Leo XIV – An Apostle of Peace

Description

When he entered the papal conclave after the death of Pope Francis, on the 7th of May 2025, did Cardinal Robert Prevost OSA suspect that he would be elected as the Pope the following day? An American who was a missionary in Peru for many years, he was till his election the Prefect of the Congregation of Bishops. A new page has been turned with his election.

The first biography of the Pope Leo XIV and reflections on his life, his papacy and interviews with people in Rome which has been translated from French.

What is the story behind this new Pope? Where does he come from? What were his previous responsibilities? What do those who have worked with him think of him? Why was he chosen? What challenges await him? What can we say about the first projects he is about to launch?

Who really is Leo XIV? How can we understand the life of this affable, discreet man, coming with the spirituality of Saint Augustine that underpins his life, and the circumstances of this accession to the chair of Saint Peter? How do we understand the man who presented himself from the outset as an apostle of peace and love, in the troubled world of today? The future of mission and the Gospel are at stake here in this election.

Written by Samuel Prevost with Marc Leboucher, literary director of Salvator

Samuel Pruvot is editor in chief and editorial writer at Famile Chretienne in France and authored various books, including on a previous French President, François Hollande (2012–2017) in 2013. He and Marc Leboucher gained access to various people in Rome before and after the conclave.