The Promise of Francis

The Man, the Pope, and the Challenge of Change

By: David Willey

Narrated by: James Langton

With more than four decades of firsthand experience reporting from Vatican City, David Willey explores the religious and personal backgrounds of Pope Francis and his ability to fulfill the promises of reform made during the first two years of his papacy.

Sex crimes and cover-ups, financial scandal, declining membership, and the unprecedented resignation of its chief executive, Pope Benedict XVI. These were the ingredients of a 21st-century crisis in the Vatican - a crisis that might have anticipated the election of a steadily conservative pope, a career bureaucrat, and an insider. An operator.

Instead they chose Francis.

Using his unparalleled access and knowledge of the inner workings of the Vatican, BBC correspondent David Willey chronicles Francis' first two years as pope and analyzes what could happen in the years to come. He tells the inside story of how this most unlikely man came from "the end of the world" to lead the world's largest corporation into the future, stirring millions to interest and faith again through his frank speeches and benevolent beliefs. In putting this all into context, Willey seeks to further unravel the mysteries and conspiracies that continue to surround the worldwide headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church.

The world has never seen the Church in a greater state of flux, as Francis' words and deeds have enchanted, entertained, and sometimes enraged the public. In this comprehensive biography, David Willey explores the religious and personal background of the inspirational Pope Francis, his stunning impact on the Catholic Church, the hopes he has raised, and the legacy he will leave behind.

©2015 David Willey. All rights reserved. (P)2015 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

The Church & the Pope

This is book discusses more than just Pope Francis. Discussion about the Church, history, a candle, and more is all covered. Overall, a good read.

Not Good

Would you try another book from David Willey and/or James Langton?

I wouldn't.

What could David Willey have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Actually WRITE about POPE FRANCIS rather than the Catholic church.

What about James Langton’s performance did you like?

Did a nice job of speaking clearly.

What character would you cut from The Promise of Francis?

All the OTHER characters.

Any additional comments?

First of all...I LOVE POPE FRANCIS and that's WHY I spent my money on learning more about him and his life. What I GOT is a book that is all about the Catholic church and all the child molesting issues, with a great deal about conclaves and money laundering in the Vatican bank with a complete report on the financial status of the church as well as previous Popes and on it went with everything EXCEPT what I thought I was getting.
It appears to me that this author may have never met the pope, and yet writes a supposed book about him while it's really about everything else and only a small amount about the man we all look up to. VERY disappointed.