Christopher White on Pope Leo and Saint Francis Episode 1 · August 4, 2026 · Runtime: 28:33
Few American journalists know Pope Leo XIV better than Christopher White. He even wrote one of the first books about the new pope: Pope Leo XIV: Inside the Conclave and the Dawn of a New Papacy. As Leo prepares to travel to Assisi later this week, we discuss the Franciscan elements of his papacy. Chris shares stories of covering the conclave that elected the first American pope, and we dive deep into Leo’s leadership on the world stage — and how his calls for peace mirror the best of the Franciscan ethic.
Mentioned: Pope Leo XIV: Inside the Conclave and the Dawn of a New Papacy from Loyola Press; The Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life at Georgetown University
Find Christopher White: Twitter: @ChrisWhiteGU
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Don’t have time to watch the full episode right now?
Here are a few clips:
Christopher explains how the “Christocentric” style of Pope Leo XIV mirrors the approach of Saint Francis.
We talk about the quiet confidence of Pope Leo XIV, and how he is living the ethic of “Be Not Afraid”:
Leo’s call that “another way is possible” is similar to Saint Francis.
What are your thoughts as Pope Leo prepares to visit Assisi for the 800th anniversary of Saint Francis’s death?
What more do you want to know about Saint Francis?
Next week, we will publish our interview with Madeline Pecora Nugent, one of Saint Francis’s most recent biographers.
