This important new work by Pope Francis provides an enlightening new vision of the importance of women in the Church and the world, seen through the lens of Mary, the mother of Jesus.

"At the beginning of the re-creation of the world, there is a dialogue between God and a single woman," notes Pope Francis in Ave Maria. That woman was Mary, the mother of Jesus, the central role model of faith and service in the Catholic Church. In this follow up to Our Father, Pope Francis explores and unpacks line by line the meaning of the Ave Maria prayer, while celebrating women and all they do as mothers, sisters, friends, and leaders. Teaming up again with theologian Marco Pozza, Francis demonstrates Mary's 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.