The Vatican announced on Tuesday the publication of Pope Leo XIV’s first book of pre-papal writings in English. The volume, titled Freedom Under Grace: Reflections on the Spiritual Tradition That Formed Me, compiles homilies, messages, addresses, and letters from his tenure as head of the Augustinian Order.

Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, served as Prior General of the Augustinians from 2001 to 2013. During those twelve years, he guided the order through significant global responsibilities, including delivering a homily to the General Chapter of Augustinians in 2001 and addressing audiences in Slovakia with references to St. Augustine.

A Focus on Love and Grace

The selected writings draw heavily on the theological tradition of St. Augustine, emphasizing the role of divine grace in human freedom. In one passage included in the collection, Pope Leo XIV writes, “Man is not defined by what he possesses or what he knows, but rather by what he loves.”

This theme aligns with his recent papal emphasis on forgiveness as a cornerstone of peace and community life. As noted in previous addresses, the pontiff has consistently urged believers to view reconciliation not merely as a moral duty but as essential for social cohesion.

Publishing Details

Image Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group, released the book in the United States. Cornerstone, a division of Penguin Random House UK, will handle distribution across the British Commonwealth. The works were originally published in Italian by Vatican Publishing House (LEV) under the title Liberi sotto la Grazia.

Campbell Wharton, senior vice president and publisher of Penguin Random House Christian, stated, “It’s our great privilege to present this inspiring book to readers.” The current head of the Augustinian Order, Father Joseph L. Farrell, wrote the foreword for the English edition.

Audiobook Narration

An audiobook version is also available, featuring narration by Grammy nominee Scott Brick for the main text. Notably, Emmy-winning comedian and devout Catholic Stephen Colbert will read selected homilies and addresses in the audio production, bringing a unique voice to the pontiff’s spiritual reflections.