American Hope: What Pope Leo XIV means for the church and world

by Christopher Lamb

In the time it took to utter his name, Robert Prevost went from being a relatively unknown cardinal to one of the most famous people in the world. But who is this soft-spoken American who assumes the role of pope at a time of extraordinary global turbulence?

In electing Leo XIV, the College of Cardinals broke with conventional wisdom that the Catholic Church could never be led by an American. In American Hope CNN Vatican correspondent Christopher Lamb explores what the election of Pope Leo - a peacemaker figure and determined reformer - means not just for the Catholic Church but for the world. Setting his role in the context of previous popes who have had a powerful influence on global events, Lamb provides insight to the themes that will dominate Leo's papacy - from providing a spiritual counterweight to Donald Trump and a challenge to MAGA populism, to giving greater roles to women in the Catholic Church.

Leo takes charge at a moment of renewed interest in Catholicism amongst Gen Z and an ongoing battle between conservatives and progressives within the church, sparked by Pope Francis' reforms. The first US-born pope is set to make a deep impact on the church at a transformative moment in its history, and present a gentle, but firm, message to the world's most powerful leaders.

Genres: Religion, Catholic, Biography, Nonfiction

304 pages, Hardcover

Published March 31, 2026

Reviews

[Vanessa Corcoran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Covers the conclave and the state of the Church when Pope Francis died. Includes what Pope Leo has done in year 1 of his pontificate and what works needs to be done in the future

[Joel Lakadosch · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is not so much a biography as it is a broad overview of Pope Leo and the problems facing him as he begins to lead the Church. He is revealed to be a careful thinker who prefers to listen before he acts, and so far (about a year into his papacy as I write this) that has been borne out to be true. The book touches on his life but does not go too deeply into it, which is to be expected as the Pope has not been in office for long, and it takes time to write a thorough, in depth exploration of a life. However, like the first year of his papacy, this book is a good introduction to the first American pope. I came away with a good understanding of him and hope for the Church. I feel She is in good hands.

[Dave Milbrandt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest evaluation of its merits.

While Elise Ann Allen has written what likely will be the definitive biography on Robert Prevost prior to his election as Pope, Christopher Lamb had given us a very good journalistic account of the new pope and the challenges and opportunities he faces as Pope Leo XIV. How does he compare to his most immediate predecessors and what new ground will he forge are the main questions this book seeks to answer. This book provides a good understanding of the Roman Catholic church today and how this man from Chicago who spend decades in Peru will lead a church of more than 1 billion believers in the years to come.

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Separation of church and state? Not in this book.
As a 25 year old Mormon girly reading an advanced copy of a very Catholic, very political deep dive into why America basically “needs” a pope right now… I have questions. Mostly about myself. Why was I reading this? Nobody knows. I was intrigued.
The title says American Hope, but a solid chunk of the book argues that America is spiritually and politically spiraling. Which is apparently how we earned an American pope. Bold branding choice.
Would I recommend it? If you like your theology with a side of geopolitical commentary, yes. If you’re expecting purely inspirational vibes maybe look elsewhere.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, American Hope, by Christopher Lamb, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I love Cardinal George, and was glad to read about him in this book, nobody thought we would ever have an American Pope. We were shocked and please when Cardinal Prevost, Pope Leo the XIV, was announced to be our pope. Pope Leo is also the first Augustinian Pope. I enjoyed reading more about our pope, he does not have an easy job at all!

[Morning Glory · Rating 3 out of 5]

I prefer books about the Church written by an insider (preferably practicing and loving the Faith) as they are more understanding of what goes on, but this does a pretty good job of going over some of the larger issues the Church faces and what Pope Francis and Leo were/are up against. I really liked the last part about Pope Leo needing a narrative, and YES PLEASE if he came to Chicago we’d give him a party he’d never forget :)

[Anne-Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting perspective on the political implications of Pope Leo's pontificate. It briefly mentions Opus Dei and is very scathing, quoting the usual cliches that have been trotted out since time immemorial and is quite harsh on traditional Catholics, but this aside I felt it was worth reading.

[Jerry]

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[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be a good “point in time” reference of the Vatican, the Catholic Church and insight into Pope Leo XIV.