Vatican City : Pope Leo XIV has received the first copy of the Italian edition of the book Free under Grace, a collection of his earlier writings that offers a deeper look into his spiritual journey and pastoral vision.
The book brings together texts written when the Pope, then known as Robert Francis Prevost, served as Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine from 2001 to 2013. These writings include speeches, homilies, letters, and messages that reflect his theological thinking and leadership within the Augustinian community.
The first copy of the Italian edition, which will be available in bookstores from May 4, was formally presented to the Pope by Father Joseph Farrell, the current Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine. He was joined by Father Rocco Ronzani, Prefect of the Vatican Apostolic Archive and one of the editors of the book, along with Lorenzo Fazzini, editorial director of the Vatican Publishing House.
The publication has been carefully edited by a team of Augustinian scholars, including Father Miguel Ángel Martín Juárez and Father Michael Di Gregorio, alongside Father Ronzani. Their work gathers, for the first time, a wide range of materials that trace the spiritual and pastoral reflections of the Pope during his years of service to the Order.
According to Vatican sources, the book is not only a historical collection but also a guide to understanding the spirituality that continues to shape Pope Leo XIV’s leadership today. The title Free under Grace highlights a central theme of Christian life, pointing to freedom rooted in faith and divine grace.
The Vatican Publishing House had earlier announced the project during the Frankfurt International Book Fair in October 2025. Since then, the book has attracted wide interest across the Catholic world and beyond. It is currently being translated into multiple languages and is expected to be released in around 30 countries in the coming months, making the Pope’s earlier writings accessible to a global audience.
The official presentation of the book is scheduled to take place on May 6 in Rome at the Pontifical Patristic Institute Augustinianum. The event will feature prominent speakers including Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, Father Joseph Farrell, Paolo Ruffini, Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication, writer Maria Grazia Calandrone, and Andrea Tornielli, editorial director of Vatican Media.
The release of Free under Grace marks an important moment for readers seeking to understand the personal and spiritual foundations of Pope Leo XIV. By revisiting his earlier reflections, the book offers insight into the experiences and beliefs that continue to influence his role as the leader of the Catholic Church.