Bestselling author Andreas Englisch as a guest in Beckum

Ten years ago, an unusual man was elected Pope: Pope Francis is the first Bishop of Rome to come from the Americas, the first Jesuit priest and the first radical reformer to head the Catholic Church in centuries.

Since taking office, Francis has profoundly changed the Church, the Vatican and the office of Pope. At the same time, however, the Catholic Church is experiencing the most dramatic crisis in its history during his time in office, says the author. The never-ending revelations of abuse scandals are enraging people around the world, and more and more believers are turning away from the Church in disappointment.

The well-known bestselling author Andreas Englisch, who has met Francis many times and has been able to accompany him on his travels, will report on the challenges the Pope has faced during his term of office and the reforms he has succeeded in making so far despite all the resistance.

Andreas Englisch, who has Westphalian roots and lives with his family in Rome, is a recognised Vatican insider and one of the best-informed journalists in the Holy City. He is a regular guest on German talk shows.

"This will be an informative and entertaining event," says Cornelia Baumann from the city of Beckum, "and may also be a suitable gift for Christmas."

Tickets are now available at a price of 25 euros from the Beckum town council offices, via the ticket hotline 02521 29-3350, via www.beckum.de/Kartenvorverkauf or at the box office.