New Book Reveals Who Pope Leo XIV was Just Before he Became Pope as Robert Francis Prevost "Free Under Grace"
Pope Leo XIV Presented with First Edition of "Free Under Grace"
Pope Leo XIV has officially received the first Italian copy of his new book, "Free Under Grace" (Liberi sotto la Grazia), ahead of its public release on Monday, May 4.
The volume, published by the Vatican Publishing House, curates a significant collection of writings—including speeches, homilies, and letters—from the Pope’s tenure as Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine (2001–2013), during which he was known as Robert Prevost.
The Presentation
The inaugural copy was presented to the Pontiff by a delegation of key figures involved in the project:
Father Joseph Farrell: Current Prior General of the Augustinians and the book’s primary promoter.
Father Rocco Ronzani: Prefect of the Vatican Apostolic Archive and co-editor.
Lorenzo Fazzini: Editorial Director of the Vatican Publishing House.
The editorial team also includes Augustinian Fathers Miguel Ángel Martín Juárez and Michael Di Gregorio.
Global Reach and Significance
Initially announced at the 2025 Frankfurt International Book Fair, the book serves as a foundational look into the spirituality and intellectual history of Pope Leo XIV.
Translations: The work is currently being translated for release in 30 countries.
Availability: Following its Monday debut in bookstores, a formal presentation will be held on Wednesday, May 6, at the Pontifical Patristic Institute Augustinianum in Rome.
Official Launch Event
The May 6 event (5:00 PM) will feature a high-profile panel of speakers, including:
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State.
Paolo Ruffini, Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication.
Andrea Tornielli, Editorial Director of Vatican Media.
Maria Grazia Calandrone, Writer.
Father Joseph Farrell, OSA.
Source: https://www.vaticannews.va/it/papa/news/2026-05/papa-leone-xiv-libro-liberi-sotto-la-grazia-priore-agostiniani.html
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