Leo XIV - by Christopher R Altieri (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

When Robert Francis Prevost OSA appeared on the loggia of St. Peter's on 8th May 2025, he surprised the world.

The first North American pope is a quiet man few had heard of, following the legacy of one the most media savvy pontiffs in history. Yet with subtle gestures, Pope Leo has shown that he is a bridge-builder, a man willing to unite the factions in a deeply divided Church.

In this comprehensive book which joins biography with critical examination of the state of the Church, veteran journalist Christopher R. Altieri explores Prevost's life and work, from his early years in Chicago to his ministry in Peru, and how he came to be chosen as leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics.

Altieri provides insight into the politics of the 2025 conclave, alongside Pope Leo's choice of papal name, and the major challenges and deep-rooted problems of the Church that he now must run - and all at a time when the world is asking big questions about what it means to be human in a complex ethical world of AI and global conflict.

Through this Pope Leo emerges as a quiet man of true humility, with a track record as an efficient administrator and conciliatory figure, whose background in Canon Law might just offer him the skills needed to govern and reshape the modern Church.

Review Quotes

"Chris Altieri is a provocative and passionate writer, with views forged by decades of experience and a deeply original intelligence. He's never been better than he is here, as he plumbs the early promise of the papacy of Leo XIV, from the tri-cultural character of the new pope's formation to his roots in a distinctly Augustinian spirituality. While it's all compelling, read Alteri especially on the looming challenges of institutional reform - which, as ever, is where the rubber truly meets the road. This is essential reading, not only on the pope but on the church in our times." --John L. Allen Jr, Editor-in-Chief, Crux

"I've long regarded Altieri as the most incisive of Vatican watchers. This book, tackling a critical topic in a readable way, is yet further proof that I'm right." --Stephen Bullivant, Professor of Theology and Sociology, St Mary's University (UK) and University of Notre Dame (Australia)

"Christopher Altieri offers more than insight into the background and thinking of Pope Leo, as important as that is. In lucid, balanced prose, he provides a cogent, honest, wise analysis of the situation of the Church in this present moment in a way that few other authors are managing right now: grounded in the historical, theological and spiritual realities of the Church as it is and as it is called to be in this broken world, so needful of the Gospel, clearly proclaimed and confidently - and competently - shared." --Amy Welborn, writer and former correspondent Our Sunday Visitor

"Few journalists can match Christopher R. Altieri's depth of knowledge about the Vatican and the Catholic Church. In this timely and incisive book, he draws on first-hand experience with Church institutions and leadership, alongside academic expertise in political philosophy and a profound historical sensitivity, to offer a compelling portrait of Pope Leo XIV-the first U.S.-born pontiff. Tracing Leo's path from Augustinian missionary to curial insider, Altieri examines the challenges he inherits from Pope Francis and the complex task of governing a global Church. This is a sharp, authoritative look at the early days of a pivotal pontificate and what lies ahead." --Francis X. Rocca, former Vatican correspondent, The Wall Street Journal

"This book is among the very first to try to encompass what the advent of Leo XIV means in general terms... Altieri...is significantly well equipped to write it... A mine of useful insight.
The chapters are clearly written and presented, there are many equally important matters and insights to be found in the very detailed notes which take up a third of the book. In these pages there is as much food for thought as there is in the main text.
" --The Irish Catholic

"Altieri ... writes from a theologically sophisticated Catholic perspective ... but the present book is still easily accessible to a general readership." --CHOICE

About the Author

Christopher R. Altieri holds a PhD (research doctorate in philosophy) from the Pontifical Gregorian University, and was Executive Editor of the Catholic Herald. He has nearly two decades' experience in journalism.

An expert on the Vatican, Altieri is an accomplished investigator who has broken and reported major stories on a host of issues related to Church governance. His books include How To Read the News without Losing Your Faith (2021, CTS) and Into the Storm: Chronicle of a Year in Crisis (2020, TAN Books).
Christopher R. Altieri holds a PhD (research doctorate in philosophy) from the Pontifical Gregorian University, and was Executive Editor of the Catholic Herald. He has nearly two decades' experience in journalism.

An expert on the Vatican, Altieri is an accomplished investigator who has broken and reported major stories on a host of issues related to Church governance. His books include How To Read the News without Losing Your Faith (2021, CTS) and Into the Storm: Chronicle of a Year in Crisis (2020, TAN Books).