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.

Analyzes Pope Francis' influence and interactions with policy, media, and politics in an increasingly globalized and secularized world

Part I Where Politics Meets Theology Under Pope Francis1. Eluding Established Categories: Toward an Understanding of Pope Francis2. How the Theological Priorities of Pope Francis Inform His Policy Goals3. The First Jesuit Pope: The Contribution of His Jesuit Charism to His Political Views4. Eternal Law and Environmental Policy: Pope Francis, Laudato Si¿, and a Thomistic Approach to Climate Change5. Love the Prisoner, Ban the Substance: Pope Francis and the War on Drugs6. ¿To Show Concern¿: Early Coverage of John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis in the American National News MediaPart II The Global Politics of Pope Francis7. Pope Francis as a Global Policy Entrepreneur:  Moral Authority and Climate Change8. The Pope and the United States: Faith as Dialogue9. The Pope and Europe:  Sign ö the Times: Does Francis¿s Papacy Represent a New Era for Western Europe?10. The Pope and Latin America: Mission from the Periphery11. The Pope and Asia: Building Bridges¿Reconciliation with the People¿s Republic of China12. Pope Francis and India: Mutual Enrichment and Challenges13. ¿You Are Instead a Gift¿: Pope Francis¿s Response to Global Migration and the Refugee Crisis