The Great Reformer

The Great Reformer offers a comprehensive examination of the life, formation, and spiritual journey of Pope Francis. Drawing on extensive research and interviews conducted in Argentina, Austen Ivereigh explores the pivotal historical and pastoral experiences that shaped Jorge Mario Bergoglio long before his election to the papacy.

The narrative follows his early years in Buenos Aires through the political upheavals of the Peronist era, the challenges under military rule during the 1970s, and his Jesuit formation across Argentina and Chile. These experiences fostered his deep commitment to a church dedicated to the poor and guided his administrative and spiritual leadership as Archbishop and Cardinal. Examining his rise to the Holy See, this edition includes a new epilogue and provides valuable insight into the principles driving his efforts to renew and reform the Vatican and the global Catholic Church.