Pope Francis, known for his humility and progressive views, revealed his literary inclinations in a recent letter where he emphasized the importance of reading, especially for young priests. The letter, published by the Vatican in eight languages, underscores the pontiff’s belief in the profound impact literature can have on personal growth and spiritual maturity.
In his letter dated July 17, Pope Francis urged priests-to-be to immerse themselves in books, particularly great tragedies, as a way to connect with the human experience. He posed a poignant question: “How can we speak to the hearts of men and women if we ignore, set aside, or fail to appreciate the ‘stories’ by which they sought to express and lay bare the drama of their lived experience in novels and poems?” This rhetorical query highlights the pope’s view that literature is not merely a pastime but a crucial tool for understanding and empathizing with the struggles and joys of humanity.
The letter is richly interwoven with references to literary giants such as C.S. Lewis, Marcel Proust, T.S. Eliot, and fellow Argentinian Jorge Luis Borges. Pope Francis argues that reading is a vital part of one’s path to personal maturity, essential not just for those joining the priesthood but for all Christians. By citing the example of Paul the Apostle as a reader, he reinforces the idea that literature has always been a part of the spiritual journey.
Pope Francis believes that reading can serve as a refuge in times of difficulty. He writes, “In moments of weariness, anger, disappointment or failure, when prayer itself does not help us find inner serenity, a good book can help us weather the storm until we find peace of mind.” This perspective showcases his understanding of literature as a form of solace and guidance.
The pope has occasionally hinted at his personal reading preferences, mentioning Dostoevsky as a favorite author and revealing that he has read Italy’s seminal 1827 novel “The Betrothed” by Alessandro Manzoni three times. In a speech to the G7 in June, he referenced Robert Hugh Benson’s 1907 dystopian novel “Lord of the World,” describing it as interesting and thought-provoking.
In his letter to young priests, Francis lamented that literature is often considered non-essential in their training. He pointed out that reading requires more personal engagement than watching films or television, and it has numerous benefits including vocabulary improvement, intellectual development, and stress reduction. He called for a more balanced lifestyle that includes time for reading, suggesting that it can counteract the frenetic pace of modern life.
Reflecting on his time as a high school literature teacher at a Jesuit school, Francis shared his experiences of encouraging students to read challenging texts. He stressed the importance of approaching literature with an open mind and a willingness to be surprised. “I, for my part, love the tragedians, because we can all embrace their works as our own, as expressions of our own personal drama,” he said.
Pope Francis eloquently described the transformative power of literature, stating that seeing life through the eyes of others leads to greater perspective and humanity. By stepping into the lives of diverse characters, readers can gain valuable insights and empathy. “We are caught up in the lives of the fruit seller, the prostitute, the orphaned child, the bricklayer’s wife, the old crone who still believes she will someday find her prince charming,” he wrote.
Through his heartfelt advocacy for reading, Pope Francis highlights how literature not only enriches the soul but also provides guidance and solace in navigating the complexities of life.
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