Pope Francis expresses his appreciation for punctuality in the fifth chapter of his upcoming autobiography, “Hope: The Autobiography,” which is set to be published in 18 languages. He describes punctuality as a sign of good manners and respect, although he humorously notes that he arrived a week late at birth, necessitating a doctor’s intervention.
The 320-page memoir covers various social and political issues, including climate change, poverty, immigration, arms control, and war. It is being promoted as a “historic publication” and the first memoir by a sitting pope, although this claim is contested as Pope Pius II’s chronicles from the 15th century are considered the first memoir of a pope.
While not the first pope to share his life story, Pope Francis provides readers with a vivid account of his upbringing in a diverse neighborhood in Buenos Aires, filled with immigrants and colorful characters. The autobiography connects his early experiences to his current views, particularly his advocacy for migrants, rooted in his own background as the son of Italian immigrants.
Francis shares personal anecdotes, including his time as a teacher and interactions with notable figures like Jorge Luis Borges. The book is described as rich in childhood memories but offers limited new insights into his later life and papacy, focusing instead on well-known themes.
Originally intended for posthumous publication, Francis decided to release the autobiography ahead of the 2025 Jubilee, coinciding with significant events in the Catholic Church. The book's announcement at the Frankfurt Book Fair generated considerable interest among biographers and the public.
Despite its engaging childhood stories, some critics express disappointment over the lack of fresh material regarding Francis’ papacy. Notably, the book includes a mention of his 2021 visit to Iraq, during which he reportedly survived assassination attempts, a claim later disputed by local authorities.
Co-authored with Carlo Musso, the project began in 2019, with Musso emphasizing that the autobiography aims to convey universal messages through the pope's memories rather than solely focusing on his personal narrative.