Pope Francis lands a book deal (Proof he has friends in high places?)

Some writers struggle for years to find a publisher. Not Pope Francis, whose book deal with the world’s biggest publisher was announced Friday.

It seems the man does have friends in high places.

This will be Pope Francis’ first book since he became pontiff in 2013. Titled “The Name of God Is Mercy: A Conversation with Andrea Tornielli,” the book will be published simultaneously in English and Spanish in the United States and Canada in January. It will be published in hardcover, e-book and audiobook formats.

In its release, Random House describes the upcoming book: “Drawing for this book on his own experience as a priest and shepherd, Pope Francis discusses mercy, a subject of central importance in his teaching and testimony, and in addition sums up other ideas -- reconciliation, the closeness of God -- that comprise the heart of his papacy.”

The book is being published to coincide with the Catholic-focused Holy Year of Mercy, a Jubilee Year announced by the pope to encourage Christians to meet people’s needs with concrete assistance, experience pilgrimages on foot, and to expand merciful actions throughout the world.

But while the book addresses the principles behind those efforts, it’s also meant to reach beyond his faithful base.

Random House writes: “‘The Name of God Is Mercy’ is directed at everyone, inside or outside the Catholic Church, seeking meaning in life, a road to peace and reconciliation, or the healing of physical or spiritual wounds.”

Twitter: @paperhaus