Praying with the Popes: Words of Hope and Peace from Leo XIII to Leo XIV - Paperback

by Ave Maria Press (Author), Katie Prejean McGrady (Introduction by), Shannon Wimp Schmidt (Compiled by)

A Spiritual Introduction to Catholic Social Teaching

In this unique collection, the timeless teachings from twelve modern popes are gathered into one powerful prayer book. Praying with the Popes invites you to journey through a century and a half of papal wisdom--from Leo XIII to Leo XIV--and discover a unified witness to hope, justice, and peace, offering a window into the heart of the Vatican and the soul of the Church.

Catholic speaker and author Katie McGrady writes in the introduction "As you pray with our popes from Leo XIII to Leo XIV, may you discover anew the hope and peace of Christ, which compels us all to engage the social ills of our day and move forward in making the world a better place for all people now--and for generations to come."

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.

Each chapter begins with a short profile of the featured pope, followed by six brief excerpts from his writings. Quotes are paired with prompts for personal reflection, prayer, and sometimes concrete actions that embody the message of justice and love.

The popes featured in this book served the Church from 1878 to 2025:

• Leo XIII
• Pius X
• Benedict XV
• Pius XI
• Pius XII
• John XXIII
• Paul VI
• John Paul I
• John Paul II
• Benedict XVI
• Francis
• Leo XIV

Before they were bishops of Rome, the popes of the Catholic Church were first sons of God and men of prayer. Each was uniquely gifted in mind and heart and, through those graces, led the Church--and each soul within it--closer to Christ. Let their voices guide you into deeper prayer and greater commitment to the Gospel call to champion justice, peace, and the dignity of every human person.

Back Jacket

"Pray with the popes--from Leo XIII to Leo XIV--and rediscover the hope and peace of Christ that inspire us to confront today's challenges and work for a better world, now and for generations to come." --From the Introduction by Katie Prejean McGrady

Journey through 150 years of papal wisdom with this inspiring collection of writings from twelve modern popes spanning from Leo XIII to Leo XIV. Their words guide us in prayer, deepen our understanding of Catholic social teaching, and invite us to live out Christ-centered love in the world.

Each chapter pairs brief excerpts with reflections and practical prompts, helping readers grow in hope, embrace justice, and foster peace. Let the voices of the popes inspire your prayer life, strengthen your faith, and empower you to defend the dignity of every human person.

Author Biography

Ave Maria Press is an apostolate of the Congregation of Holy Cross, United States Province of Priests and Brothers. Ave is a nonprofit Catholic publishing ministry that serves the spiritual and formative needs of the Church and its schools, institutions, and ministers; Christian individuals and families; and others seeking spiritual nourishment. Katie Prejean McGrady is a Catholic author and international speaker. She hosts the Ave Explores podcast and The Katie McGrady Show on Sirius XM's The Catholic Channel and she cohosts Family Mass Prep on the Hallow app with her husband, Tommy McGrady.

Shannon Wimp Schmidt is the content director of the ecumenical youth ministry collaboration TENx10, author of Praying with the Psalms: 3-Minute Devotions for Lent and Holy Week 2025, and coauthor of Fat Luther, Slim Pickin's: A Black Catholic Celebration of Faith, Tradition, and Diversity.