'Leo in Rome': Vatican News Documentary to Be Released on July 1

Vatican, June 27, 2026: Vatican News will release "Leo in Rome," a new documentary by the Dicastery for Communication, on July 1, retracing the years Pope Leo XIV, then Robert Francis Prevost, spent in Rome before his election.

The documentary spans nearly two decades of Prevost's life in the Eternal City. It follows his move from the United States to Italy in 1981, his two terms as Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine, and later his appointment as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and his elevation to the College of Cardinals in 2023.

Through previously unreleased photographs and video footage, the film recounts his years of friendship, study, travel, excursions, encounters, meetings, pilgrimages and work. It also features reflections from fellow Augustinians, former classmates, longtime friends, members of the Order of Saint Augustine and officials of the Dicastery for Bishops.

"Leo in Rome" completes Vatican News' documentary series exploring the life and character of Pope Leo XIV. It follows "León de Perú," released in June 2025, which focused on his missionary years in Peru, and "Leo from Chicago," released in November, which explored his American roots.

The documentary is a production of the Editorial Directorate of the Dicastery for Communication. It was produced by journalists Felipe Herrera-Espaliat, Salvatore Cernuzio and Tiziana Campisi, and edited by Jaime Vizcaíno Haro and Stefano Anella.

The documentary will be released at 6:00 p.m. (Rome time) on July 1 on the Vatican News YouTube channel. It will initially be available in English, Italian and Spanish, and will also be made available to international media outlets upon request.

A preview screening for journalists accredited to the Holy See Press Office will take place the same day at 5:00 p.m. at the Vatican Film Library.

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer.

Courtesy: Vatican News