Pope Leo XIV and the late Pope Francis

Pope Leo XIV is “a great governor and builder of bridges – these are his great gifts”. So says Austen Ivereigh, journalist, commentator and biographer of Pope Francis. In this podcast with Pat Coyle of Irish Jesuit Communications he shares his insights about the recent election of Pope Leo XIV (Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost).

Austen talks about what life was like for Cardinal Prevost before he became Pope. He speaks about the relationship Prevost had with Pope Francis, particularly over the last two years, when they would meet every Saturday morning, spending a few hours together.

Austen also reflects on the visit he had with Pope Francis in December 2024 in the hospital in Rome – a moving account of a final goodbye between a Pope and the man who helped share his vision of church and synodality with so many people.

To listen to the full interview click on the link above.