Responding to journalists’ questions on the flight from Lebanon to Rome Dec. 2, Pope Leo XIV revealed the title of a book that he says articulates much of his own approach to prayer.
According to Vatican News, the Pontiff said that a German reporter had recently asked him to name a book — other than one by Saint Augustine, the founder of the Pope’s order — that journalists “could read to understand who Prevost is.” Before taking on the name Pope Leo XIV in May, he was Cardinal Robert Prevost.
Pope Leo said he thought of several such recommendations, but a particular one came to mind: “The Practice of the Presence of God,” a book of about 20 pages by Brother Lawerence, who does not even provide a last name under the authorship. The book is a compilation of the friar’s short letters and conversations. According to GoodReads, the book was first published in 1692, and Brother Lawrence was born in the region of Lorraine in modern-day eastern France.
Pope Leo described it as “a very simple book” that “describes, if you will, a type of prayer and spirituality where one simply gives his life to the Lord and allows the Lord to lead.”
“If you want to know something about me,” the Pontiff said, “that has been my spirituality for many years.”
He recalled that when he lived in Peru before he became pope, he was “being called to service in places” that he had never anticipated amid rampant terrorism. His response was to trust in God.
“I took a deep breath,” the Pontiff remarked. “I said, ‘here we go Lord, You’re in charge, You lead the way.”
An online copy of the book recommended by the Holy Father is available here.
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