Reluctant at first to speak with journalists-"It's true that I do not give interviews...it requires quite an effort to do so"-Pope Francis quickly and enthusiastically took to the form. True to his nature-warm, friendly, frank-he speaks in plain language about the needs of the Church, the poor, the ordinary person, the world at large, and of himself, "a sinner whom the Lord has looked upon."

God is Always Near brings together Pope Francis' first interviews, drawing each of us into fascinating conversations that reveal his love for people and his trust in the mercy of a loving God, who is always near.