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Pope Leo XIV: In His Own Words – The Definitive Biography of the New Leader of the Catholic Church
A revealing biography featuring an exclusive first interview with the new Pope Leo XIV, written by one of the world's most respected Vatican correspondents
Who is Robert Prevost, the man who is now Leo XIV?
What personal traits led him to be chosen as pontiff at a time when the Catholic Church was debating whether to continue the legacy of Francis I or roll back the reforms advanced by him? How did he rise as pope in an overwhelmingly majority vote and what could it mean?
Elise Ann Allen, correspondent in Rome for Crux, the prestigious website specialising in Vatican news, outlines a detailed and intimate profile of the new pope. From his childhood in Chicago and his early vocation as an Augustinian to his years as a missionary in Peru and his key role in the Vatican as head of the bishops, Allen reveals the experiences that forged his character and established him as a spiritual leader and citizen of the world.
Including the first interview that Leo XIV officially granted as pope, this biography is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the new pope, his priorities, convictions and vision for the future of the Church.
Who is Robert Prevost, the man who is now Leo XIV?
What personal traits led him to be chosen as pontiff at a time when the Catholic Church was debating whether to continue the legacy of Francis I or roll back the reforms advanced by him? How did he rise as pope in an overwhelmingly majority vote and what could it mean?
Elise Ann Allen, correspondent in Rome for Crux, the prestigious website specialising in Vatican news, outlines a detailed and intimate profile of the new pope. From his childhood in Chicago and his early vocation as an Augustinian to his years as a missionary in Peru and his key role in the Vatican as head of the bishops, Allen reveals the experiences that forged his character and established him as a spiritual leader and citizen of the world.
Including the first interview that Leo XIV officially granted as pope, this biography is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the new pope, his priorities, convictions and vision for the future of the Church.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 16, 2026
Decent early and laudatory but uncritical biography of Leo 14. The author has known and obviously has admired Robert Prevost for some time. She adequately relates his life story but overlooks or minimizes any failings. A particularly egregious point is when Prevost as bishop signed off on a supervision document on a pedophile priest that did not adequately keep him away from children. The author absolves Prevost responsibility by stating his signature was a formality. This is wrong, if your signature is required, it means you have decision rights and if the supervision of this priest was lacking, Prevost owns some of the responsibility as a signatory to the supervision document. Additionally the last chapter of the book is an interview the author conducted with Pope Leo two months after his election. Mostly softball questions. No probing questions, e.g. what keeps you up at night. What do you see as your greatest personal weakness? What is your biggest fear as Pope? Many books will be written about the first American Pope, this book is a decent first attempt to describe the life of Pope Leo to this point.
May 12, 2026
Pope Leo XIV by Elise Ann Allen sets out to explain the rise of Robert Prevost, the first American pope, tracing his journey from Chicago to the Augustinian order, missionary work in Peru, and eventually the Vatican, where he became a significant figure before his election as Pope Leo XIV. It also aims to sketch what kind of pontiff he may become, his priorities, and the direction of the modern Church.
This was an okay read, though often more dutiful than illuminating. The strongest material comes when Allen focuses on Leo’s background, his years in Peru, and the practical path that led him to Rome. Those sections at least give the reader a sense of the man behind the title.
Unfortunately, the book is weighed down by passages of grand commentary and windy analysis. We get paragraphs explaining modern America in sweeping terms, or pronouncements about synodality and not going backward, all written in a style that manages to be both earnest and vague. There are many sentences that sound important while saying remarkably little.
The main theme seemed to be that Leo will talk to people. That may well be true, and it may even be admirable, but after the fifth variation on the point it begins to feel thin gruel stretched over too many pages.
The saving grace is the interview at the end of the book, which was worth the read on its own. There, finally, the fog clears a little and an actual voice emerges. It is the one part of the book that feels immediate rather than interpretive.
Skip the book and read the interview.
This was an okay read, though often more dutiful than illuminating. The strongest material comes when Allen focuses on Leo’s background, his years in Peru, and the practical path that led him to Rome. Those sections at least give the reader a sense of the man behind the title.
Unfortunately, the book is weighed down by passages of grand commentary and windy analysis. We get paragraphs explaining modern America in sweeping terms, or pronouncements about synodality and not going backward, all written in a style that manages to be both earnest and vague. There are many sentences that sound important while saying remarkably little.
The main theme seemed to be that Leo will talk to people. That may well be true, and it may even be admirable, but after the fifth variation on the point it begins to feel thin gruel stretched over too many pages.
The saving grace is the interview at the end of the book, which was worth the read on its own. There, finally, the fog clears a little and an actual voice emerges. It is the one part of the book that feels immediate rather than interpretive.
Skip the book and read the interview.
July 18, 2026
Elise Ann Allen, an experienced journalist and Rome correspondent, is very knowledgable of the ways of The Vatican and the Catholic Church - - and that makes her a very capable author to write a biography of our new Pope.
This is extremely detailed and well-researched. In addition to learning about the background of Pope Leo XIV (American Robert Prevost) and his development and rise within the Catholic Church - - Allen provides the history of politics and culture within Peru during the years prior and during Prevost's time there.
If there's any criticism it would be that Allen doesn't spend enough time on the life of Prevost before he was ordained as a Catholic priest. Still, there's enough story and personal statements from family and friends to obtain an idea of what he is like.
What is most impressive is Pope Leo XIV's vision for the future of faith and the role of the Catholic Church. I became discouraged long ago (I was raised Catholic) but I firmly believe that he is a great choice for Pope and that gives me hope. We really need some worthy role models for young people to take inspiration from. The world of politics, sports, and celebrities too often disappoints.
This is extremely detailed and well-researched. In addition to learning about the background of Pope Leo XIV (American Robert Prevost) and his development and rise within the Catholic Church - - Allen provides the history of politics and culture within Peru during the years prior and during Prevost's time there.
If there's any criticism it would be that Allen doesn't spend enough time on the life of Prevost before he was ordained as a Catholic priest. Still, there's enough story and personal statements from family and friends to obtain an idea of what he is like.
What is most impressive is Pope Leo XIV's vision for the future of faith and the role of the Catholic Church. I became discouraged long ago (I was raised Catholic) but I firmly believe that he is a great choice for Pope and that gives me hope. We really need some worthy role models for young people to take inspiration from. The world of politics, sports, and celebrities too often disappoints.
August 4, 2026
I'll admit I'm a Pope Leo fan. He may not be as Progressive as I hope a Pope will be in my lifetime, but this book, told through research, interviews with many people in his life and his co-workers, and, most importantly, through interviews work the Pope himself, shows why he is the leader the Church needs today.
What impresses me the most is how he has done the real, needed work for reform and for community quietly and behind the scenes. That's not for lack of courage, it's lack of bravado. He saw what needed to be done and simply did it. His leadership is through example, and by setting the expectation of what being a good religious, a good priest, a good community member should be in this day and age.
While I hope he continues to evolve progressively when it comes to women's roles in the Church and on LGBTQI+ marriage, his stance on the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy is solid. This book, while written favorably, is also balanced and honest.
What impresses me the most is how he has done the real, needed work for reform and for community quietly and behind the scenes. That's not for lack of courage, it's lack of bravado. He saw what needed to be done and simply did it. His leadership is through example, and by setting the expectation of what being a good religious, a good priest, a good community member should be in this day and age.
While I hope he continues to evolve progressively when it comes to women's roles in the Church and on LGBTQI+ marriage, his stance on the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy is solid. This book, while written favorably, is also balanced and honest.
August 28, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
Of course I understood this biography would be a positive endorsement of the man Robert Francis Prevost, who has become Pope Leo XIV. It presents us with enough background and information to learn somewhat about the pope’s formative years, particularly in Perú, and of his time and appointments closer to being installed as the pope in 2025. It demonstrates an authentic man, accepting his mission, in response to his calling from, and love of Jesus Christ.
For the sake of our reading and learning something about this man, this book serves reasonably well, although I would not rank it as a meticulously researched and presented biography. The final chapter makes the earlier reading worthwhile, as the book concludes with the interview the author had with the pope, and we read his own words in response to questions about current matters and concerns for the Church.
Unfortunately, as a literary work, and I believe this to be so because it is a translation from the original Spanish text of its initial publication, the syntax and expression is clumsy and clunky, and it was not an enjoyable reading experience per se.
Of course I understood this biography would be a positive endorsement of the man Robert Francis Prevost, who has become Pope Leo XIV. It presents us with enough background and information to learn somewhat about the pope’s formative years, particularly in Perú, and of his time and appointments closer to being installed as the pope in 2025. It demonstrates an authentic man, accepting his mission, in response to his calling from, and love of Jesus Christ.
For the sake of our reading and learning something about this man, this book serves reasonably well, although I would not rank it as a meticulously researched and presented biography. The final chapter makes the earlier reading worthwhile, as the book concludes with the interview the author had with the pope, and we read his own words in response to questions about current matters and concerns for the Church.
Unfortunately, as a literary work, and I believe this to be so because it is a translation from the original Spanish text of its initial publication, the syntax and expression is clumsy and clunky, and it was not an enjoyable reading experience per se.
August 7, 2026
This felt a bit rushed and lacking in spiritual depth, choosing to focus on things like “direction” and “hot button issues” instead of how the message of Christ can transform the world.
May 21, 2026
I'm going to be the outlier here.
I need to start this off by saying I absolutely love a good biography - learning the background and history of a person that one doesn't typically see in their current position, learning how it shaped them and their world. I had been excited to read this one, knowing that Pope Leo XIV was the first American Pope. However, it fell very, very short of my expectations.
I found it to be wordy, often times sounding as if the author just really likes to use big words to sound more educated or informed. It was less a biography of Pipe Leo XIV than it was a combination of the authors memoir around meeting the Pope (first as a cardinal, then later as the newly elected Pope) and part history/informative work on the Catholic Church. Perhaps someone a little farther removed from the situation would have presented a better history of the man.
**Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House Christian Publishing for sending this book for review. All opinions are my own.**
I need to start this off by saying I absolutely love a good biography - learning the background and history of a person that one doesn't typically see in their current position, learning how it shaped them and their world. I had been excited to read this one, knowing that Pope Leo XIV was the first American Pope. However, it fell very, very short of my expectations.
I found it to be wordy, often times sounding as if the author just really likes to use big words to sound more educated or informed. It was less a biography of Pipe Leo XIV than it was a combination of the authors memoir around meeting the Pope (first as a cardinal, then later as the newly elected Pope) and part history/informative work on the Catholic Church. Perhaps someone a little farther removed from the situation would have presented a better history of the man.
**Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House Christian Publishing for sending this book for review. All opinions are my own.**
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest evaluation of its merits.
If you are looking for an exhaustive biography of the new pontiff, complete with extended interviews with Prevost/Leo XIV himself, his brothers and and many people in his liturgical life, this is the book for you. It is thorough and written by someone who knows his history and has a deep respect for the man. Her focus on his ministry in Latin America highlights his work within the church and the deeper social and political challenges facing Peru and the region gives the reader a more fully developed perspective on the man and the impact of his work on a micro and macro level.
While one could argue the author's proximity to Prevost before his election as pope (she has had the man over for dinner) might color her view of the new pontiff, it also has given her access that otherwise would have impossible. Also, the closeness with Allen does not seem out of character for Prevost/Leo, who was known to walk the streets and help the average person when in Peru. The colorful story about the Pope and his barber at the end is both fun and insightful into who the leader of the largest church in the world is.
Originally written in Spanish and then translated into English, the writing style takes a little time to get used to, but it's not a big deal at all. The only challenge I found in this book was a structural one: extended quotes. I do not know whether this is because of the writing style of the author or that the speed with which the work was brought to market did not allow for more editing of the source material, but there is a regular practice of using multi-paragraph quotes over shorter passages woven into the narrative. Yes, it gives me a chance to see how the subject speaks and forms complete thoughts, but it read more like an academic work than a general market book.
Perhaps it is a nod to more long-form journalism that I am used to reading in American journalism and non-fiction, but I found points where I thought the previous two paragraphs could have been condensed into a sentence or two with some context. That said, reprinting the interview in whole as the last chapter was worth every word. Choosing which interviews to condense and which ones to leave expanded would have devalued the thoughts of some over others, so giving all sources space to express themselves may be a choice as much about equality as it is about editorial style.
This small issue aside, this is a very good book for understanding the internal and external forces that shaped Robert Francis Prevost into the Bishop of Rome.
If you are looking for an exhaustive biography of the new pontiff, complete with extended interviews with Prevost/Leo XIV himself, his brothers and and many people in his liturgical life, this is the book for you. It is thorough and written by someone who knows his history and has a deep respect for the man. Her focus on his ministry in Latin America highlights his work within the church and the deeper social and political challenges facing Peru and the region gives the reader a more fully developed perspective on the man and the impact of his work on a micro and macro level.
While one could argue the author's proximity to Prevost before his election as pope (she has had the man over for dinner) might color her view of the new pontiff, it also has given her access that otherwise would have impossible. Also, the closeness with Allen does not seem out of character for Prevost/Leo, who was known to walk the streets and help the average person when in Peru. The colorful story about the Pope and his barber at the end is both fun and insightful into who the leader of the largest church in the world is.
Originally written in Spanish and then translated into English, the writing style takes a little time to get used to, but it's not a big deal at all. The only challenge I found in this book was a structural one: extended quotes. I do not know whether this is because of the writing style of the author or that the speed with which the work was brought to market did not allow for more editing of the source material, but there is a regular practice of using multi-paragraph quotes over shorter passages woven into the narrative. Yes, it gives me a chance to see how the subject speaks and forms complete thoughts, but it read more like an academic work than a general market book.
Perhaps it is a nod to more long-form journalism that I am used to reading in American journalism and non-fiction, but I found points where I thought the previous two paragraphs could have been condensed into a sentence or two with some context. That said, reprinting the interview in whole as the last chapter was worth every word. Choosing which interviews to condense and which ones to leave expanded would have devalued the thoughts of some over others, so giving all sources space to express themselves may be a choice as much about equality as it is about editorial style.
This small issue aside, this is a very good book for understanding the internal and external forces that shaped Robert Francis Prevost into the Bishop of Rome.
July 13, 2026
The first U.S. born Pope sat with journalist Elise Ann Allen for face-to-face interviews mere months after his dramatic May 8th. 2025 election as pontiff. (I found it frustratingly fascinating that he noted a couple of things happened in the conclave which elected him which would make a good book. Nothing more said!) This book follows Robert Prevost from suburban Chicago upbringing by devout parents of educated but modest circumstances and strong faith. (The Christmas morning story of their mother telling them of a financially strapped family in the neighborhood unable to provide gifts, while the Prevost boys hold their treasures, well, get the picture). Interesting that he was largely unaware of his multicultural background including Haitian forebearers until his 2025 election, while aware of at least one bigoted neighbor during his boyhood. That a son followed God's call to priesthood is not surprising; the path he took via the Augustinian order, from Villanova to the challenging and dangerous life of a missionary priest in hot, dusty villages in South America is neither unique or unconventional for that time. the 1980s. I knew charismatic and committed guys in that time. Prevost's rise within his religious order and the hierarchy of the Church is singular. Navigating South American politics and local church scandal he is noticed by Pope Francis, and Rome and a swift ascent within the Vatican follows. I'm tempted to call this an American success story; a rise to the top of the ladder. But this ignores Prevost's humility and gentle calm manner, matched by a management style of dialogue. The charge that he was cold and unresponsive to victims of sexual abuse is discussed at length, and within the dangerous avenues of reactionary South American church politics. This is a very good and straightforward picture of the current unexpected Pope who at the same time seems right for the times. (Published before the exchange of opinions between Leo and Donald Trump arising out of the latter's war with Iran.) On a lighter note, don't miss the picture of young Padre Bob Prevost, standing as a godfather, making a silly face at his goddaughter during her baptism. pg. 98
July 28, 2026
There’s a saying in the Vatican “he who enters the conclave as a pope, leaves as a cardinal.” This saying perfectly captures Pope Leo, a quiet, humble man who did not seek to become Pope, who thought he never would be Pope (popular thinking in Rome being an American would never be elected Pope anyway), but once the decision was made, he accepted it and devoted himself fully to it.
So we find out in this fairly informative book on the Pope. What sets it apart from some of the books is an interview (two, actually) that he sat for with the author. His first since becoming Pope.
The book gives a good trace of his life, with the bulk of the book centering on his years in Peru, of which he is actually a citizen (dual citizenship - Peruvian and American). We get a good feel for the man himself, an Augustinian who has been deeply formed by that particular tradition, he is a listener who prefers to contemplate and build consensus, take all sides into consideration before making a decision. He stresses unity in all things.
He did an incredible amount of work in Peru among the poor and at times risked violence when he came up against corruption in the church and in the government. But he stood firm and quietly went about what he felt called to do. One thing that stands out is he truly was a man of the people. Not one to stay at a desk, he preferred to be out getting his hands dirty, working and marching alongside the people.
For the most part the book gives a solid description of the new Pope, a man who seeks consensus and peace, a man who keeps a low profile and prefers to keep quiet, think, and when he does take action, he does so with firmness.
So we find out in this fairly informative book on the Pope. What sets it apart from some of the books is an interview (two, actually) that he sat for with the author. His first since becoming Pope.
The book gives a good trace of his life, with the bulk of the book centering on his years in Peru, of which he is actually a citizen (dual citizenship - Peruvian and American). We get a good feel for the man himself, an Augustinian who has been deeply formed by that particular tradition, he is a listener who prefers to contemplate and build consensus, take all sides into consideration before making a decision. He stresses unity in all things.
He did an incredible amount of work in Peru among the poor and at times risked violence when he came up against corruption in the church and in the government. But he stood firm and quietly went about what he felt called to do. One thing that stands out is he truly was a man of the people. Not one to stay at a desk, he preferred to be out getting his hands dirty, working and marching alongside the people.
For the most part the book gives a solid description of the new Pope, a man who seeks consensus and peace, a man who keeps a low profile and prefers to keep quiet, think, and when he does take action, he does so with firmness.
June 1, 2026
Robert Prevost aka Pope XIV is a multi-faceted man. I only knew who was an American from Chicago but after reading this biography I learned that he was preparing himself for his role as the head of the Roman Catholic Church playing priest as a small child with his brothers. He never wavered or changed his mind about being a cleric. He grew up in a middle class neighborhood with his two older brothers, mother who was a teacher and father a superintendent. He went on to college and divinity school and served most of his religious time in Peru serving the poor and marginalized which he held and still do hold a deep affection for the Country Peruvian people. He served on numerous boards and committees, and participated in community affairs, fundraising, attending festivals and spreading the gospel and love for his fellow humans. He made many lifelong friends and became a Godfather to a good friend of his. He was a great believer of involving everyone lay person, bishops, families etc in the church allowing everyone a voice which he still believes in today as Pope Leo XIV. Pope Leo has opinions on other things outside of his duties as head of the Catholic Church. For example he believes AI can be used for good things i e medicine, but can also distort reality when misused resulting in fake news. I enjoyed reading the unknown tidbits about him like his ability to speak different languages, his older brother a Trump supporter, his mother being of mixed ancestry, creole, French, Spanish and African American, he still keeps in touch with his god daughter and his close relationship with his barber, his love of driving fast and playing The Mamas & The Papas, his bravado in the unstable , corrupt and unsafe times during his time in South America. So with all these experiences makes him as human as we all are. He really was born to be the Pope. The none ending jargon did not hold my attention so I skipped over a lot of the “churchy” stuff and moved along to finish the book. It won’t be for everyone but it will be of interest to those who would like to know a little more about Pope Leo XIV. I didn’t care enjoy the interview at the end of the book.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A great book about Pope Leo XIV.
This is my second book about Pope Leao XIV, and by far my preferred book about Pope Leo XIV. This book was originally written in Spanish (I believe) and translated to English.
This book really does a good job explaining the complications in regards to the political situation in Peru while "Father Bob" was in Peru.
I love how "Father Bob" was around people. The author said that if people were sitting, he sat; if people standing, he stood; if people were singing, he sang; if people were dancing, he danced. He wanted people to feel comfortable around him.
He put women in positions, because they could fill a role that needed to be filled. The women helped grow the community.
I also love that Pope Leo XIV loves to drive (and some people said, maybe a little too fast with the music on a little too loud ... love that!). Love that Pope Leo XIV is a real person. So glad he is in the position that he is in!
Great book! Highly regarded and recommended!
Many thanks to Elise Ann Allen for writing, for NetGalley and Penguin Random House Christian Publishing for approving my request to read the advance read copy of Pope Leo XIV in exchange for an honest review. Approx 336 pages. Release date was April 28, 2026.
This is my second book about Pope Leao XIV, and by far my preferred book about Pope Leo XIV. This book was originally written in Spanish (I believe) and translated to English.
This book really does a good job explaining the complications in regards to the political situation in Peru while "Father Bob" was in Peru.
I love how "Father Bob" was around people. The author said that if people were sitting, he sat; if people standing, he stood; if people were singing, he sang; if people were dancing, he danced. He wanted people to feel comfortable around him.
He put women in positions, because they could fill a role that needed to be filled. The women helped grow the community.
I also love that Pope Leo XIV loves to drive (and some people said, maybe a little too fast with the music on a little too loud ... love that!). Love that Pope Leo XIV is a real person. So glad he is in the position that he is in!
Great book! Highly regarded and recommended!
Many thanks to Elise Ann Allen for writing, for NetGalley and Penguin Random House Christian Publishing for approving my request to read the advance read copy of Pope Leo XIV in exchange for an honest review. Approx 336 pages. Release date was April 28, 2026.
May 7, 2026
I am still enjoying reading this book. Here are my thoughts thus far:
This book gives us amazing insight into the life of Pope Leo XIV. His roots in Chicago and early days as an Augustinian priest. His transformative, ground-level pastoral ministry as a missionary in Peru. His high-level administrative experience in the Vatican as the head of bishops.
It explores his unique global perspective by framing him through his dual citizenship (United States and Peru).
But this isn't just about timeline of accomplishments, this book aims to give us deeply personal narrative. Augmented by stories and reflections from those who know Pope Leo XIV personally, the writer captures the warmth, integrity and spiritual leadership of the man.
For Catholics, curious protestants, and history enthusiasts alike, this book promises to be the great introductory guide. It sets out to provide not just the resume of a surprise candidate, but the character, pastoral priorities, and future vision of the man now leading the catholic church.
This book gives us amazing insight into the life of Pope Leo XIV. His roots in Chicago and early days as an Augustinian priest. His transformative, ground-level pastoral ministry as a missionary in Peru. His high-level administrative experience in the Vatican as the head of bishops.
It explores his unique global perspective by framing him through his dual citizenship (United States and Peru).
But this isn't just about timeline of accomplishments, this book aims to give us deeply personal narrative. Augmented by stories and reflections from those who know Pope Leo XIV personally, the writer captures the warmth, integrity and spiritual leadership of the man.
For Catholics, curious protestants, and history enthusiasts alike, this book promises to be the great introductory guide. It sets out to provide not just the resume of a surprise candidate, but the character, pastoral priorities, and future vision of the man now leading the catholic church.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I've read a few biographies and books about Pope Leo by now. This is the most substantive one by far. Allen has really done her research. The book not only features her in-depth interviews with the pope himself, but also with multiple people who have known and worked with him over the years, in Chicago, Peru, Rome, and other places where he's traveled, studied, and worked. The resulting portrait gives us a real sense of what he brings to this particular cultural and historical moment.
(Side note: I've been amused at how every Leo biography that's come out so far has been touted as the first one. I wonder how far we'll get into this papacy before each biography stops being billed as the first biography? Publicists gotta publicize, I get that, but it's time to come up with some adjectives other than "first"!)
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
(Side note: I've been amused at how every Leo biography that's come out so far has been touted as the first one. I wonder how far we'll get into this papacy before each biography stops being billed as the first biography? Publicists gotta publicize, I get that, but it's time to come up with some adjectives other than "first"!)
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
July 11, 2026
An Incredible book an outstanding human being and leader. Elise Ann Allen as a journalist enjoyed a perch like no other to cover the decades this book spans.
Highly Recommend.
I asked myself these questions while reading
Putting myself in Robert Prevost’s shoes, I asked myself, could I ever manage to do what he was “CALLED” to do over and over again under very challenging circumstances
It’s almost frightening how small I feel in comparison.
For non Catholics there is one word used in Catholicism and throughout this book: “formation”
FORMATION has a very special connotation in the spirituality and theology of the church.
Highly Recommend.
I asked myself these questions while reading
Putting myself in Robert Prevost’s shoes, I asked myself, could I ever manage to do what he was “CALLED” to do over and over again under very challenging circumstances
It’s almost frightening how small I feel in comparison.
For non Catholics there is one word used in Catholicism and throughout this book: “formation”
FORMATION has a very special connotation in the spirituality and theology of the church.
July 7, 2026
Fantastic!
A very good biography and the first long interview given by Pope Leo. One can see the continuity with Pope Francis in Robert Prevost’s work in Latin America in Peru, and the commitment to synodality born of the episcopal conferences there. He went into the conclave thinking they would never elect an American, but he is the least American of those American cardinals who were eligible in the conclave. May St. Augustine, of whose Order he is a member and was minister general, protect and guide him!
A very good biography and the first long interview given by Pope Leo. One can see the continuity with Pope Francis in Robert Prevost’s work in Latin America in Peru, and the commitment to synodality born of the episcopal conferences there. He went into the conclave thinking they would never elect an American, but he is the least American of those American cardinals who were eligible in the conclave. May St. Augustine, of whose Order he is a member and was minister general, protect and guide him!
August 17, 2026
Okay this took me a little bit to chew through but taken in pieces (and the audiobook read by the author) makes for an excellent overview of the background of Padre Roberto aka Pope Leo XIV. Very fascinating guy, absolutely following the path charted by Pope Francis but expanding on it in an excellent, hopeful way. Tbh crazy it doesn’t have more 4+ star reviews but it might be because pretty this book was originally written in Spanish for a primary audience in Latin America so many of the issues are specific to Peru etc.
May 4, 2026
Elise is a powerful writer with a clear closeness and affection for the Holy Father. The book is a quick read - due mostly to Elise’s engaging journalistic style - but it is absolutely chock full of stories, insights, and personal reflections from Pope Leo and friends. I know a fair bit about the Holy Father already…but I still learned so much! This is essential reading for anyone looking to understand Robert Prevost and the Vatican of today, and a great addition to any Catholic home library.
August 1, 2026
Sources for this were nearly all interviews of numerous people who've known, worked with, and been shepherded by Robert Prevost. Chapters were grouped in categories: roots, eclesial and sociopolitical context, missionary Chulucanas to Trujillo, prior general(global), Bishop of Chicalayo, election, and his own interview.
Summaries are attempted throughout and are similar. A consistency of viewpoint among the diverse interviewees.
Summaries are attempted throughout and are similar. A consistency of viewpoint among the diverse interviewees.
May 4, 2026
Forward thinking, unifying, problem solving, thoughtful and highly likable Pontiff. He’s a bridge builder and the right person to lead the Catholic Church.
He knew at age 14 he wanted to be a priest. He believes in fostering young people and mission work. Very well read with a wry sense of humor.
Author interviewed the Pope, his brothers, teachers, fellow clergy and parishioners.
He knew at age 14 he wanted to be a priest. He believes in fostering young people and mission work. Very well read with a wry sense of humor.
Author interviewed the Pope, his brothers, teachers, fellow clergy and parishioners.
June 19, 2026
Good book (but at times a bit boring for me I think I just find Allen's writing a bit dry even when it's not). It highlights:
- Pope Leo's patience, care, and understanding
- The level of respect that others have for him
- The pain loved ones have when there is a Pope in the family (or among friends)
- The corruption Prevost had to face in various areas
- Pope Leo's patience, care, and understanding
- The level of respect that others have for him
- The pain loved ones have when there is a Pope in the family (or among friends)
- The corruption Prevost had to face in various areas
August 2, 2026
This was super interesting! I know the Pope Leo basics from all of the media coverage over the past year, but I really liked how this book was informed both research and one on one conversation with Pope Leo. This is great to read if you want to get to know more about his background, his view on the Church, and to get a sense of what kind of pope he hopes to be.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wow, this book was such an insight into Pope Leo’s mind, his background, his focus on ministry, the love for the church and how that defined him. As someone who grew up within the Church, it is so refreshing to see his character within these pages. Would 100% recommend!
May 29, 2026
A wonderful biography of our wonderful pope Leo
I love this book and recommend everyone who wants to know more about Pope Leo to read this book. The more I read this book, the more I admire, respect and love Pope Leo! He’s truly a great gift from God to the world and the Church today. Thanks Elise Allen for this amazing work, I really appreciate your book.
I love this book and recommend everyone who wants to know more about Pope Leo to read this book. The more I read this book, the more I admire, respect and love Pope Leo! He’s truly a great gift from God to the world and the Church today. Thanks Elise Allen for this amazing work, I really appreciate your book.
August 30, 2026
Good book. Touches all of the Popes important factual information and his career. All positive reporting which makes sense since he is a very fine person. However, I think it might have been more interesting if some of his lesser qualities had been covered. He must have some faults… everybody does!
June 20, 2026
Factual but unbelievably boring. Struggled to read and did not finish…
August 15, 2026
This was a really good biography that will stay with me.
Read
August 17, 2026I liked the interview at the end -- he seems like a cool dude, would be great to meet him!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review.
Though I am not religious now I did go to church as a kid and my grandmother was Roman Catholic. So I have always been interested in the Pope as a person and find the process of picking a new Pope quite interesting.
With Pope Leo being the first pope from the USA I was definitely interested in finding out about him as a person and who he might be as the Pope.
This book was very informative about who Pope Leo was before he became the Pope. He seems like a really good person who cares about the people. I think he will make a very good Pope and I can't wait to see what he does as time goes on.
Though I am not religious now I did go to church as a kid and my grandmother was Roman Catholic. So I have always been interested in the Pope as a person and find the process of picking a new Pope quite interesting.
With Pope Leo being the first pope from the USA I was definitely interested in finding out about him as a person and who he might be as the Pope.
This book was very informative about who Pope Leo was before he became the Pope. He seems like a really good person who cares about the people. I think he will make a very good Pope and I can't wait to see what he does as time goes on.
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