(SE): Penguin Random House announced that Pope Leo XIV, who has largely avoided the media since his election in May, granted his first-ever papal interview to Crux senior correspondent, Elise Ann Allen. The conversations will form the heart of Allen’s forthcoming biography, León XIV: ciudadano del mundo, misionero del siglo XXI [Leo XIV: Citizen of the World, Missionary of the 21st Century], which will be published in Spanish on September 18 by Penguin Peru.
Excerpts will be released in Spanish and English on September 14, offering the world its first extended glimpse of the new pope’s vision and priorities. English and Portuguese editions of the book will follow in early 2026, with distribution in Spain, Mexico, and Colombia.
A reserved yet decisive pope
Elected on May 8 as the first North American pope and the first to hold Peruvian citizenship, Pope Leo has quickly developed a reputation as reserved but decisive. Since assuming leadership of the Catholic Church’s 1.3 billion faithful, he has spoken publicly only through prepared remarks at liturgies, audiences, and official Vatican statements.
His interview with Allen, therefore, marks a significant milestone. Conducted over two separate sessions totalling three hours, it is the first time the pope has spoken at length since stepping into the papacy.
The first conversation, held on July 10 at the papal summer residence of Villa Borghese in Castel Gandolfo, focused on the pope’s life story, missionary years, and ecclesial career. A second session on July 30 at his residence in the Palazzo Sant’Uffizio at the Vatican addressed contemporary challenges facing both the Church and the global community.
Since assuming leadership of the Catholic Church’s 1.3 billion faithful, he has spoken publicly only through prepared remarks at liturgies, audiences, and official Vatican statements
A portrait from childhood to Conclave
In a September 8 press release, Penguin Random House described the biography as “a complete and unprecedented profile of Pope Leo XIV, from his childhood in Chicago to his years as a missionary in Peru and his key role in the Vatican.”
The volume blends Allen’s reporting with testimonies from friends and collaborators in the United States, Peru, and Rome, offering what publishers call an “intimate portrait” of the pope from a human perspective.
Pope Leo himself reflects on formative moments in his life: his upbringing in Chicago, his missionary service in Peru during turbulent times, and his pastoral experience as bishop of Chiclayo. He also recounts his leadership as prior general of the Augustinian order, his work as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, and his close relationship with Pope Francis.
The pope shares candid impressions of the conclave that elected him and of his early days adjusting to the role of Successor of Peter.
Facing global and ecclesial challenges
Looking outward, Pope Leo offers his perspective on pressing geopolitical issues, including the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, the Vatican’s diplomatic engagement with both China and the United States, and the ongoing challenges of Vatican financial reform.
He also addresses internal Church matters with unusual frankness: the clerical abuse crisis, the synodal process, the role of women, outreach to LGBTQ+ Catholics, and the importance of ecumenical and interreligious dialogue.
Pope Leo himself reflects on formative moments in his life: his upbringing in Chicago, his missionary service in Peru during turbulent times, and his pastoral experience as bishop of Chiclayo
According to the publisher, these reflections reveal a pope intent on “building bridges of dialogue” and embodying his chosen title as “citizen of the world.”
“An amazingly intimate portrait”
“Elise Ann Allen has given us a masterful and amazingly intimate portrait of our new pope,” said papal biographer, Austen Ivereigh, author of the widely acclaimed, The Great Reformer, on Pope Francis.
For Allen, the project represents both a professional and spiritual opportunity: to introduce a little-known but historic pope to the world, one whose Peruvian missionary roots and North American upbringing combine in a unique perspective on the papacy in the 21st century.
As the Catholic world awaits the publication of the biography, the pope’s first interview promises to offer not only personal recollections but also early indicators of the direction his pontificate will take.
Based on the original story published in Crux on September 8.
