Major biography of Pope Leo XIV, titled "LEO XIV.: Pope and Bridge Builder," set for release on August 18, 2025.
In an upcoming release on August 18, German readers will have the opportunity to delve into the life of a lesser-known Pope – Leo XIV – through the pages of the new biography "LEO XIV.: Pope and Bridge Builder" by Vatican expert, Michael Hesemann.
Contrary to earlier assumptions, Leo's mother is not of Spanish descent but a Creole from New Orleans with roots in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. This intriguing family history, along with other family secrets, is revealed in the 320-page book.
The biography, priced at 24 euros, focuses on Pope Leo XIV rather than the previous pope's legacy. It contains numerous photos and includes testimonies from many of Pope Leo XIV's companions, providing exclusive insights into his life.
Interestingly, Leo's grandfather, a renowned language professor, changed his name from Riggitano to Prevost to avoid an adultery charge. This name change also finds its way into Leo's life, as Prevost was the name of his new mother-in-law.
Michael Hesemann, the author, is a well-respected Vatican expert, and this book marks the first major biography of Pope Leo XIV. In the narrative, Leo is portrayed as a counterpoint to Pope Francis, not US President Trump.
However, it's important to note that, according to general historical knowledge, there has never been a Pope Leo XIV in the official list of Roman Catholic popes up to now. The latest pope with the name Leo was Pope Leo XIII (1878–1903). Therefore, the book "LEO XIV.: Pope and Bridge Builder" may be a fictional or speculative work, or possibly related to an alternative or non-historically recognised figure.
For those seeking details about Pope Leo XIII or about Michael Hesemann's writings on church history, further information is available. However, for Pope Leo XIV as such, there is no verifiable historical record or recognised biography available in authoritative sources.
This 320-page biography, "LEO XIV.: Pope and Bridge Builder", offers insights into the life of a fictional or speculative Pope, exploring his family history and secrets, including his mother's Creole roots. While it provides extensive details about this imaginary Pope, it does not contain any information about actual books on the real Pope Leo XIV or Michael Hesemann's work on church history.
