Pope Francis celebrates women in the Church and the world, seen through the lens of Mary, the mother of Jesus, in this enlightening new work.

“Mary was not omnipotent, she was a normal woman: full of grace, but normal. The power is that grace of the Holy Spirit. Mary is full of the Holy Spirit, who accompanies her for her entire life.”—Pope Francis

In Ave Maria, Pope Francis explores and unpacks line by line the meaning of the Ave Maria prayer, while celebrating women and all they do as leaders, friends, sisters, and mothers. Teaming up again with theologian Marco Pozza, Francis illuminates Mary’s simple and complex nature and how her example challenges all of us to lead lives of faith, hope, and perseverance. In the end, she is an icon not just for the religious but for all who look to grow more deeply in their purpose in life.