Assessing Four Years of Pope Francis

When Francis was elected pope four years ago, he made a memorable request as he introduced himself to the world: “Pray for Me.”

Now that Francis is engulfed in controversies that once seemed unimaginable, given the serene days of his early papacy, prayers for Francis are more needed than ever. So too are fair and accurate presentations of his pontificate.

An important new book has appeared that carefully evaluates Francis's pontificate, and provides something the pope—for all his good deeds—often hasn't: context and clarity.