- 16 September, 2026
Vatican , September 16, 2026: Pope Leo XIV’s book Freedom Under Grace: Reflections on the Spiritual Tradition That Formed Me has been released in English, offering readers an insight into the spiritual influences that have shaped his life, ministry and vision for the Church.
The English edition went on sale on 15 September in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and across the Commonwealth. The book brings together reflections on the legacy of St .Augustine, whom Pope Leo regards as an important spiritual influence.
As the first Pope from the Order of St Augustine, Leo XIV’s connection with the Augustinian tradition gives the book particular significance. It also offers English-speaking readers an opportunity to encounter the thoughts and experiences of the Church’s first American Pope in his mother tongue.
Published by Penguin Random House, the volume brings together addresses, homilies and personal writings from the period when Pope Leo, then Fr. Robert Prevost, served as Prior General of the Order of St Augustine.
According to the publisher, these writings help explain the background to his contemplative responses to major events and challenges facing the Church and society.
The collection reflects on issues including the aftermath of the 11 September 2001 attacks, changing political ideologies, poverty and conflicts involving human rights.
Drawing on the thought of St Augustine, Pope Leo presents a vision of Christian life centred on community, solidarity and service, with particular concern for people living on the margins of society.
The book explores how the teachings and spiritual tradition of St. Augustine have influenced Pope Leo XIV's understanding of freedom, grace and Christian responsibility.
Rather than presenting freedom simply as individual independence, the reflections connect it with relationships, community and the call to serve others.
The original Italian edition, Liberi sotto la Grazia, was published by the Vatican Publishing House (LEV).
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 book is available through bookshops and major book retailers in these markets.
An audiobook edition is also planned, featuring opening homilies and addresses read by Emmy Award-winning comedian and Catholic Stephen Colbert. The main text will be narrated by award-winning narrator and Grammy nominee Scott Brick.
For readers seeking to understand the spiritual tradition that helped shape Pope Leo XIV, Freedom Under Grace offers a collection of his earlier reflections alongside his engagement with the enduring thought of St. Augustine.
Courtesy : Vatican News
Picture Courtesy : @Vatican Media
© 2026 CATHOLIC CONNECT POWERED BY ATCONLINE LLP
