Praying with the Popes: Words of Hope and Peace from Leo XIII to Leo XIV gathers powerful quotes from the writings of these successors of Peter. Their words are offered as a source of reflection and prayer—inviting readers to grow in hope, to deepen their understanding of the Church’s vision of peace, and to foster a Christ-centered love that moves us to daily action on behalf of justice.

At once a spiritual, theological, and doctrinal introduction to Catholic social teaching, Praying with the Popes also serves as a practical guide for living it out in our world today. When Robert Francis Prevost, the first American pope, was elected to the papacy in May 2025 and took the name Leo XIV, many recognized in his choice a clear alignment with the legacy of Leo XIII, the final pope of the nineteenth century. The twelve popes from Leo XIII to Leo XIV guided the Church through tremendous economic, political, and social upheaval. In doing so, they consistently encouraged the faithful to engage more deeply with the Church’s social teachings—teachings that equip believers to live out Christ’s commandment to love as he loves and to help bring about God’s kingdom of peace on earth.