Book review: American Hope

Christopher Lamb, an English Vaticanologist who works for CNN (Cable News Network) and has written for The Tablet and the Telegraph, starts to answer the often asked question: will Pope Leo continue the policies of his predecessor as Bishop of Rome or will the brake on reform be put on again?

There are also fascinating descriptions of other characters, such as the newly converted American Vice-President J. D. Vance, who recently suggested that the Augustinian Pope should improve his theology! Lamb’s detailed sketches also include those of conservative bishops and cardinals who opposed Francis. These include those who accuse Leo of faults in safeguarding. Lamb lists where Leo has already put in place reforms, including his part in the abolition of a right-wing Peruvian Catholic society.

Lamb covers the place of women — or lack of it — in the Church, and also the way in which Leo welcomed an LBTGQI+ pilgrimage to St Peter’s. There is a fascinating chapter on the Vatican’s financial scandals, with prelates out of their depth in dealing with corrupt financiers. A final chapter looks at Leo and Gen Z Catholicism.