Hope: The Autobiography” was only supposed to be published after Francis’ death. But at his own request, the book is hitting bookshelves now in more than 80 countries to coincide with the start of the church's Holy Year.

The book, which was six years in the making, vividly recreates Francis’ childhood in Buenos Aires but offers few new insights into his papacy.

Pope Francis was born in 1936, and grew up in Buenos Aires, in the barrio of Flores, a simple neighbourhood. After spells working in a sock factory, Francis became a Jesuit novice in 1958; he was ordained in 1969,