Peace Be with You!: My Words to the Church and to the World

by Pope Leo XIV

The first American Pope’s words for the world reveal themes to his peace, hope, and unity.

"I would like this greeting of peace to resound in your hearts, in your families, among all people, wherever they may be, in every nation and throughout the world. Peace be with you!"
With his first public appearance before the world, Pope Leo XIV expressed hope for an “unarmed and disarming” peace. Collected in this beautiful edition are the sermons and speeches Pope Leo XIV has delivered since his May 8, 2025, election,



his First Apostolic blessing, delivered to the Central Loggia of the Vatican Basilica“Called to Be a Light of Hope,” his video message to the young people of Chicago and the whole world“The compass of natural law,” his Address to Members of the International Inter-Parliamentary Unionand more.
These first addresses convey some of Pope Leo XIV’s vision for the the primacy of God, communion in the Church, and the pursuit of peace. His countless calls for reconciliation are addressed not only to politics, but to the heart of every “Peace begins with each of from the way we look at others, listen to others, speak about others.” He shows us that unity is possible, and it begins in our hearts.
In his own words, Pope Leo XIV welcomes us all into communion and calls us to act to protect our shared humanity and our precious home.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Catholic, Christianity, Christian

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 24, 2026

About the author

The first Augustinian Pope, Leo XIV is the second Roman Pontiff - after Pope Francis - from the Americas. Unlike Jorge Mario Bergoglio, however, the former Robert Francis Prevost is from the northern part of the continent, though he spent many years as a missionary in Peru before being elected head of the Augustinians for two consecutive terms. In Peru, he served as Bishop of Chiclayo from 2015-2023. He was made a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023 and was elected to the papacy after Francis' death on May 8, 2025. His papal name, Leo, was chosen in honor of Pope Leo XIII.

Reviews

[Logan B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent insight into Pope Leo’s pastoral priorities taken from his own words in homilies and public addresses from the first couple months of his pontificate. He is a man of peace, love, and unity as the first year of his papacy has proved out. You can tell he is a devoted son of Saint Augustine from this work not only by his many references to the great Church Father but also by Leo’s lived example of searching for God with his heart whether that be through ecumenical dialogue, encouraging peaceful resolution to conflicts, or reminding everyone of the inherent dignity of the human soul no matter how poor or small. A recommended read, particularly to Catholics seeking to better understand the Holy Father, or to anyone who wants to gain insight into the Augustinian theology behind the first American Pope.

[Dana K · Rating 4 out of 5]

For Lent this year, I wanted to prioritize a religious read to make sure I was spending proper time in contemplation. I chose this new book of Pope Leo's homilies. I haven't spent too much time getting to know this new pope, so I felt like it was a good opportunity to understand where his messages were leading. I will say it is mostly homilies to priests that he gave in his early days of transition, so it didn't feel as resonant to the average reader as I hoped. I did make some highlights and walk away with a few messages to contemplate but I feel like I will need to see more from this pope to really connect with him the way I felt with Francis or JPII.

[Kaela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Being raised Catholic, I like to keep a pulse on the happenings and I was hoping to get some wisdom from this new pope. Although I wouldn't consider this book bad, per say, it was very repetitive and full of sermons. I thought it would be one cohesive book and his thoughts to the people, but I felt a lot of it gauged more towards other priests.

[Joseph R. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book collects the speeches and sermons that Pope Leo XIV gave just after he was elected pope in 2025. In addition to addresses to Catholics and the world at large, many of his speeches are to various departments of the Vatican and to groups visiting the Pope. While this book superficially seems like a cash grab (publishing a lot of thematically unrelated works just to get a book out ASAP), it does provide some insights into Leo's style and influences.

He emphasizes the need for collaboration and support when he talks to the Vatican diplomatic corps, the College of Cardinals, or the media gathered in Rome. He has a real sense of the momentousness of his task and the humility to realize that he cannot do everything on his own (what pope has?). He talks about the importance of synodality, the initiative to incorporate input from all levels of the Catholic Church into the decision making and governing of the Church. The process is controversial because it does not have parameters appropriate to its purpose or even a clearly-defined goal.

What is clear is the influence from and admiration for Saint Augustine and Pope Francis. Before he was pope, Leo was ordained an Augustinian, eventually serving as Prior General for that order. He references Augustine as much as anyone in his talks. He also cites preaching and writings of Pope Francis often. He isn't exclusive to those two sources but they clearly have a dominant influence on his thoughts. So Leo emphasizes the preferential option for the poor and the need for humble service.

The book gives some idea of the man elected pope last year (as I write). It's not a full picture, like a biography or autobiography. It's not a coherent whole on a specific topic, like an encyclical or an extended interview. But it's a start. I look forward to learning more about and from Leo XIV.

Mildly recommended.

SAMPLE TEXT:

On the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, preaching to some men about to be ordained as priests, "...the history of Peter and Paul shows us that the communion to which the Lord calls us is a unison of voices and personalities that does not eliminate anyone's freedom. Our patron saints followed different paths, had different ideas, and at times argued with one another with evangelical frankness. Yet this did not prevent them from living the concordia apostolorum, that is, a living communion in the Spirit, a fruitful harmony in diversity." [p. 233]

[Sarah Minnear · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first American Pope has had a strong start to his papacy, and in his first year he has made some banger speeches too! The cardinals who elected him to follow Pope Francis, and to act as a foil to certain modern politicians, did well in their choice. There is a cultural cord that seems to resonate more here. He said directly that wanted to follow the last Pope Leo in leading humanity through an industrial revolution that created great technological advances and great inequalities, and he certainly has become an authentic leader and advocate for change. He speaks directly about the wrongness of the super rich hording wealth and encourages community in a isolationist world. He sounds like he does know how to use an iphone and understands the pitfalls of social media, which seems like an anachronism for the successor to a thousand year legacy. It's refreshing to feel guided by a powerful and moral leader.

[Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of homilies and speeches given in the first couple of months of his papacy, Peace Be with You!: My Words to the Church and to the World gives readers a glimpse into the soul of Pope Leo XIV. The Holy Father teaches us that peace isn't merely the absence of conflict or the calm before the inevitable storm: peace is a gift from God that challenges us to build bridges through genuine encounter. Truly an Augustinian at heart, His Holiness harmonizes the wisdom of his order's founder into his message for the world: In Illo uno unum.

[Cal Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

“..eating something dead reminds us that we too, no matter how much we eat will one day die. On the other hand when we partake of Jesus, the living and true Bread, we live for Him. By offering Himself completely, the risen and true Lord delivers Himself into our hands and we realize that we were made to partake of God. Our hungry nature bears the mark of a need that is satisfied by the grace of the Eucharist.”

[Joseph J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I you've been away from the news the past month, Pope Leo XIV has placed peace in the world and an end to violence and war in pursuit of power and ill-defined goals as a touchstone of his new Papacy. This volume is an introduction of sorts to the world of the man known now as Leo XIV, through remarks made to a number of groups, from the Cardinals who elected him to diplomats. Honest, understandable, and ultimately revelatory.

[Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a compilation of Pope Leo's sermons for the first two months of his pontificate. I believe they demonstrate his focus on peace, inner peace and world peace, love for God and your neighbor and the planet. His message is rooted in Catholic theology and strongly influenced by St. Augustine. He certainly appears to be the right man to lead the Catholic church at this time.

[Fatimaeliza Gonzalez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Homilies and speeches that Leo gave after newly becoming Pope. Had lots of take away and quotes that I underlined and enjoyed. I was expecting something a bit different than homilies and speeches, however, still enjoyed it.

[Sandra Vonniessen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointed because I really like Pope Leo- this seemed more like a series of speeches turned into a book. I'm not Catholic so it read a lot like religiosity. Near the end there were some better messages but overall to much religious dogma.

[Lady Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wholesome. It is a must read, especially if you feel a great connection with Pope Leo XIV.

[Sylwia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peace!

[Jill M Caldwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and so pertinent for today.

[Greg Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

As anti-Catholicism gains prominence in this regime it is as important as ever to remember to greet the world with peace.

[David Hildebrand · Rating 3 out of 5]

Repetitive but good