A Big Heart Open to God: A Conversation with Pope Francis

I was familiar with the interview already in 2013. Rereading it over a year later, and considering all that Pope Francis has said and done during the almost 2 years of his papacy, has helped me to continue enjoying my faith and try everyday to follow a bit more the path Pope Francis has shown. What I appreciate in this book form of the interview is the wealth of wonderful responses from different people and the insightful prayer guidelines by Fr. James Martin, SJ. I purchased the book in the Kindle format, and I have found it clear, accessible, and enjoyable. I will return to reading it again and again as the need will arise. I think others could benefit from reading it as well.

An eye-opening, intimate, conversational encounter with an extraordinary leader. It is such a joy to have this interview available in electronic format so that I can refer to it on any device I may have on hand when I need a little inspiration. Thanks to the wonderful Jesuit editors and staff at America Magazine for making this available to English speakers around the world!

This a a very important book - an interview with the new pope conducted by an Italian Jesuit. The questions were submitted by Jesuits around the world . There are also follow-up essays by Catholic scholars. This pope is definitely different from his two predecessors and this book clearly shows a new voice and face for the Catholic Church. For Catholics and those interested in Catholicism, this book is a must read.

simple and fresh ... appears to show this Pope does have a big heart open to God ... ready to welcome, not judge, offering mercy, not condemnation ... who wants a welcoming church ...doors open to all who seek God's peace ... no password required

This English translation of the conversation/interview between the Pope and a Jesuit editor of an Italian publication is excellent and very thought provoking. This interview has been widely discussed and excerpts from it published in all kinds of newspapers, websites and social media. The introduction states that the translation was painstakingly made and so we can assume that the conversation is accurate. It is moving and entertaining. Pope Francis is truly an extraordinary individual and, if I may say so, indeed is trying to put the Christ back into Christian.

I love America magazine and deeply respect almost all of it's authors, editors, and staff. This was a wonderful conversation with the Pope and so early in his papacy. I can't help but think that the Jesuits may have some "pull." What I appreciate and revel in with this conversation is the sincerity and candor. I don't hear any "doublespeak" or spin at all! I feel like they are just sitting in my living room with me, having an honest, down to earth talk. It's hard to believe that such a thing can happen any more. God is answering our prayers with this man (the Pope) and his willingness to speak out what most of the lay people are thinking.

Two brothers in the Society of Jesus, one the Pope and the other an editor talk about the Church, the Gospel, how to live the Gospel and how the Pope prays. While the media latched onto a few sentences out of context looking to run away with all sorts of fantastic and unfounded claims, they clearly missed the beauty and continuity of the life and teachings of this humble and astute successor of St. Peter. This is an interview I will return to for inspiration as well as a reference on crying out the Gospel with our lives!

This is a truly a wonderful and excellent introduction to Pope Francis, and he lays out in this book, how to open up our mind's and hearts to and appreciate what God, Our Father's, Word means, very easy to understand. To get to know His Son Jesus Christ, through prayers and application to our everyday lives; and it makes you hungry to study the bible. I loved reading this book and now going through a second time to read the specific scriptures in my bible, for my own study.

The original 2013 interview with Pope Francis (He had only been in office for 6 months) but absolutely fascinating. One can now see where other authors got a lot of their information from, because his comments from this interview are always being quoted.

Pope Francis questions posed to him concisely and cogently. I enjoyed this book immensely. It helped me to understand how he thinks and inspired me to think about achieving more in my spiritual journey.

Really enjoyed it- like a personal encounter with the Holy Father. Someone so human who we can relate, he has brought back a voice for the marginalised.

This interview helped me to better understand Pope Francis, his humanity, faith and spirituality. This work is truly uplifting and faith renewing...

This extended interview is both informative and inspiring. It articulates the thinking which underpins the behaviour of Pope Francis, with its many moving and symbolic actions. It puts in context his life as a Jesuit, as a religious superior who had to learn from his mistakes, and as 'the archbishop of the slums'. It gives great encouragement to all those who want to work collaboratively in the church: 'When we work together,' he says, 'the Holy Spirit will assist us'. This interview rekindles the spark of excitement once generated by Pope John XXIII and the Second Vatican Council fifty years ago.