Pope Francis has made no secret of the fact that he seeks to reform the Catholic Church, especially the institutional components by which it is guided and governed. Standing in his way are institutional inertia, simplistic ideologies, scandals, and the resistance of some who will not readily relinquish power. Can he pull it off? In this smart and thoughtful book, priest-sociologist Rocco D'Ambrosio carefully considers the personality, convictions, and gifts the pope brings to the task. He explores the hurdles Francis faces, the tools at his disposal, and his prospects for success. The result is an institutional analysis of the Catholic Church in the Bergoglio era that promises rich, new insights and plenty of food for thought to every reader
"In order to understand Pope Francis's pontificate we need theological analysis as well as an analysis of Francis's approach to Church reform from an institutional-systemic point of view. This book by D'Ambrosio offers a very necessary insider look at the politics of Francis's reform and, most important, of the opposition to Francis."
Dr. Massimo Faggioli, Professor of Historical Theology, Villanova University
"Pope Francis has made reform of the Church a signature of his pontificate, and Rocco D'Ambrosio has provided adept institutional analysis to shed light on the momentum and challenges inherent in such a bold pursuit. All who care deeply about the outcome and want to understand the context, commitment, and countervailing forces at hand would do well to read this book."
Kerry Alys Robinson, Founding Executive Director and Global Ambassador, Leadership Roundta
"Rocco D'Ambrosio argues persuasively that Pope Francis is offering more than just a new leadership style. D'Ambrosio's background in sociology and institutional analysis presents fresh insights into the character of Francis's reformist program and invites hope that this papacy may bring enduring and systemic change to the church."
Richard Gaillardetz, Joseph Professor of Catholic Systematic Theology, Boston College
