Leo XIV

In his new book, Andreas Englisch recounts the gripping story of the conclave following the death of Pope Francis and traces the path of Leo XIV, the first American to hold the papal office. To do so, he meets companions, close collaborators, family members and people from the places where the new pope previously carried out his work — in the United States, Peru and Rome — who offer valuable insights into his life, his faith and his actions.

Englisch describes how Robert Francis Prevost, originally from Chicago, decides to become a missionary and, with the support of Pope Francis, forges a remarkable career: from the humblest beginnings to the very top of the Throne of Peter. The result is a portrait of a religious leader who truly is as humble, conciliatory and discreet as he appeared during the first weeks of his pontificate — a pope who, in his own words, wishes to govern as an equal among equals.

Facing enormous challenges and a crisis of confidence of historic proportions, the future of the Catholic Church will now depend on Leo XIV's skill and ability to act.