Pope Francis has captured the imagination and admiration of millions of people of all faiths. He is frank, honest, humble, and lives the Gospel in his everyday life and reflects that in his teaching. What is not well known is that the Pope has been the successor of the Roman Empire for nearly 17 centuries. Even his title, Pontiff, come from the Latin title of the Roman Emperor, Pontifex Maximus. Over the years the trappings of imperial status has overtaken the papacy but Pope Francis has rejected much of that in symbol and substance. This book shows clearly how Francis is doing that. The author begins with a brief history of the church followed by an overview of the teaching of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965). Chapter 3 then focuses on Bergoglio and his life and how he is changing the papacy as Pope Francis. The last two chapters are summaries and quotes from his two letters: Joy of the Gospel and Care of our Common Home (Laudato Si).