New Books in Christian Studies Pope Leo XIV (with Christopher White)
Jul 15, 2025
Christopher White, a Vatican reporter and author of the upcoming book on Pope Leo XIV, dishes on the new Holy Father, an American from Chicago with deep connections to Perú. He shares fascinating stories from the papal conclave and delves into Pope Leo's legacy in the context of the Second Vatican Council. The conversation touches on synodality, the evolving role of the laity, and the Church's global priorities. White also reflects on Pope Francis's communication style and the complexities facing the Church today.
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First Meeting with Pope Leo XIV
- Christopher White met Cardinal Prevost, future Pope Leo XIV, when Prevost became prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.
- Prevost showed curiosity and thorough preparation, asking about the U.S. Church and doing his homework.
Missionary Role and Local Identity
- The Catholic Church is universal but local knowledge matters deeply to pastoral care.
- Missionaries build local vocations so people have pastors who share cultural backgrounds and languages.
Synodality as Church Walking Together
- Synodality means the Church walking together, restoring an ancient practice revived after Vatican II.
- Pope Francis expanded synodality to include all people of God, not only bishops, to foster listening and unity.