by Massimo Faggioli. Published by Orbis Books, 2020. Reviewed by Mary Thorne.

I found this book fascinating and very hopeful. Massimo Faggioli presents a broad and well-founded analysis of the papacy of Pope Francis to date.

He situates the discussion within the context of the Church evolving from a Western dominant force to a truly global Catholic Church finding its way in an increasingly complex, globalised world. He draws on his own background in theology and Church history to examine Catholicism and the papacy from Vatican I teachings on papal primacy and infallibility through the Vatican II promise to redefine and rebalance the Petrine ministry.

Faggioli finds Pope Francis’s present priorities indicated in his Argentinian background. Pastoral considerations take precedence in this pontificate. Francis speaks the language of synodality, collegiality and sensus fidei, insisting on the importance of dialogue. Pope Francis focuses the Church on the peripheries with the marginalised, urging compassion. His pontificate vindicates the notion of a possibility of change in the Catholic Church which, Faggioli acknowledges, evokes opposition from both conservative and liberal groups.

This book requires time and perseverance in order to appreciate its scope and thoroughness but it is well written and encouraging for those who long for the implementation and expansion of a Vatican II Church.

Tui Motu Magazine. Issue 252 September 2020: 27