“I suspect Pope Francis would be proud of this work and the homage it pays to his message. It’s the kind of thing that makes you proud to be a Catholic.”
— James Lee Burke, New York Times best-selling novelist
“If you are looking for a book to give to a teenager or college student seeking to live the social teachings of the Catholic faith, I can’t think of a better work of recent years than What Would Pope Francis Do? Tales from the lives of saints and an introduction to the basics of Jesuit spirituality round out this entertaining and highly accessible narrative.”
— Dawn Eden, author and theologian
“What Would Pope Francis Do? is a health-giving blend of personal anecdote, Jesuit spirituality, and papal teaching, deftly packing anecdote and insight into its well-crafted pages. For anyone who wants to accept Pope Francis’s invitation to live closer to Jesus, Salai is the perfect travel companion: witty, wise, and challenging.”
— Austen Ivereigh, author of The Great Reformer: Francis and the Making of a Radical Pope
“As a woman who has sheltered homeless unwed mothers so they can give the gift of life to their precious pre-born children, I found each chapter to be a workshop of knowledge and heavenly inspiration. I have read several books on the life of Pope Francis but none as relevant and inspirational to the challenges young people and their advisers face.”
— Kathy DiFiore, founder of Several Sources Shelters
“I recommend this book highly. Forget the controversies that follow our first pope from South America and you’ll understand that Pope Francis above all is eager to bring all Christians together so they may bring all mankind into the fold.”
— Fr. C. John McCloskey, spiritual director and author
“Reading through What Would Pope Francis Do?, one can’t help but be inspired to love deeper, to be more merciful, to give more of oneself, and to let Christ shine through.”
— Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life of America
“Sean Salai, S.J., uses fascinating examples from history, Scripture, and personal experience to illuminate the teachings of Pope Francis in a way that perhaps only a fellow Jesuit could do. This book left me wanting to be a better person.”
— Ronald J. Rychlak, professor of law and author of Hitler, the War, and the Pope
“A book bringing together the various practical things we find in Pope Francis, things that help explain why we are as we are, is most welcome. Salai senses the pastoral side of our Argentine Holy Father.”
— Fr. James V. Schall, S.J., professor emeritus, Georgetown University
“This marvelous little book is filled with moving anecdotes and life lessons on how to live out the Gospel of Joy from one Jesuit to another — to you and me.”
— Gus Lloyd, apologist and host of Seize the Day on Sirius XM’s The Catholic Channel
“In compelling, fast-paced narrative, Salai unpacks The Joy of the Gospel, revealing Pope Francis’s passionate plan for evangelization to the marginalized. The result is an empowering tapestry that demands Gospel action everywhere and for everyone.”
— Dale Recinella, Florida death row chaplain and author
“Through his clear and compelling analysis, Salai opens a window into the heart of Pope Francis, giving us a glimpse into that spiritual wellspring from which the Holy Father speaks of the tenderness of God’s love and the need for all believers to bring that love to a waiting world. I highly recommend this book to all who wish to answer the call of Pope Francis to become joyful agents of mercy in mission.”
— Bishop Frank Caggiano, Diocese of Bridgeport
“With a lively and engaging narrative style, Salai takes us on a pilgrimage through the thinking and spirituality of Pope Francis and then invites us to apply these principles in our own lives as the disciples of Jesus Christ.”
— Mother Agnes Mary Donovan, S.V. Superior General of the Sisters of Life
“Sean Salai, S.J., proves an excellent companion and guide as we learn how to read our first Jesuit pope and to become familiar with the spirituality that has formed him. What Would Pope Francis Do? will have a strong, dare I say magnetic, impact on many, and I particularly recommend it for students.”
— Elizabeth Scalia, writer and English-language editor of the international Catholic website Aleteia.org
What Would Pope Francis Do?
Bringing the Good News to People in Need
What Would Pope Francis Do?
Bringing the Good News to People in Need
Sean Salai, S.J.
Our Sunday Visitor Publishing Division
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Very Rev. Ronald A. Mercier, S.J., Provincial
U.S.A. Central and Southern Province of the Society of Jesus
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September 10, 2015
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Parts of chapter 5 and the conclusion in this book are based on essay material that originally appeared online in America, the national Catholic review.
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