Life

My Story Through History

By: Pope Francis

Narrated by: Stephen Colbert, Father John Quigley

Length: 6 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

Audiobook read by Stephen Colbert and Father John Quigley

For the first time, Pope Francis tells the story of his life as he looks back on the momentous world events that have changed history—from his earliest years during the outbreak of World War II in 1939 to the turmoil of today.

An extraordinary personal and historical journey, Life is the story of a man and a world in dramatic change. Pope Francis recalls his life through memories and observations of the most significant occurrences of the past eight decades. The book opens with three-year-old Jorge in the kitchen with his mother in Argentina as World War II breaks out, and he goes on to witness several historic events:

• the fall of the Berlin Wall
• Videla’s coup in Argentina
• the moon landing in 1969
• and even the 1986 World Cup in which Maradona scored the unforgettable “hand of God” goal.

Here are the frank assessments and intimate insights of a pastor reflecting on the Nazi extermination of the Jews, the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the 2001 terrorist attack on America and the collapse of the Twin Towers, the great economic recession of 2008, the Covid-19 pandemic, the retirement of Pope Benedict XVI, and the subsequent conclave that elected him Pontiff.

The “pope callejero” recounts these world-changing moments with the candor and compassion that distinguishes him, and offers important messages on major crises confronting us now, including social inequalities, climate change, international war, atomic weapons, racial discrimination, and the battles over social and cultural issues.

Translated from the Italian by Aubrey Botsford

©2024 Pope Francis (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers

Inspiring.

Interesting insight into Pope Francis’ development as the leader of the Catholic Church.

I liked the narration by Stephen Colbert, but the narration of Pope Francis’ first person perspective was not as good. I would still recommend.

Loved Pope Francis’ thoughts, insight on being elected Pope. Appreciate his candor, humor and humility.

Great narration by narrators. Book really flowed from event to event. Never boring. Translation to English seemed natural.

Christ like love in this world

I enjoyed his perspective and the clarity with which he shares his standing on different issues. God’s compassion is so naturally emanating from how he marries cultural and social realities with Jesus’ unfailing and love.

Simplicity and Love

What a wonderful book. I lived through all the history (except WWII) and what a unique way to learn about his life through the impact of those events that moved the world.
I have always loved and admired Pope Francis, now I have come to appreciate him and his gentle but forceful life. God has indeed blessed the Catholic Church , he is a wise and heroic leader.
This book is a wonderful read. I couldn’t put it down.

The True Pope Francis Revealed

Of the hundreds, this is one of the best books I have ever read. The very last line of the book left me with a smile. Indeed, let’s pray for Pope Francis - for not against.

Pope Francis and his unique take world events during his lifetime

I enjoyed the book, but it was very short. Several of the translations into English were not accurate and I sometimes struggled with his style of writing in 1st person and 3rd person. Those transitions were rough and seemed to come from 2 different authors or 2 different books. I did appreciate his Argentine perspective on World War 2, the Malvinas, 9-11, covid 19, abortion and even Gaza. His recounting of winning the vote to be Pope had me laughing. I guess that is what I like most about him. He is humble, loving, and accepting of everyone and has really strengthened Catholism with the younger people.