Scottish Catholic Observer

Pope Francis: His Life and Thought is written by the Chilean-born Professor Mario Aguilar, chair of religion and politics at the university.

The biography, which is to be launched at a public roundtable in St Andrews, is based on the writings of the Holy Father in the context of his research in Argentina and Chile.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Professor Aguilar said the biography is ‘the first to analyse Pope Francis’ life and thought in the light of both Argentinean history and the original Spanish texts of his writings, speeches and homilies.’

“The election of Pope Francis in March 2013 marked an important moment within the Roman Catholic Church, a moment of continuities and discontinuities. On the one hand, he is the first Latin American and the first Jesuit to be elected to lead his Church; on the other hand he provides continuity through a focus on the needs of the poor that goes back to John XXIII and Vatican II.

“A traditional thinker, theologically speaking, since being elected he has spoken repeatedly of the need for the Church to be poor and to serve the poor.”

Professor Aguilar is a Camaldolese Benedictine Oblate and has lived in Scotland for more than 20 years.

The professor has written extensively on the Church in Latin America, Africa and Asia, including books on the Church in Chile and one on the politics of theology in Latin America.

Today’s launch event, which will be introduced by the university’s principal professor Louise Richardson, will include talks by Fr Gero McLoughlin, a Jesuit promoter of Ignatian Spirituality, Dr Dorothea McEwan, a theologian and writer, and Dr Michael O’Sullivan, a Jesuit at All Hallows College, Dublin.

– The book launch and roundtable will take place in St Andrews University’s Lower College Hall from 5:30pm to 7:30pm on Wednesday April 16.

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