In this insightful collection, we feature the two latest apostolic exhortations of Pope Francis which are inspired by his two favorite saints: Saint Francis of Assisi, from whom he took his papal name, and Saint Therese of Lisieux, in commemoration of her 150th birth anniversary. Both documents are a must read as they beautifully reflect the Pontiff’s personal spirituality and core message which are very relevant today.

A follow-up document of his landmark 2015 encyclical, Laudato Si’, the Pope once again addressed “all people of goodwill” in the apostolic exhortation Laudate Deum. Eight years after he sounded the alarm, the global climate crisis has not only persisted but continues to get worse. The human causes of the environmental emergency are glaringly obvious but often met with denial and indifference. On the international level, the failure of political systems to establish and implement measures to mitigate our damage to the planet reflects not only their weakness but also the deep-seated selfishness on the part of each one that is at the root of this problem. In light of this, the Pope calls for a new commitment, from the individual to the international level, for the care of our common home.

Hailed by Pope Saint Pius X as the greatest saint of modern times, Saint Therese of Lisieux continues to inspire and touch the lives of many people today, including the Pope who proudly acknowledges her as one of his favorite saints. In this heartfelt tribute, titled, C’est La Confiance, the Pope highlights “confidence” as the core of the spiritual teaching of the young Carmelite nun who is the youngest person so far to be declared a Doctor of the Church. Known as the “way of spiritual childhood” or simply as “the little way,” Pope Francis explains this simple but sure path to holiness proposed by Therese, which has inspired and guided her countless devotees, and presents it anew as a timely message to the Church of today. Calling her as the “Doctor of Synthesis,” he calls attention to the unique genius of this young but profound spiritual master who clearly points out “what is central, essential and indispensable” in the Gospel message.