Pope Leo XIV’s Call to Writers: “We Need Them” at the Editrice Vaticana Bookstore Centenary
The Gathering of Literary Greats
On Wednesday, Pope Leo XIV addressed a distinguished gathering of writers in Rome to celebrate the centenary of the Editrice Vaticana Bookstore (LEV). This publishing house, established in 1926, plays a crucial role in disseminating the teachings and documents of the Holy See. The Pope emphasized the importance of writers, stating, “We need them.” The audience consisted of around twenty acclaimed authors from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, including Nobel laureate Jon Fosse and Romanian writer Mircea Cărtărescu.
Three Pillars of Writing
Pope Leo XIV’s speech centered around three key themes that underline the significance of writing:
Writing as an Act of Truth
The Pope explained how writing helps to articulate human identity, beliefs, and aspirations. He elaborated that truth is not merely a possession of the writer; instead, it is a pursuit characterized by an inner dialogue with God. “We are never owners of the truth; if anything, it is the truth that ‘conquers’ us,” he asserted.Writing as an Act of Humanity
By developing imaginative empathy, writers can connect with various experiences and perspectives. This empathy fosters solidarity and compassion, enriching the human experience. The Pope noted that reading aids in avoiding absolutist opinions and allows for a mosaic-like understanding of truth.Writing and the Divine
Perhaps the most provocative assertion was that writing has intrinsic connections to God. The Pope quoted theologian Timothy Radcliffe, stating, “For Christians, nothing human is alien to Christ.” He emphasized that while exploring the depths of humanity, writers often find proximity to God, who reveals Himself through the stories and struggles of human existence.
A Call for Creative Grace
Concluding his address, Pope Leo XIV echoed the words of Pope Paul VI from 1964, saying, “We need you. We need your imagination, your narrative creativity, and your liveliness of thought.” He implored the writers to cultivate spaces where divine grace can flourish, fostering authenticity and peace. The Pope’s gratitude extended to each writer for their contributions to reconciliation and friendship.
Editrice Vaticana Bookstore: A Historical Overview
Founded in 1926 under Pope Pius XI, the LEV has become central to the Catholic Church’s communication strategy and cultural outreach. The centenary events are particularly significant in the context of contemporary debates on the value of human creativity versus the rise of artificial intelligence in writing. During the gathering, the Italian edition of Pope Leo XIV’s compilation, “Freedom Under Grace,” was also launched, with its English version set to release on September 15, 2026.
The LEV continues to wield considerable influence in religious publishing, highlighting the enduring need for authentic human expression in an ever-evolving literary landscape.