Pope Francis as a Global Actor

Pope Francis confuses many observers because his papacy does not fit neatly into any pre-established classificatory schemes. To gain a deeper appreciation of Francis's complicated papacy, this volume proposes that an interdisciplinary approach, fusing concepts derived from moral theology and the social sciences, may properly situate Pope Francis as a global political entrepreneur. The chapters in this volume ask what difference it makes that he is the first pope from Latin America, how and why different countries in the world respond to him, how his understanding of scripture informs his ideas on economic, social, and environmental policy, and where politics meets theology under Francis. In the end, this volume seeks to provide a more robust understanding of the enigmatic papacy of Francis.

Alynna J. Lyon is Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of New Hampshire, US. Christine A. Gustafson is Associate Dean of the College and Associate Professor of Politics at Saint Anselm College, US. Paul Christopher Manuel is Distinguished Scholar in Residence in the Department of Government in the School of Public Affairs at American University, US.