The Outsider

Though Pope Francis remains one of the most popular figures in the world, his pontificate has stirred up powerful opposition. Some reject his openness to divorced and remarried Catholics and the priority he places on mercy above rigid doctrine. Others reject his outspoken defense of migrants, his critiques of capitalism, and calls to protect the environment. Most of all, his critics fear his insistence that the Church must place living out the message of the Gospel with integrity ahead of serving and maintaining institutional power, secular or ecclesial. In this book, Christopher Lamb, The Tablet's reporter in Rome, examines the Pope’s ministry and agenda for the church, as well as the forces of opposition mobilized against him. What will this mean and portend for the Catholic Church? Will Pope Francis move the church in the direction he wants, or will his critics succeed in thwarting his efforts?