Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV’s book Freedom Under Grace: Reflections on the Spiritual Tradition That Formed Me has been released in English, giving readers access to his reflections on the influence of St. Augustine on his spirituality and understanding of the world.
The English edition went on sale on Tuesday, September 15, in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and across the Commonwealth. The book brings together addresses, homilies and personal writings from the period when Pope Leo XIV, then Fr. Robert Prevost, served as Prior General of the Order of St. Augustine.
The collection offers insight into the ideas and experiences that shaped his approach to faith, community and service. It also reflects the influence of St. Augustine, whom Pope Leo regards as his spiritual father.
The book covers responses to major issues including the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, emerging political ideologies, poverty and conflicts involving human rights. Drawing on the thought of St. Augustine, Pope Leo presents a vision centred on community, solidarity and service to people on the margins of society.
The release is particularly significant for English speaking readers. Pope Leo XIV is the first Pope from the Order of Saint Augustine and the first American Pope, with English as his mother tongue.
The English edition is published in the United States by Image Books, an imprint of the Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group. In the United Kingdom and Australia, it is published by the Enlighten imprint of Penguin Random House UK.
The original Italian edition was published by the Vatican Publishing House under the title Liberi sotto la Grazia.
An audiobook edition is also being released. Emmy Award winning comedian and Catholic Stephen Colbert will read the opening homilies and addresses, while award winning narrator and Grammy nominee Scott Brick will narrate the main text.
The book brings together writings from an earlier period of Pope Leo XIV’s ministry, offering readers a closer look at the spiritual tradition and experiences that have contributed to his outlook as Pope.