The story begins with the arrival of Bergoglio's family in Buenos Aires in 1929, travelling from Italy, and explores his childhood as one of a family of five, his first job as a factory cleaner and the bout of pneumonia that forced him to reassess his life completely.
Then from his early days as a seminarian to his experience as a teacher of psychology and literature, through to his consecration as a cardinal by Pope John Paul II, Bergoglio shares his experiences of faith and life in his own words.
The difficult subjects are met head on, from the declining numbers of priests, to celibacy and even the sex abuse scandals that have rocked the church - and through ir all, Bergoglios humble approach and desire ro live an austere and faithful life shine through.
1 his is a Pope who will not allow himself to be fitted to a traditional mould - and the world waits with bated breath to see what his time as leader of the world's largest church will bring.