This volume revisits the role of religion in the public square with a focus on the unprecedented work of Pope Francis. As a continuation of their 2018 volume, Pope Francis as a Global Actor, the editors bring together interdisciplinary scholars to explore the myriad of ways that politics, theology, and dramatic social change met under the papacy of Francis I. Global challenges and social questions only increased in urgency since the first volume and Pope Francis continued to play an active role in many of these issues (including climate, gender, immigration, war and conflict). The volume explores the transformative moral authority that Pope Francis brought to his papacy through his thoughts, words, and deeds and how the theological foundations of Pope Francis translated into moral authority and even activism in the public sphere. Organized around the Four Bergoglian Priorities (time is greater than space, unity prevails over conflict, realities are more important than ideas, and the whole is greater than the part), this volume bridges several fields and approaches to properly situate Francis’s engagement in public narratives and to understand his role as a key 21st century global leader.

Alynna J. Lyon is a professor of political science at the University of New Hampshire.

Christine Gustafson is a professor of politics at Saint Anselm College.

Paul Christopher Manuel is a research fellow at the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace and World Affairs at Georgetown University and a local affiliate at the Minda de Gunzburg Center for European Studies at Harvard University. Manuel previously served as a professor of political science at Mount St. Mary’s University (Maryland), American University and at Saint Anselm College.