Hope and joy in the thought of Pope Francis

Abstract

In studying the different addresses of the first five years of Pope Francis’ pontificate especially on the themes of hope and joy, one observes how this corresponds with his mission with regards to peace, poverty and the environment, three challenging areas in the contemporary world. The first chapter takes a look at various individuals and experiences that have played a part in shaping Pope Francis. The second chapter delves into the crux of the subject matter, namely, hope and joy, looking at various addresses in the first five years of Pope Francis’ pontificate. The third chapter offers a reflection on how one may usher hope and joy in the midst of some trying contemporary situations such as poverty, lack of peace and the threat to the environment. By taking the inspiration of St Francis, one observes the present Pontiff also leading a reform on how one sees the Church living a “culture of encounter”.