Pope Leo XIV

The definitive biography of Pope Leo XIV, featuring an exclusive first interview with the new leader of the Catholic Church, written by one of the world's most respected Vatican correspondents. 'Extraordinary... a masterful and amazingly intimate portrait of our new pope' AUSTEN IVEREIGH, biographer of Pope Francis In May 2025, as white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, the world watched with great anticipation for the new pope to emerge on the balcony of St Peter's Basilica. A 'dark horse candidate', as the media came to call him, and the first American to be elected: Robert Prevost, who took the name Leo XIV. But who is the new pope? In this detailed and intimate biography, Elise Ann Allen, respected Vatican correspondent in Rome for Crux, offers an exclusive insight into the new pontiff's life story and includes his own perspective throughout. 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, established him as a spiritual leader, and that are sure to inform his future actions as the Holy Father on this troubled world stage. Including stories and reflections from Pope Leo himself, as well as those who knew him personally throughout the years, this biography is essential reading for anyone who wishes to understand the leader of the Catholic Church today - his priorities, convictions and vision for the future.

Elise Ann Allen (Author) Elise Ann Allen is a correspondent in Rome for the specialised media outlet Crux. Before joining Crux, Elise worked with Catholic News Agency, first as a multi-media and content management assistant in Denver. She holds a degree in Philosophy and Communications from the University of Northern Colorado. Stephen Di Trolio (Translator) Stephen Di Trolio is a PhD Candidate in the Department of History and Ecumenics at Princeton Theological Seminary, specialising in 'Religion in the Americas.' He is the recipient of the Julian Gwyn Essay Prize, the Louisville Doctoral Fellowship and is the Jackson Scholar for Latin American Studies (BSIR Baylor University) among other awards. As a native Spanish speaker, he is an active translator of various books, essays and chapters in edited volumes. In 2023, he translated Pope Francis's book, I Am Asking in the Name of God (Penguin Random House, 2023).