Martina Pellegrino This text recounts the genesis and content of Padre , the book with which Salvatore Cernuzio paints a private portrait of Pope Francis . Born as a gesture of gratitude, the volume offers a close-up look at a relationship that transcends institutional formalities and approaches the family sphere: impromptu telephone conversations, visits to Casa Santa Marta , and private meetings.
These pages reveal not only the pontiff's public role, but also his way of being a man, pastor, and confidant.
A relationship outside the protocols
The relationship Cernuzio describes is built on a constant and spontaneous exchange, far removed from the usual distance between journalist and pope. In these narratives, the concept of father-son emerges , which the author uses to define their bond, a definition that doesn't negate their institutional role but rather emphasizes their intimacy.
The book illustrates how small gestures—an unexpected phone call or a private confidence—shaped the dialogue, helping to reveal unusual aspects of the pontificate. It is a narrative that alternates personal memories with reflections on faith, family, and suffering, always maintaining a perspective of respect and gratitude.
How the dialogue was born
The first contact, recounted by the author, came almost by impulse: a letter delivered during a papal trip and, shortly thereafter, a phone call that began with a simple, "Good evening, I'm Pope Francis."
This opening sets the tone for subsequent conversations, filled with confidences and small pieces of advice, but also jokes and smiles. At several points, the book describes how the pontiff's direct and informal approach fostered a climate of trust, allowing for sincere exchanges on sensitive topics and moments of great human tenderness.
Daily anecdotes and images
Through the pages, episodes emerge that bring the image of the pontiff surprisingly close: pranks in traffic, a love of ice cream, the idea of "taking a trip to China" thrown out as a travel joke. There are also more public details that take on a personal tone, such as the reaction to a video clip featuring the prime minister or references to meetings with institutional figures like Vincenzo De Luca and Mattarella . These stories don't pretend to delve into politics, but serve to demonstrate the concreteness of the gestures and the spontaneity of someone who, while leading the Church, remains profoundly human.
Jokes, phone calls and confidential meetings
The book doesn't neglect more intimate moments: Cernuzio recounts touching phone calls, jokes spoken to lighten difficult situations, and a secret meeting in the hospital that demonstrates his concern for the pain of others. These pages highlight the value of personal contact in the pontiff's pastoral ministry, an approach made up of small gestures that become meaningful to those who receive them. The narrative alternates irony and intimacy, offering the reader glimpses of life that humanize the papal figure without trivializing him.
A portrait designed for everyone
Published by Piemme in April 2026, Padre presents itself as a heartfelt and thoughtful tribute: not an academic treatise, but a memoir that prioritizes direct commentary and personal recollections. Cernuzio constructs a mosaic of scenes and conversations to convey the authentic face of Pope Francis , highlighting qualities such as simplicity, generosity, and insight. Ultimately, the book offers the public an opportunity for human connection: readers discover a story that invites listening, dialogue, and recognition of the personal dimension behind the pontifical ministry.