Francis of Rome and Francis of Assisi

Book excerpt: Pope Francis, by his initial choice of a name, seemed to offer a preview of his agenda, vision, and sense of mission. In Francis of Assisi, a saint who recalled the church to the image of Jesus, the pope found a potent symbol of reform. A church inspired by St. Francis embraces the poor and those on the margins, eschews pomp and power, promotes peace and care for creation. Certainly, by embracing and modeling these values, Pope Francis has unleashed enormous hopes. In this enthusiastic work, Leonardo Boff explores the connections between the two Francises--and the promise they hold for "a new springtime" for the church. (back cover).