[A Sip of a Book] Pope: "Social Justice Begins with Words of Gratitude"

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This is an autobiography personally written by Pope Francis over six years. Originally scheduled for release after his passing, the publication date was specially moved forward at the Pope's request. The book unfolds sequentially according to the stages of the Pope's life. It candidly shares stories of his ancestors who emigrated from Italy to Argentina, childhood memories, and youthful struggles. It reveals pastoral activities in the Jesuit order, the process of his election as Pope, the meaning behind his papal name 'Francisco,' and his efforts for peace, accompanied by previously unpublished photos.

I, too, was born into an immigrant family. Like many Italians, my father and grandparents crossed over to Argentina and lost everything. I could have been one of those abandoned today, so this urgent question always lingers in my heart: ‘Why them and not me?’ I had to go to Lampedusa to pray, to convey my solidarity with them, and to express gratitude and encouragement to the residents and volunteers of that small island who showed concrete examples of solidarity. Above all, it was to awaken our dormant conscience and remind us all of our responsibility.

These days, it saddens me to see that harsh words and rudeness are often regarded as expressions of confidence in our society. This applies not only to personal life but also to public settings. Gentle speech, consideration, and gratitude are often seen as weaknesses and sometimes become objects of distrust. But we must resist this trend. It must start from the foundation of society?the family. We must never give up nurturing hearts of gratitude and consideration. Human dignity and social justice begin with these small words. If such attitudes are lost in the family, it will be difficult to find them in the larger society. Especially for believers, gratitude is the core of faith. A Christian who does not know how to be grateful is like someone who has forgotten the language of the Kingdom of God.

I can still vividly smell that pizza. It might be like Proust’s madeleine to me. In fact, eating pizza outside is one of the small pleasures I miss the most. I have always loved walking. Even as a cardinal, I used to walk the streets and take the subway. Some found it strange and advised me to take a car, but sometimes reality is simply that?I just liked walking. The streets taught me a lot. I love everything about the city: above ground and underground, streets and squares, taverns, and especially pizza eaten at outdoor tables, which cannot be compared to delivery pizza. I am a city person to the bone.

Many years have passed. I live very happily in the Casa Santa Marta. I live with many people. Of course, there are some inconveniences, but they are well worth enduring. I will remain here until the day God calls me. I have a very realistic attitude toward my death. The same goes when someone talks about assassination risks. When the time comes, I will be buried not in St. Peter’s Basilica but in the Basilica of Our Lady. The Vatican is just the house where I serve last, not my eternal resting place. I will rest in the place now used as a sacristy, beside Our Lady of Peace, to whom I have always entrusted myself and in whose grace I have been embraced more than a hundred times during my papacy. All preparations for my funeral have been completed. The papal funeral ceremony was too grand, so after consulting with those in charge, it was simplified. The elaborate funeral altar and the special rite of closing the coffin were removed. I want to keep dignity but have a simple funeral like other Christians.

Hope | Pope Francisco & Carlo Musso | Translated by Lee Jae-hyeop et al. | 524 pages | 34,000 KRW

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