The new pope the whole world has been waiting for,
The first biography of Leo XIV

The sudden death of Pope Francis has left Catholics around the world in deep shock.
The world was filled with sadness at the loss of the man who had extended a warm hand to those suffering in the lowest places for 12 years, but the Church overcame this sadness and began a new journey.
This is the birth of the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church, Leo XIV.
"Pope Leo XIV" is the first biography that follows the new pope's life and pastoral philosophy from the moment of the conclave.
We take an in-depth look at the path that Robert Francis Prevost took from missionary work, to monastic life, to bishopric, and finally to the papacy.
In particular, Father Lee Jae-hyeop of the Seoul Archdiocese's Public Relations Committee, who participated in the translation of Pope Francis' autobiography, Hope, and the Vatican News Korean translation team participated in the translation, adding to the completeness.


Pope Leo XIV said at his inauguration mass, “I was elected without any merit.
“I now come before you as a brother with a fearful and trembling heart, and I want to walk with you on the path of God’s love and become a servant who serves for your faith and joy,” he said humbly, deeply moving many people.
Through the new Pope's story of 'love and unity,' we will walk together on a new journey for the Church.

“This book is a valuable record of the Pope’s first starting point.
The atmosphere of the last conclave and the pastoral journey of the Pope in the past, especially his life as an American-born missionary in Peru for many years, give me hope for his future path.”
─ Archbishop Jeong Sun-taek (Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul)

The Holy Spirit, the most mysterious Person of the Most Holy Trinity, does not care about the candidate's place of origin.
In choosing the successor to the Apostle Peter, the Holy Spirit illuminates the hearts of the cardinals in a much more essential way.
Although the Holy Spirit does not directly place the ballots in the ballot box, He touches the hearts and minds of those who vote and indicates the right person for that era.
The same goes for the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope.
He didn't become the Pope because he was American.
Rather, he would become the Pope despite being an American.
The reason the brother cardinals, led by the Holy Spirit, chose him was because of the human qualities and Christian virtues he displayed as a priest, missionary, bishop, and cardinal.
--- From "In the Faint Sunset of Rome"

“I have some very exciting news to announce.
“A new Pope has been born!”
For a moment, the square shook violently.
Cardinal Mamberti paused for a moment, silently waiting for the shouts and noise of joy to subside.
Then he continued in a more solemn and clear voice.
“The most excellent and venerable of them all, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost.”
An odd silence descended on the square.
A long and deep wave of bewilderment spread across me.
It was neither Cardinal Parolin nor Cardinal Joupi.
Prevost? Who on earth could he be? Then Cardinal Mamberti's voice reverberated through the Roman sky, even more majestic and grandiose.
“He named himself Leo XIV.”
--- From "Gulls on the Sistine Chapel Roof"

In these times of turmoil and uncertainty, Pope Leo XIV stands out as a truly extraordinary leader.
A person who can calm the mind while leading to a new path, and who knows how to make bold decisions while listening deeply.
He is a pope who grew up in the middle of the world and now speaks to the whole world.
The Church, led by the Holy Spirit, has once again surpassed everyone's expectations.
It was a surprising speed and unity of thought that a Pope was chosen, something no one expected or anticipated.
--- From "The Pope Who Speaks to the World"

I myself disappear so that Christ may remain.
I become small so that He may be known and glorified.
This is the essence of the missionary calling that the new Pope has embodied with his whole body.
We must proclaim to the whole world the truth that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, not just another hero or superman.
Pope Leo XIV seeks to restore the center that humanity has lost: the place of God.
In an age when God has disappeared, the tyranny, injustice, violence, and fear of those in power will prevail without restraint.
It's a grand dream.
This man in white, leaving the Sistine Chapel and exchanging warm greetings with his brother cardinals, has deep faith.
And that belief will now become action.
--- From "Disappear so that only Christ remains"

He will be a Pope who embraces wounded souls.
He will become a master of spirituality who can read the deep longings of the human soul, and a compassionate shepherd who knows how to shed tears together in the face of the suffering of others.
If the Church is a field hospital, as Pope Francis has said, then it will be the doctor who welcomes and heals those wounded by war and life.
There are people who have watched his footsteps from far away Peru.
Those who saw him running around the scene with his feet in the mud and his face covered in a mask know.
He knows very well that he will never turn back, neither in Rome nor in any land where he is called as shepherd of the whole Church.
He will be a good Samaritan.
He would stop on the road, bow down, and take care of anyone who was attacked by a gang of robbers.
There are roads all over the world today leading from Jerusalem to Jericho.
This is a time when we desperately need Samaritans who, with the power of love and mercy, will not succumb to the twisted logic of robbers.

--- From "The Bishop on Horseback"