Pope Leo XIV explains why optimism disappoints and Christian hope fulfills

The Order of Saint Augustine and the Vatican Publishing House have announced the publication of an unpublished book by Pope Leo XIV, Robert Francis Prevost OSA, entitled Free under grace. Writings and meditations 2001-2013. The presentation of the volume will be made within the framework of the Frankfurt Book Fair (Germany), which opens today.

The book will collect for the first time the writings of the current Pontiff during his period as Prior General of the Augustinian Order, offering readers a “closer look at his spirituality,” according to the statement. Reflections, meditations, homilies and interventions will be included, all impregnated with the Augustinian spirituality characteristic of today’s Pontiff.

The book will be published in Italian in the spring of 2026. Although there will also be versions in Spanish and English, as confirmed to ACI Prensa by the Vatican Editorial Bookstore.

Father Joseph Lawrence Farrell OSA, current Prior General of the Augustinian Order, commented: “This book, which compiles many of the communications of the then Prior General Robert Francis Prevost, OSA, offers an overview of some of the important themes developed during his years at the head of the Order of Saint Augustine.”

For his part, Lorenzo Fazzini, editorial manager of the Librería Editrice Vaticana, added: “We are really happy to participate in the Frankfurt Fair presenting this unpublished book by Robert Francis Prevost OSA-León XIV to publishers from all over the world.” And he concluded: “This text will allow the reader to learn about the writings of the Pope during his time as an Augustinian religious and superior of his Order. It is a volume highly anticipated by readers from all over the world.”