Vatican to publish Pope Francis's personal diary
Libreria Editrice Vaticana will release a collection of reflections, prayers and personal notes by the late pope on November 24, 2026. Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, edited the volume
The Vatican has announced the publication of "The Personal Diary of Pope Francis," which will be released on November 24, 2026. The book gathers private reflections, prayers and personal notes by the late pope that reveal his moments of silence and discernment.
Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, edited the volume. The material was intended for publication after the pope's death. Francis had already published "Hope," becoming the first pope to release an autobiography during his lifetime.
Contrast between the public voice and the inner life
During his pontificate, Francis kept close contact with the news media and gave more than 70 long interviews. The new collection of writings contrasts with that public voice, taking readers into his inner world and the meditations that accompanied his governance of the Church.
The diary follows the example of St. John XXIII, whose spiritual diary was made public after his death under the title "Journal of a Soul." Like that earlier book, the diary of Francis shows his deeply human side: how he faced difficulties, took on the responsibilities of governing the Church and sought God in his daily life.
A spiritual legacy for the Church
Libreria Editrice Vaticana will distribute the book. The diary is a record of the pope's deep faith and of his dedication to contemplation, and it reveals aspects of his spirituality that remained hidden during his public ministry.
