ROME — Pope Francis has shared his reflections on the intricate workings of the secret 2013 conclave that led to his election, along with the challenges he has faced as pontiff, in his new autobiography, which is being released this week. Titled “Hope: The Autobiography,” the book, originally intended for posthumous publication, has been brought to the public now at the pope’s request, aligning with the beginning of the church’s Holy Year.
This autobiography is heralded as the first ever penned by a sitting pope, even though Francis has previously contributed to multiple memoir-like publications and his history has been largely documented. “Hope” offers a window into the life of the first Latin American pope, detailing how his upbringing in Buenos Aires has shaped his papal priorities. Conducted over six years by Italian journalist Carlo Musso, the autobiography includes candid reflections from Francis about past decisions and misgivings, especially those from his life before ascending to the papacy.
At 88 years old, Pope Francis appears to engage in a sort of personal reckoning within the pages of “Hope.” He expresses feelings of regret over actions from his youth, such as a confrontation with a schoolmate regarding a broken bicycle, revealing a lingering sense of shame about his earlier behavior. He reflects, “If I consider what is the greatest gift that I desire from the Lord, and have experienced, it is the gift of shame.”
Interestingly, the book glosses over two significant yet enigmatic phases of his past, one being his tenure in Córdoba, Argentina from 1990 to 1992. Francis has long left the details of his forced shift to a purely confessional role within the Jesuit community unexplained, merely referencing this time as “the dark night at Córdoba.” The other obscured chapter involves his time in Germany, where he worked on a dissertation concerning theologian Romano Guardini, which he never completed.
The sexual abuse crisis within the clergy, which cast a shadow over his papacy, is also mentioned but not deeply explored. While he briefly references the scandal that rocked him during a 2018 visit to Chile, he shifts focus to a more uplifting moment from the same trip where he married two flight attendants mid-flight.
The latter part of the autobiography shifts tone, focusing on his leadership as pope with far less self-criticism. Here, he details the emotional landscape of the conclave, sharing that during the initial votes, he received “stopgap votes” to test the waters. He recalls that he didn’t start counting until it became apparent he had secured 69 votes on the fourth ballot, sealing his fate for the papacy. He amusingly recounts an incident where the fifth ballot had to be repeated due to a mishap, underscoring the chaotic nature of the conclave.
Among his first actions post-election, Francis embraced Cardinal Angelo Scola, reflecting on the support he received. In the “Room of Tears,” where he donned the papal garments, he reminisces about bringing an old episcopal ring instead of opting for new adornments, describing his preference for comfort over tradition regarding the attire selected for the occasion.
Readers seeking juicy Vatican secrets may find disappointment, as Pope Francis remains primarily steadfast and resolute regarding his decisions as pontiff. His critique of certain traditionalist priests as rigid and mentally unstable is striking, as he highlights the ostentation that occasionally masks deeper emotional issues.
He tackles the intricacies of reforming Vatican bureaucracy, illustrating the considerable resistance he has faced while working toward transparency in financial practices. Expressing awareness of the challenges ahead, he emphasizes the importance of transparency: “I have been summoned to a battle,” he admits.
Defending his decision to initiate a significant trial including a cardinal for financial misconduct related to a property investment, Francis acknowledges the controversy that ensued, yet he remains committed to the truth: “the decisions that I made in that respect were not easy.” Likewise, he upholds his stance on the blessing for same-sex couples, clarifying his belief that the blessing is for individuals rather than their relationships, reiterating, “Homosexuality is not a crime.”
