Fr Tony Banks, an Australian Augustinian priest based in Rome, has hand-delivered to Pope Leo XIV a copy of the first English-language biography about the pope. Source: The Southern Cross.
In the stampede to release the first book on the new Pope, Adelaide publisher ATF Press was quickest off the mark in the English-speaking world with Leo XIV – An Apostle of Peace, released in Australia last month.
Written by French journalist Samuel Pruvot with Marc Leboucher, the English translation of the biography was sought after by Catholic publishers in the United States, the birth country of Pope Leo.
Adelaide publisher Hilary Regan said it was a coup for ATF Press to gain the world English rights after some rapid negotiations with the French publishers.
An Adelaide launch of the book on July 6 was one of four scheduled for Australia and it is hoped there will be two in the US, including Chicago, the city of Pope Leo’s birth.
With the authors both in Rome for the conclave, the book covers the excitement and anticipation in the lead up to the white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel as well as a snapshot of Robert Prevost’s life and predictions on his papacy.
The English version includes an introduction by Australian priest Fr Banks who, as assistant general of the Order of St Augustine for the Asia Pacific region, lives and works in Rome at the order’s headquarters.
At the Adelaide book launch, Fr Banks gave an account of his friendship with fellow Augustinian Pope Leo, which began when they were students.
The two became reacquainted during the Pope’s two terms as Prior General of the Order. Fr Banks was a provincial counsellor in Australia at the time and they worked closely together.
“I have known Pope Leo as mentor, as guide, as companion at the table in our refectory and at the table of the Lord,” Fr Banks writes in his introduction.
“He has been a diligent listener, a considered responder, a provocateur for goodness and reason.
“But most of all he has always shown his care and love for those who have encountered him. His faith is expressed in actions, and only then backed up by words – a true son of Augustine.”
Leo XIV – An Apostle of Peace by Smauel Pruvot and Marc Leboucher is published by ATF Press (atfpress.com)
FULL STORY
Special delivery to Pope Leo (By Richard Evans, The Southern Cross)
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Australian publisher secures English rights to first biography of Pope Leo (The Australian)
