By The Book Reviews

Review by By The Books Reviewer

"Hope: The Autobiography" by Pope Francis, co-authored with Carlo Musso, is a perplexing endeavor that purports to offer an intimate glimpse into the life and thoughts of the current pontiff. However, upon closer examination, the book reveals itself to be a disjointed collection of anecdotes and reflections, many of which have been previously disclosed in other publications or public addresses.

The narrative commences with a dramatic recounting of the 1927 sinking of the SS Principessa Mafalda, a ship that Pope Francis's grandparents narrowly avoided boarding. This opening feels contrived, seemingly employed to inject a sense of providence into the Pope's lineage. Such a theatrical beginning sets a tone that the rest of the book struggles to justify. ([irishtimes.com](https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/review/2025/01/15/hope-by-pope-francis-review-dont-believe-the-hype-this-is-another-triumph-of-marketing-over-substance/?utm_source=openai))

Throughout the text, Pope Francis revisits familiar stories from his youth in Buenos Aires, his early priesthood, and his ascent within the Church hierarchy. While these recollections are occasionally insightful, they often lack depth and fail to provide new perspectives. Notably, the book sidesteps comprehensive discussions of significant controversies, such as his actions during Argentina's Dirty War and the Church's handling of sexual abuse scandals. These omissions are glaring and suggest a reluctance to engage with the more contentious aspects of his tenure. ([ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/d52b27cc-a74c-4f9a-b645-d5881259f6d2?utm_source=openai))

The prose, likely influenced by co-author Carlo Musso, is uneven and at times meandering. The book oscillates between personal anecdotes and sermon-like reflections, resulting in a lack of cohesive narrative structure. This stylistic inconsistency diminishes the potential impact of the Pope's messages and leaves the reader grappling with a fragmented portrayal of his life and papacy. ([catholicoutlook.org](https://catholicoutlook.org/pope-franciss-hope-an-engaging-mess/?utm_source=openai))

Furthermore, the book's claim to be the first memoir by a sitting pope is misleading. It reads more like an extended interview or a compilation of previously expressed thoughts rather than a genuine autobiography. This marketing misrepresentation only adds to the reader's sense of disillusionment. ([irishtimes.com](https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/review/2025/01/15/hope-by-pope-francis-review-dont-believe-the-hype-this-is-another-triumph-of-marketing-over-substance/?utm_source=openai))

In conclusion, "Hope: The Autobiography" is a superficial and disorganized account that fails to deliver the profound insights one might expect from such a prominent figure. Its lack of new information, avoidance of critical issues, and inconsistent narrative style render it a disappointing read. For those seeking a deeper understanding of Pope Francis's life and papacy, this book offers little beyond what is already publicly known.

Recommendation: Not recommended.

written on: 5/1/2025