Vatican City: An English edition of the early writings of Pope Leo XIV is set to reach readers around the world this September, offering a unique look at the spiritual journey and pastoral vision that shaped the man before he became the head of the Catholic Church.
The book, titled Freedom Under Grace: Reflections on the Spiritual Tradition That Formed Me, will be published on September 15 by Image Books, an imprint of the Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group. It marks the first time that many of the public writings of Father Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, will be available in English.
The collection brings together homilies, speeches, pastoral messages and personal letters written during his years as Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine, a position he held from 2001 to 2013. The writings reflect the spiritual foundations, pastoral leadership and missionary outlook that later became central to his ministry as Pope.
The English edition follows the release of the Italian version, titled Liberi sotto la Grazia or Free under Grace, which was published by the Vatican Publishing House. The Italian edition was introduced in Rome at the Patristic Institute Augustinianum and was presented to Pope Leo XIV shortly before its official release. The book is also being translated into several other languages, making it accessible to readers across different parts of the world.
Edited by Augustinian Fathers Rocco Ronzani, Miguel Ángel Martín Juárez and Michael Di Gregorio, the volume presents a thoughtful collection of reflections that reveal the Pope's approach to faith, service and Christian leadership long before his election to the papacy.
Campbell Wharton, Senior Vice President and Publisher of Penguin Random House Christian, said the book gives readers a meaningful opportunity to understand Pope Leo XIV through his own words. He described each chapter as a window into the spiritual depth, wisdom and vision of the future Pope.
Wharton also said the collection carries a timely message of love, compassion and service that speaks directly to the challenges facing the modern world. He added that the book is intended not only for Catholics but also for Christians of other traditions and anyone searching for spiritual guidance, hope and purpose in daily life.
The title *Freedom Under Grace* comes from the Rule of Saint Augustine, one of the foundational texts of the Augustinian Order. During the presentation of the Italian edition in Rome on May 6, 2026, Father Joseph Farrell, Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine, explained that the phrase encourages believers to live not as servants bound only by law, but as people who experience true freedom through the grace of God.
The presentation also included reflections from Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, who highlighted several themes that run throughout the collection. He said the writings consistently point to the search for God, the importance of divine grace, the missionary calling of the Church, concern for the poor and vulnerable, and the need to communicate the Gospel in a way that speaks clearly to people living in today's world.
According to those involved in the publication, the collection provides more than a historical record. It offers readers an opportunity to understand the spiritual influences and pastoral priorities that shaped Pope Leo XIV's leadership well before he was chosen to lead the universal Church.
With the English edition now set for release, a much wider international audience will be able to explore the reflections, teachings and personal insights of Pope Leo XIV during an important period of his ministry. The publication is expected to attract interest from Catholics, theologians, historians and readers seeking a deeper understanding of the spiritual foundations that continue to guide the Pope's vision for the Church and the world.