Vatican City – During his stay in Castel Gandolfo and later in the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV sat down with American journalist Elise Ann Allen for two extended conversations, each lasting about ninety minutes, which will be published in an upcoming book.
Allen, a senior correspondent for Crux, first met the Pope on July 10, 2025 at Villa Barberini, the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, and again on July 30 in the Palazzo del Sant’Uffizio, where Leo XIV has been living for the past several months while renovations are completed in the Apostolic Palace.
The news, which until now had been requested to remain confidential, was announced by Penguin Random House, the publisher responsible for publishing the volume. The Spanish edition will be released on September 18th in Peruvian bookstores, while the English and Portuguese versions, intended for Spain, Mexico, and Colombia, will be available in early 2026. In the meantime, excerpts from the interview will be published in Spanish and English on September 14th.
A wide-ranging conversation
The dialogue with Allen retraced the key chapters of Robert Francis Prevost’s life before becoming Leo XIV: his early formation, missionary years, service as Prior General of the Augustinians, his time as Bishop of Chiclayo, and finally as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.
The Pope also reflected on his personal friendship with Pope Francis, sharing memories of their encounters as well as impressions of the conclave that elected him on May 8, 2025. From there, the discussion turned to the present and future: What does it mean to be the first American and Peruvian pope in history? What kind of leadership and vision of the papal ministry will he bring?
Challenges for the Church and the world
Among the most pressing issues raised were those at the heart of recent Church debates: the sexual abuse crisis, the Synod process, the role of women in Church life, the place of LGBTQ Catholics, and the urgent need for renewed ecumenical and interfaith dialogue.
Leo XIV also addressed global concerns: the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, relations with China and the United States, and the ongoing challenge of Vatican financial reform. These themes sketch the outline of a papacy called to balance firmness and listening, tradition and openness.
p.F.A.
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