La lista di Bergoglio. I salvati da papa Francesco durante la dittatura. La storia mai raccontata

by Nello Scavo

In 1976 when Fr. Jorge Bergoglio was just 39 years old and serving as provincial superior of the Jesuits of Argentina, the military overthrew the government in a coup. The dictatorship went to work against subversives and communist adversaries through abductions, tortures, and even murders, resulting in the disappearance of about 30,000 people.

Much has been made about the mysteries of Bergoglio’s actions during this time of upheaval. Did he fail to act against human rights violations out of fear or weakness? Was he guilty of delivering opponents into the hands of the regime? Or, did his courage and compassion prompt him to save lives?

These are the questions that Italian legal journalist, Nello Scavo, set out to Argentina to answer. He had no idea of the remarkable truth his investigation would reveal.

Scavo uncovers how Bergoglio built an elaborate network consisting of clandestine passageways, secret hideouts, and covert automobile rides, all in attempt to save what has been estimated at more than 100 people from torture, imprisonment, and even death.

Bergoglio’s List is a collection of personal stories from those who knew the now-Pope during the days of the dictatorship, including:

- three students hidden for weeks by Fr. Bergoglio
- how he saved a prominent, dissident politician under the cover of darkness
- his bold march into an Argentine prison
- and much more

For the first time in English, experience not only the untold story of Bergoglio’s courage and heroism, but gain an insider’s view of the place where he was born and grew into a man -- the man we now know as Pope Francis.

Paperback

First published November 1, 2013

Reviews

[Tom Flamminio · Rating 3 out of 5]

The objective of this book is to defend Bergoglios' actions during the "Dirty War."

I understand a little more how this man thinks and how he was formed. At around age 23 He entered training with the Society of Jesus, or the Company of Jesus and is ordained 11 years later. Then just three years later he is made the Provincial Superior. Why would this relatively new priest be given such duties? This is not examined at all. Who is guiding him?

There is a timeline on page 197. He was made an auxiliary bishop in 1992 then coadjutor in 1997 and bishop of Buenos Aires in 1998. I found the appendix "Questioning of Cardinal Bergoglio in the "ESMA Trial" of 2010 most interesting. His handling of the questions would be better understood in Spanish. In English he comes off pretty deft and capable. The priest and bishops that were murdered were certainly a burden on his soul, and his efforts to assist those in the cross hairs of the regime are very commendable and courageous.

[Hector · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting read

This is very interesting book that talks about two interesting subjects and how they interconnect; 1) the Argentinean dictatorship and back story of Pope Francis. Personally, those are two very interesting topics that I love to learn about. I enjoyed this book!

[Shaun · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciated reading and learning about this time in history but the writing was difficult at times to process.

[Riccardo Marchio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Appena salito al soglio pontificio, Jorge Mario Bergoglio è stato oggetto di feroci critiche riguardo al suo presunto coinvolgimento negli affari della dittatura argentina degli anni 1976-1981. I detrattori più tiepidi gli hanno imputato di non avere fatto nulla, quelli più feroci l'hanno addirittura accusato di complicità con Videla, portando come prove una presunta foto di Bergoglio che dà la comunione allo stesso dittatore. Nello Scavo, giornalista d'inchiesta che per il suo lavoro è costretto a vivere sotto scorta, subito dopo l'elezione di Francesco ha voluto vederci chiaro sulla vicenda e ha deciso di parlare con i testimoni oculari. Ne esce un'inchiesta davvero sorprendente, in cui testimoni di varia estrazione raccontano di un Bergoglio, allora superiore provinciale dei Gesuiti in Argentina, che ha organizzato una fitta rete per salvare la vita ai dissidenti del regime per farli fuggire all'estero. Una storia mai raccontata prima emerge alle testimonianze raccolte in questo libro.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are stories we are not likely to hear in the secular media. I am awed.

[Pedro Trujillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Muy interesante y esclarecedor

[Maria Carmo · Rating 4 out of 5]

An important book that rectifies a life that was, after all, righteous and in the service of all. I love Pope Francis and I was happy to read about "Bergoglio's List"!

I hope this Pope will not die as soon as he himself predicted, since he is doins excellent work for all Humanity.

Maria Carmo,

Lisbon 24 April 2017.