Pope Leo XIV on Monday formally received the Italian-language edition of 'Free Under Grace' during his first general audience at St Peter's Square, using the occasion to outline his vision for a Church rooted in Augustinian theology and pastoral renewal. The book, presented to him on Sunday, May 3, was held up by the Pope as an example of the kind of rigorous yet accessible theological reflection he intends to encourage throughout his pontificate.

Vatican observers noted that the choice to publicly endorse the volume so early in his papacy sends a deliberate signal about Leo XIV's theological leanings — particularly his emphasis on grace, freedom of conscience, and the reform of moral theology within Catholic teaching. The gesture is expected to be closely parsed by both progressive and traditionalist wings of the Church.

Speaking before an estimated crowd of tens of thousands gathered in St Peter's Square, the Pope addressed themes of spiritual liberation and institutional humility, drawing on passages from the newly released text. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni confirmed that Leo XIV had personally requested the Italian edition be made available to seminaries and diocesan study groups across Italy from Monday.

The audience comes as the Vatican is also navigating the geopolitical turbulence surrounding US troop movements in Europe and ongoing diplomatic tensions. Church insiders say Leo XIV is keen to position the Holy See as a moral voice above the fray of great-power rivalry, and Monday's theological focus was seen as a deliberate contrast to the week's dominant security headlines.

Religious affairs correspondents in Rome described the event as a carefully choreographed opening act for the new papacy, designed to establish Leo XIV's intellectual identity and signal continuity with, while gently updating, the legacy of his predecessor. The Italian release of 'Free Under Grace' is expected to reach wider European markets by mid-May.