Freedom Under Grace

Jess Pettit-Tarquinio reviews a compilation of homilies, addresses, and letters written by Robert Prevost before he became pope.

Freedom Under Grace: Reflections on the Spiritual Tradition That Formed Me

By Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV

Published by Image Books

Freedom Under Grace is a collection of Robert Prevost's (now Pope Leo XIV) homilies, addresses, and letters during his time overseeing the Order of Saint Augustine as its Prior General. Pope Leo XIV had not published a book prior to becoming pope, and most of the collections in this book were not meant to be read as such, but to be heard. Several of the works featured here have even been translated from other languages such as German and Spanish! The book is compiled chronologically from 2001- 2013, so you can read them in the order in which they came out. One detail I enjoyed is that in the table of contents, prevailing themes are grouped together, such as social justice and hope, for those who want to pick up the book and read on a certain topic.

Get to Know Pope Leo XIV Through His Own Writings

Those of us who are getting to know Pope Leo XIV today through his leadership of the Church will be particularly struck by how consistent the writings in this volume are with the homilies he is delivering today. The writings in this book were as powerful in Robert Prevost’s ministry for the Order of Saint Augustine then as they are for Pope Leo XIV now through his work on the world stage. As all wisdom of the Church is, they feel “ever ancient, ever new,” particularly the themes of charity, love of neighbor, and having conversations with others about the truth of God and who He is. These overarching messages resound throughout the book in a way that shows us our latest pope’s priorities for the Body of Christ: to be Christlike in serving others, to make faith the most important part of our lives, and to explore the deep meaning of what it is to pray.

One of my favorite quotes in this book is one through which Pope Leo XIV's love of neighbor shines through:

It will also be necessary to remember that man is not defined by what he possesses or what he knows, but rather by what he loves.

And how does Pope Leo XIV show that love? Through love of humanity and service to others:

It is service; it is the giving of one's own life so that others will have life. It is embracing the cross, not passively or reluctantly, but with a decided commitment to say yes to the gospel, yes to Jesus, yes to the call to give your life to others.

Freedom Under Grace would be a great book for anyone who wants to learn more about our Holy Father. The reflections in this book provide an interesting look at his life before he ever became pope. I also think this is a good book for anyone wanting to learn more about how we can share the love of God with those around us.

Pope Leo XIV's message is universal: you don't have to live a consecrated life or be in the Order of Saint Augustine to know how vital prayer is and how manifesting our faith through love for our neighbors is of the uttermost importance. As a mother, this resonates deeply with me as I imagine it will resonate with many among the laity. Our personal callings are so far from the papacy, but, as the once-Robert Prevost teaches here, are just as much a laying down of our own lives as we seek to share the love of God with our families and communities in the same way our pope is sharing it with the world.

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Copyright 2026 Jess Pettit-Tarquinio.
Images: Canva