By James H Kroeger, MM. Published by Orbis Books, 2023. Reviewed by Julia Scarf

James Kroeger has bravely taken 10 pivotal documents by Pope Francis and condensed them to their central insights. The outcome is a highly accessible text. The documents include: The Light of Faith, The Joy of the Gospel (Evangelii Gaudium), The Face of Mercy, On Care for Our Common Home (Laudato Si’), Rejoice and Be Glad (Querida Amazonia) and Christ is Alive. These writings cover many varied topics of Church teaching.

Pope Francis writes with tenderness and forthrightness. Anyone who does not have the time or confidence to read the full encyclicals will find this book is ideal. Each chapter is broken into bite-sized, easily digested sections.

I was moved by Francis’s images and ideas, including “an incarnate memory”, and an “unbroken chain of witnesses”. This made me contemplate how faith and understanding synthesises the truth in our lives and is passed from generation to generation in an authentic way.

Walking with Pope Francis is compelling and thought-provoking. I think it deserves to be read slowly — maybe a chapter a week to give time for reflection. It would be perfect for a book club or study group to unpick the ideas together.

Tui Motu Magazine. Issue 283 July 2023: 27