Pope Leo XIV unites Nobel and Pulitzer writers in Vatican literary celebration

Pope Leo XIV hosted a gathering of renowned writers at the Vatican on 24 June 2023. The event marked the 100th anniversary of the Holy See’s modern publishing house, Libreria Editrice Vaticana. Among the attendees were Nobel laureate Jon Fosse and Pulitzer Prize winners Elizabeth Strout and Marilynne Robinson, alongside other celebrated authors. During the meeting, the pope reflected on the role of books in revealing personal identity and fostering inner dialogue with God. He cited C.S. Lewis, noting how reading allows people to see through the eyes of others, broadening perspectives and nurturing empathy.

Pope Leo XIV also emphasised that reading nourishes the mind and strengthens critical thinking. He argued it protects against fundamentalism and ideological shortcuts, calling books an antidote to closed-mindedness. The pontiff urged writers to create spaces of freedom and authenticity, enabling divine grace to resonate through consolation and peace.

Authors present shared their impressions of the encounter. Elizabeth Strout described the meeting as absolutely lovely and connected with the pope’s view of writing as an act of humanity. Lila Azam Zanganeh praised his graciousness and was struck by his focus on the bond between writing and revelation. The gathering highlighted the pope’s long-standing advocacy for literature and open thought. His words underscored the value of reading and writing in shaping a more reflective and empathetic society. The event also celebrated a century of the Vatican’s publishing efforts.