Pope Francis signs a new autobiography where he talks about his Peronist youth, his passion for politics and his criticism of traditionalists. Confidences without earth-shattering revelations, but which shed light on the journey and thoughts of the Argentine sovereign pontiff, concerned about his posterity…
At 88 years old, Pope Francis is sharing more confidences about his personal journey and his vision of the Church. After a first autobiography published ten months ago, the sovereign pontiff does it again with a new work soberly entitled “Hope”, available this week in bookstores. If this book does not bring major revelations, it nevertheless offers intimate insight into the youth and convictions of Jorge Mario Bergoglio.
Argentinian youth marked by Peronism
Born in 1936 in Buenos Aires into a family of Italian origin, the young “Gorge” grew up in the working-class district of Flores. His childhood and adolescence are deeply marked by Peronismthis political movement initiated by Juan Perón which advocates social justice and strong state interventionism. Like many Argentines of his generation, Bergoglio was seduced by this “third way” between capitalism and communism.
In his autobiography, the Pope evokes with nostalgia this time when he enthusiastically engaged alongside shirtlessthe “sans-shirts” who constitute the basis of Peronism. He participates in political meetings, distributes leaflets and dreams of a fairer society. A founding experience which will forge in him a left-wing sensitivity and an attachment to the poorest.
A passion for politics
Beyond his Peronist commitment, Pope Francis confides in his book his youthful fascination with politics in general. A brilliant student, he thought for a time of a diplomatic career before being overtaken by his religious vocation. But even as he entered the seminary and then climbed the ranks of the ecclesiastical hierarchy, he never lost his interest in world affairs.
Politics is the highest form of charity.
Pope Francis
A conviction that the Argentine Pope has continued to hammer home since his election in 2013, not hesitating to take a position on burning issues such as migrants, ecology or the inequalities. A committed statement which contrasts with the traditional reserve of the Vatican, arousing the enthusiasm of progressives but also criticism from conservative circles.
-Criticisms against traditionalists
Because since the start of his pontificate, Francis has been the target of strong attacks from the most traditionalist fringe of the Catholic Churchwho criticizes him for being too open and for his supposed doctrinal laxity. Criticisms to which the Pope responds directly in his autobiography, castigating the “pharisaism” and “rigidity” of his detractors:
They say they defend tradition, but in reality they mummify it. They make it an ideology to serve their interests.
Pope Francis
Words which will not fail to provoke a reaction from his fiercest opponents, already angered by certain recent decisions of the Pope, such as the restriction of the mass in Latin or sanctions against refractory bishops. But Francis accepts it, claiming a reformist line in continuity with Vatican II.
A Pope concerned about his posterity
At the twilight of his pontificate, the Argentine Pope seems in any case determined to leave his mark and defend his record. The publication of two autobiographies in quick succession bears witness to this, as if he was trying to get ahead of his future biographers. A concern to control its image and its heritage which is also reflected in the care taken in various strategic appointments in recent months.
Although he assures that he is not thinking of resigning despite growing health problems, François is nevertheless preparing the ground for “the future”. Aware that the battle for his succession promises to be bitter between reformers and conservatives, he places his pawns and consolidates his camp. While cultivating his intact popularity with the faithful and public opinion, the best defense against his adversaries.
This new autobiography, without providing any shattering revelations, therefore offers a window into the complex personality of Jorge Mario Bergoglio. An atypical Pope, driven by strong convictions forged in his Argentinian youth, who left his mark on the Church with his direct style, his social commitment and his reforming voluntarism. Not without forming strong enmities among the upholders of tradition. History will undoubtedly remember this divisive but endearing figurewho breathed a wind of change into the Vatican, without always following through on his intuitions. His legacy will undoubtedly be hotly contested.
