Part journalistic narrative, part diaristic travelogue, and part extended theological rumination on the significance of the papacy for Baptists and other free church Christians, Encountering Pope Leo XIV takes readers along with the author on a journey to Rome to follow the College of Cardinals of the Catholic Church in their preparations for the conclave to elect the successor to Pope Francis, experience the conclave itself and the election of American Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV, observe the beginnings of Leo XIV’s pontificate, and ponder its significance not only for Catholics but for all Christians.
The author of Encountering Pope Leo XIV covered the 2025 papal conclave in Rome as a correspondent for Good Faith Media. A Baptist ecumenical theologian who serves as Professor of Historical Theology at Gardner-Webb University School of Divinity in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, Steven R. Harmon has represented the Baptist World Alliance in ecumenical dialogues with the Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion, as well as in preliminary conversations with the Eastern Orthodox churches and as a member of the plenary Commission on Faith and Order of the World Council of Churches. He is the author or editor of nine other books, including Baptists, Catholics, and the Whole Church: Partners in the Pilgrimage to Unity (2021).
Here is the book's table of contents:
- The Theologian Who Became Pope
- The People’s Pope
- Arriving in Rome
- Anticipating the Conclave
- Who Might Become Pope?
- Conclave Day One
- Conclave Day Two: White Smoke!
- Early Answers to Pre-Conclave Questions
- Pope Leo XIV’s First Weekend
- A Theology for Journalists (and Everyone Who Uses Words)
- Baptists and the Pope
- What’s Ahead for Leo XIV’s Pontificate?
- A Prayer for Pope Leo XIV
Endorsements for Encountering Pope Leo XIV:
How fascinating to read a Baptist’s take on one of the most Catholic of all institutions: the papacy. Professor Harmon’s warm, inviting, and engaging book is a window not only into the exciting election of Pope Leo XIV, but also Catholicism and, more broadly, Christianity. I’m grateful for Harmon’s unique perspective, his insightful comments, and his desire to help others understand more about our shared faith.
—Fr. James Martin, S.J., America magazine editor at large, consultor for the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication, and author of Learning to Pray: A Guide for Everyone
Harmon combines his roles as on-the-ground journalist at the recent historical conclave, expert Baptist theologian, and seasoned international ecumenical participant to offer an insightful analysis of Pope Leo XIV. The result is a compelling account of why Baptists and indeed all Christians might discover in the new pope a resource for renewal and unity.
—Elizabeth Newman, Adjunct Professor of Theology at Duke Divinity School and Union Presbyterian Seminary, co-chair of the joint commission for the Baptist-Catholic dialogue (Phase III), and former chair of the Baptist World Alliance Commission on Baptist Doctrine and Christian Unity
Closely-studied and timely…Harmon’s reporting of the election of Pope Leo XIV evokes the people-filled piazzas and laneways of Rome and invites his readers to consider the significance of the pontificate of the first U.S.-born pope. His honest assessment of responses by Baptists to the death of Leo’s predecessor, Pope Francis, as well as to the election of this new pope is invaluable…an essential resource for students of Baptist ecumenical engagement.
—Darrell Jackson, Principal, Whitley College, University of Divinity, Melbourne, Australia and chair of the Baptist World Alliance Commission on Baptist Doctrine and Christian Unity
Encountering Pope Leo XIV may be ordered from Good Faith Media's Nurturing Faith bookstore, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.
