St Francis, Pope Francis: A Common Vision - Softcover

Gina Loehr holds a master's degree in theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville. She currently teaches theology part-time at Marian University of Wisconsin. Author of "Choosing Beauty: A 30-Day Spiritual Makeover for Women", and "The Four Teresas", Gina lives with her husband and four young children on a six-hundred-acre dairy farm in southeastern Wisconsin.

The first major decision of our new Holy Father's pontificate was choosing his papacy's patron. In taking the name of Francis, the pope indicated his desire to imitate the holy man from Assisi. But who was St. Francis, and what does his patronage mean for the newest successor of St. Peter?

St. Francis was uniquely dedicated to being an authentic image of Christ to the world. The choice to follow Francis is ultimately a choice to follow Christ. Our Holy Father's decision to align himself with St. Francis therefore implies a desire to keep himself and his authority rooted in Christ. In this book, Gina Loehr examines five "loves" that characterized St. Francis's relationship with Christ:

Love of the ChurchLove of the CrossLove of peaceLove of the poorLove of humilityEach chapter will begin with a scriptural reflection on one of these five loves in the life of Christ, followed by examples from the life of St. Francis, and finally with an examination of how Pope Francis has demonstrated his commitment to that particular Gospel value. Relevant Church teaching as well as questions for reflection will help readers discern how to incorporate these loves into their own lives.

Why did the pope choose the name Francis?

St. Francis lived a life of dedication to the Gospel. In choosing this great saint as patron, Pope Francis signaled early on that his papacy would reflect a profound embrace of that same Gospel. Gina Loehr, with Al Giambrone, examines five Gospel values important to both men: humility, charity, church, peace, and joy. For each value, there is a chapter containing a Scripture reflection, examples from the lives of St. Francis and Pope Francis, relevant Church teaching, and questions for reflection.