Book #21 The
Name of God is Mercy, by Pope Francis. Unabridged audio.
In early
2015, The Pope declared a “Holy Year of Mercy” to occur from late 2015 to late
2016. The purpose is for the church to contemplate and celebrate God’s mercy
and forgiveness.
This book,
his first book published as Pope, was produced in conjunction with the Year of
Mercy. It is actually the transcripts of a series of interviews with Vatican
reporter Andrea Tornielli. Presented in a question-and-answer format, Francis invites
people into dialogue on the subject of mercy. He explains that mercy has long been
a major aspect of his faith, and why it is among the central teachings of his
papacy.
The theme
of mercy is discussed in detail, and the Pope’s specific “take” on the word is explained.
By bringing in many examples from his own life, the Pope manages to make the
book personal, which can be hard to do in an interview-style book.
I have read books by the prior two Popes, and
their differences in emphasis and style are noteworthy. Pope John Paul II was a
poet, and wrote with the heart of an artist. Pope Benedict brought academic
rigor and intellectual dynamism to his writings. Pope Francis writes like a
pastor. A pastor of a worldwide flock, but a pastor nonetheless. His concerns
are personal, wanting people around the world to experience and demonstrate the
mercy of God.
The book
also contains the papal bull that announced the Holy Year. Reading that was an
interesting experience, and added context to the conversation in the body of
the book.
