Radio Interview: Pope Leo XIV’s biographer shares insights on the Augustinian who became pope April 27, 2026By Catholic Review Staff Catholic Review Filed Under: Books, CR Radio, Feature, Local News, News, Radio Interview, Vatican When white smoke rose over the Sistine Chapel last year, Elise Ann Allen was one of the few journalists who already knew the man stepping onto the balcony. The Rome-based correspondent for Crux had first met Cardinal Robert Prevost in Peru years earlier while covering the Church’s response to the abuse crisis – an encounter that eventually led to a dinner with the future pope and, after his election, the first in-depth interview with Pope Leo XIV. George Matysek talks with Allen about her new biography of Pope Leo XIV, published this April in English. She traces how his years as an Augustinian missionary in crisis-torn Peru shaped his pastoral vision, his instinct for synodality and his quiet but effective leadership style. She also reflects on his evolving relationship with Pope Francis, his approach to the Latin Mass debate, and his recent, pointed calls for peace. Click play below to listen to the full interview: More radio interviews Radio Interview: The impact of immigration and welcoming the stranger Radio Interview: Franciscan spirituality and the 800th anniversary of Francis’ death With 66 seminarians in formation, Archdiocese of Baltimore sees vocations surge Radio Interview: Archbishop Fulton Sheen’s enduring legacy Radio Interview: Faith, community and a new school year Radio Interview: The faith behind the Fighting Irish Copyright © 2026 Catholic Review Media Print
