New Books Network Pope Leo XIV (with Christopher White)
Jul 15, 2025
Vatican reporter Christopher White, an associate director at Georgetown University, dives deep into his new biography of Pope Leo XIV, illuminating his journey from Chicago to the papacy. He shares intriguing anecdotes from the Synod in San Francisco and discusses the revitalization of synodality under Pope Francis. Topics include the importance of local connections for bishops, the evolution of church discussions towards inclusivity, and the challenges of navigating cultural perspectives. White also addresses the media's role in portraying the Vatican's complexities.
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First Meeting with Cardinal Prevost
- Christopher White met Cardinal Prevost in Rome shortly after he became prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.
- Prevost showed deep curiosity about the U.S. Church and valued a conversational, dialogical approach.
Missionary Leadership and Local Roots
- The universal Church aims to build local vocations to have indigenous bishops.
- While mission dioceses need outside leaders initially, pastors knowing their people culturally is essential for pastoral care.
Synodality as Walking Together
- Synodality reflects walking together, making church governance more collegial and participatory.
- Pope Francis expanded it beyond bishops to the entire people of God through global listening processes.