Christopher Lamb on the Leo Effect

Catherine Pepinster and Christopher Lamb

Source: The Catholic Union

Christopher Lamb, CNN Vatican Correspondent, delivered the Catholic Union's latest pub talk last night, entitled Who is Pope Leo? Chaired by Catherine Pepinster, the event was extremely well attended with attendees having the opportunity to buy signed copies of Christopher's book American Hope: What Pope Leo XIV means for the Church and the World.

Christopher spoke about the formative influences on Pope Leo, including his time in Peru, and how he embodies servant leadership to confirm people to the faith and evangelise. With Augustinian principles almost in his DNA, and extensive knowledge of Canon Law, Pope Leo has established himself as a quiet yet powerful presence, with listening at the heart of all that he does.

Questions focused on international aspects, including the relationship between the Vatican and the White House and, of course, being the first American Pope, having English as a mother tongue, and being tech savvy. Christopher commented that Pope Leo's first Encyclical is likely to centre on the moral challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence.

The Catholic Union has continued its series of pub talks in 2026, which have been a very informative way to hear from politicians and policy makers about important and topical issues in a relaxed setting. Recent talks have featured Catherine McKinnell MP, Sir Iain Duncan-Smith MP, Jon Cruddas, Ann Widdecombe, Alex Macqueen, Lord Glasman, Andrew Hawkins, Stephen Pound, Andy Keen-Downs CBE, Kate Nightingale, Sojan Joseph MP, Margaret and Barry Mizen MBE and John Studzinski CBE. The Catholic Union is grateful to the Charlotte Marshall Trust for its sponsorship of this series of pub talks.

Keith Leslie, Chair at Samaritans in UK & Ireland, will deliver the next pub talk on 5 October, Mental Health - is it now becoming a fad?

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To find out more about American Hope: What Pope Leo XIV means for the Church and the World see: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/american-hope-what-pope-leo-xiv-means-for-the-church-and-the-world-christopher-lamb/84a23a4e8eb52211?ean=9781035440573&next=t