide, lay audience, the Pope cites the overwhelming scientific evidence of climate change, and does not hesitate to detail how it is the result of a historic level of unequal distribution of wealth. It is, in short, as the New York Times labeled it, “An urgent call to action . . . intended to persuade followers around the world to change their behavior, in hopes of protecting a fragile planet.” With an insightful and informative introduction by Harvard professor Naomi Oreskes, famed for her bestselling Merchants of Doubt: How a Handful of Scientists Obscured the Truth on Issues from Tobacco Smoke to Global Warming.

“In the heart of this world, the Lord of life, who loves us so much, is always present. He does not abandon us, he does not leave us alone, for he has united himself definitively to our earth, and his love constantly impels us to find new ways forward. Praise be to him!” – Pope Francis, Laudato Si’ In his second encyclical, Laudato Si’: On the Care of Our Common Home, Pope Francis draws all Christians into a dialogue with every person on the planet about our common home. We as human beings are united by the concern for our planet, and every living thing that dwells on it, especially the poorest and most vulnerable. Pope Francis’ letter joins the body of the Church’s social and moral teaching, draws on the best scientific research, providing the foundation for “the ethical and spiritual itinerary that follows.” Laudato Si’ outlines: The current state of our “common home” The Gospel message as seen through creation The human causes of the ecological crisis Ecology and the common good Pope Francis’ call to action for each of us Our Sunday Visitor has included discussion questions, making it perfect for individual or group study, leading all Catholics and Christians into a deeper understanding of the importance of this teaching.