New Book of Never-Seen-Before Writings of Pope Leo XIV that Led Him to the Papacy - “Freedom Under Grace”

 Never-seen-before writings of Pope Leo XIV offers readers around the world a window into the spiritual foundation that would lead him to the papacy-in his own words before his election. Before becoming Pope Leo XIV, Robert Francis Prevost had never published a book. But shortly after his election to the papacy, Holy Father chose these previously unpublished texts to become his first published collection of writings: Freedom Under Grace. Drawing deeply from Saint Augustine, he reflects on Christian life, community, solidarity, care for the poor and marginalised, and why the Gospel remains the answer to the challenges facing our world today. At its heart is a powerful conviction: “Man is not defined by what he possesses or what he knows, but rather by what he loves.”

Pope Leo XIV’s “Freedom Under Grace” Released in English

Freedom Under Grace: Reflections on the Spiritual Tradition That Formed Me, a new book by Pope Leo XIV, arrived in bookstores across the US, UK, Australia, and the Commonwealth on Tuesday, September 15. The English edition brings together reflections, addresses, homilies, and personal writings from the Holy Father’s tenure as Prior General of the Order of St. Augustine, revealing the contemplative foundation behind his leadership.

As the first Augustinian pontiff and the first American pope, Leo XIV offers a unique perspective rooted in the spiritual legacy of St. Augustine. According to publisher Penguin Random House, the collection captures the future pope navigating real-time global challenges—including the aftermath of 9/11, shifting political ideologies, poverty, and human rights issues—while advancing a vision of community, solidarity, and service to the marginalized.

Publication Details

• US Publisher: Image Books (Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group)

• UK & Australia Publisher: Enlighten (Penguin Random House UK)

• Original Edition: Liberi sotto la Grazia, published by the Vatican Publishing House (LEV)

• Audiobook Narrators: Emmy Award-winner Stephen Colbert (opening homilies and addresses) and Grammy nominee Scott Brick (main text)