Vatican to Release Pope Francis’s Private Diary in Five Languages by November

Key points

• The book, titled 'The Private Diary of Pope Francis,' is authored by Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.
• It contains notes kept by Jorge Mario Bergoglio from 20 December 1992 to 18 August 2024, offering insight into his inner life before and during his papacy.
• The publication is scheduled for 24 November 2026, with simultaneous releases in Italian, Spanish, English, Portuguese, and French.
• Distribution covers 94 countries, with Penguin Random House handling the Spanish, English, and Portuguese editions, and Éditions Albin Michel managing the French edition.
• The Vatican Publishing House will present the book to international partners at the Frankfurt Book Fair, taking place from 7 to 11 October 2026.

Background

This release occurs under the leadership of Pope Leo XIV, who succeeded Francis after his death in April 2025. The Vatican Publishing House recently released 'Free Under Grace,' a collection of writings by Leo XIV from his time as Prior General of the Augustinians. The current pontiff has also been actively reviewing Francis’s legacy, including convening a conference in October to assess the implementation of the 2016 document 'The Joy of Love' regarding divorced Catholics. Additionally, Leo XIV recently reversed certain administrative decisions made by Francis, such as plans to relocate Vatican archives, signaling a nuanced approach to his predecessor's policies.

Why it matters

The publication provides a rare, direct window into the personal and spiritual evolution of Pope Francis, spanning over three decades. By making these private notes available globally, the Vatican aims to deepen public understanding of his personality and theological development. The simultaneous multi-language release underscores the global significance of his legacy, while the involvement of major international publishers signals a strategic effort to engage a worldwide audience with his personal history.

What to watch

The Vatican Publishing House will showcase the book at the Frankfurt Book Fair in early October 2026. The official global release is set for 24 November 2026. Readers can expect the book to be available in five languages across 94 countries, potentially influencing discussions on Francis's legacy as Pope Leo XIV continues to evaluate his predecessor's doctrinal and administrative initiatives.