Book Excerpt
ture from what we had.” In addition to showcasing the dichotomy between the two papacies, the book also traces a recent history of the Vatican and delves into Prevost’s early life. From his upbringing in Dolton, Illi-
nois, to seminary studies in Holland, Michigan, and his years of missionary work in Peru, Kengor chronicles Pre- vost’s “meteoric rise to the papacy.” Kengor believes one of the reasons
Francis elevated Prevost to a cardinal was due to his work in Latin America. “Francis was so impressed with his
work in Latin America, serving the poor and the periphery of the church,” he said. With a reputation of being a good
listener with a calm voice and an overarching goal to bring “peace and stability and healing to the church,” Kengor feels optimistic about the next chapter in papal history.
Surprise and Strength From ‘Son of Augustine’
I
t was May 8, the Year of the Lord 2025. It was pushing 6:00 p.m. in Rome, with the sun beginning to lower on the horizon of the Eternal City, capping a picturesque day. A good day, it seemed, for a pope.
There was an electricity in the air at St. Peter’s Square. Call it the
Holy Spirit, perhaps. And why not? The Holy Spirit had been invoked again and again by cardinal upon cardinal inside the conclave under the great Michelangelo’s imposing fresco, “The Final Judgment.” The world anxiously awaited the cardinals’ final judgment, their
decision on the next leader of the world’s largest group of Christians. This pope would not be chosen quickly. You could bet on it. Even the
Vegas oddsmakers said that. But now, lo and behold, there was smoke — white smoke bellowing
from the Sistine Chapel chimney. This was a big surprise so early in the conclave of cardinal electors. The conclave had spoken. The world had a pope. And very few would
have predicted the man who had just been chosen. Who had been chosen? Which cardinal? Who was he? The only thing that everyone was certain about was this: whoever
was picked certainly would not be an American. Not a chance. Approximately an hour after the white smoke appeared, the crowd
erupted as the doors and curtain of St. Peter’s Balcony finally drew open. Then came forth the official protodeacon, Cardinal Dominique Mamberti. He grabbed the microphone. The throng quieted, only to roar when Mamberti enthusiastically declared: “HABEMUS PAPAM.” But just as quickly, the crowd quieted when the name was read. This
was not a name they knew. Who was this man? He was 69-year-old Robert Francis Prevost, an American, a self- described “son of Augustine,” more recently of Rome and Peru, but also a native of the Midwest, born in Chicago, and son of the late Mildred Agnes and Louis Marius Prevost of Dolton, Illinois. The new pope’s countenance betrayed a sense of surprise but also
ORDER YOUR BOOK
You can claim a FREE copy of American Pontiff: Pope Leo XIV and His Plan to Heal the Church with our special offer. Save $34.99 when you go online today!
PopeLeo411.com/Offer
strength. He waited to speak, like he was absorbing the moment, taking it all in, trying to process it with humility, restraining his emotions, all the while knowing that he needed to show confidence. He was now officially the chief shepherd of a gigantic flock. He
needed to be strong — forza, as the Italians put it. For that, he prayed, raising his hands and folding them prayerfully under his chin. He was slightly misty-eyed, a lump in the throat. He swallowed. In that pensive moment of prayer, Robert Francis Prevost — now
Leo XIV — composed himself to speak. He had prepared remarks, which he pulled out to read, though the first line he certainly knew from heart, saying in Italian: “La pace sia con tutti voi!” Translation: “Peace be with you all!”
JANUARY 2026 | NEWSMAX 63
BOOK/
ISTOCK.COM/BLUESTOCKING
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108
