Just weeks after the historic election of Pope Leo XIV—the first American-born pontiff—EWTN Publishing has unveiled the first official biography: LEO XIV: Portrait of the First American Pope.
Penned by respected Catholic historian and journalist Dr. Matthew Bunson, the book was officially launched on May 22 at the Campo Santo Teutonico in Vatican City, in a gathering that drew Church leaders, Catholic media professionals, and members of various religious communities.
The biography traces the inspiring journey of the man born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, following his path from the neighborhoods of Illinois to the highest office in the Catholic Church—as the 266th Successor of St. Peter.
“With unmatched access and a reputation for journalistic integrity, Dr. Bunson offers an intimate and textured narrative of Pope Leo XIV’s background, values, and vision for the Church,” said Michael Warsaw, Chairman and CEO of EWTN, during the launch event.
Warsaw emphasized the significance of the publication, stating, “Our mission at EWTN is to help the faithful see not just the papacy, but the person. As the leading global Catholic media network—and one that shares American roots with the Holy Father—we are honored to present this timely and historic biography.”
LEO XIV: Portrait of the First American Pope provides readers with a rich fabric of personal history, spiritual depth, and ecclesial insight. It explores the early influences that shaped Cardinal Prevost, his pastoral priorities, and the key themes already emerging in his pontificate: unity, dialogue, and missionary discipleship in a rapidly changing world.
Available now for pre-order, the book promises to be both a spiritual companion and a historical reference for the faithful navigating this new chapter in the Church’s journey.
As Pope Leo XIV begins his ministry with a call to hope, healing, and witness, this biography offers a deeper look at the man behind the white cassock—his heart, his story, and his vision for the global Church.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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