Book Review of Pope Leo XIV by Elise Ann Allen…

There are many books you can choose to read about Pope Leo XIV, the first American Pope, but this particular biography by Elise Ann Allen, caught my attention partially in part by the simple unassuming cover. The photograph on the cover was not full of pomp and grandeur.

I was curious, as I’m sure many of you might be, what is the story of the man behind the title of pope, and how did he come to be the pope?

 Well, this particular biography of Robert Provost, who is now known as Pope Leo XIV, exceeded my expectations!

 Most of all, I found it telling that Prevost as a child, used to play mass in the basement of his Chicago home for other neighborhood kids & any others who would attend.  

 In his adult years, Prevost served a number of years in South America which helped give an international perspective. Also as a longtime member of the Augustinian order, gave Prevost a human perspective centered in the global community. Prevost’s solid faith & personal history of integrity is a reassurance that he has what it takes to hold such an important position in the church and on the world stage. In this reviewer’s opinion, Prevost is the rightly chosen person to be the Pope for our times.

 Through the author’s journalistic approach, Elise Ann Allen’s biography of Pope Leo XIV is brought together from interviews of people from Prevost’s life. Allen shares personal perspectives of family and friends to those who have worked with Prevost professionally.

The biography helps the reader understand who Father Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV is beyond the resume and list of roles he has held within the Catholic Church.

The author even spoke with a man who has become the pope’s barber in Rome.

I highly recommend this biography to anyone who wants to get an understanding & real perspective of the man behind the name of Pope Leo XIV.    

The book is currently available for pre-order & will be for sale on April 28th, 2026.