Mercy in Action: The Social Teachings of Pope Francis

(Hardback)

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Since his election in 2013, Pope Francis has tackled many issues of urgent reform within the church. Mercy in Action explores Pope Franciss efforts to renewCatholic social teachingthe guidance the church offers on matters that pertain to social justice in the world. The book examines what Pope Francis has said, done, and written on six critical social issues todayeconomic inequality, worker justice, preserving the environment, healthy family life, the plight of refugees, and peacemaking. The book also highlights both continuity and change in Catholic social teaching. Author Thomas Massaro illustrates how on each social issuefrom expressing solidarity with unemployed workers to writing an encyclical addressing environmental degradation and climate changePope Francis has worked to update the churchs message of social justice and mercy.

Reviews

Massaro masterfully explores and explains what Pope Francis has added to Catholic social teaching and how he also builds on previous social teaching by popes such as Paul VI, John Paul II, and Benedict XVI. . . . One is unlikely to find a more cogent, comprehensive, sympathetic yet sometimes critical, well-written, and exhaustive treatment of Franciss social teaching than that found in M.s book. * Theological Studies *
Thomas Massaro, SJ, is one of the world's great experts, and great explainers, of the churchs social teaching. As a Jesuit, he is also someone with a deep knowledge of what lies behind Pope Francis's words and deedsespecially as they relate to issues of economic justice, labor, ecology, family life, advocacy for the marginalized, and peacemaking. Father Massaro's tremendous knowledge of Catholic social teaching together with his profound appreciation for Jesuit spirituality have combined to make a superb book. It's accessible, inviting and, most of all, wise. -- James Martin, SJ, author of In Good Company and The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything
Catholic social teaching has a long and noble tradition, but it needs a rebooting in our fractious and backsliding era. Thomas Massaro brilliantly shows how Pope Francis takes that teaching to an entirely new level, drawing on the power of trickle-up wisdom and commitment, not just pronouncements from above. If you think Catholic social teaching is great but predictable and not very effective, read this book for inspiration. -- Lisa Cahill, J. Donald Monan Professor of Theology, Boston College

Author Bio

Thomas Massaro, SJ, is professor of moral theology at the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University. He is author of Living Justice: Catholic Social Teaching in Action and has been a regular contributor to America magazine.