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"The Lion of Rome": A documentary produced by the Vatican Media about the Pope's years in Rome.
A new documentary produced by Vatican media tells the near two decades that Pope Leo XIV (formerly Robert Francis Prevost) lived in Rome, showing a picture of the future Pope through the memories of people who knew him when he was in the Eternal City.
The documentary is titled "Leone a Roma" (“Leo in Rome”), and it covers the journey of the first American-born Pope. It starts with his arrival in Rome from the United States in 1981 and goes on till his role as Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine, then Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.
It was made to mark the first year since his election to the See of Peter on May 8, 2025. The film puts together testimonies, visuals, and personal memories from friends, colleagues, priests, religious figures, youth, and families who supported him through the different phases of his time in Rome.
The documentary starts with thoughts from people who first met the young Augustinian deacon when he came from Chicago to the International College of Saint Monica in the early 1980s. These reminiscences bring to life instances of academic pursuit and camaraderie, moments of prayer and pastoral engagement, along with the daily experiences shared by students in Rome.
Archive photo of Robert Prevost's university fee receipt
The narrative also details Prevost's tenure as Prior General of the Augustinians, a position he occupied for two successive terms from 2001 to 2013. This part of his leadership of the Order, marked by extensive international travel and missionary engagements, and that of the worldwide religious community, is depicted through the accounts of former collaborators and confreres.
The film also highlights his spiritual journey and pastoral intimacy through stories of people who met him at different sites of worship and service—from catechism sessions in Cesano to prayers at the shrine of Saint Rita in Cascia, the tomb of Saint Augustine in Pavia, and the sanctuary of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Genazzano.
Much attention is given to his previous Roman assignment before the conclave: the two years he served in the Roman Curia as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, a role to which he was appointed by Pope Francis, who at the same time raised him to the rank of cardinal.
"Leone a Roma" tries to paint the person who would one day become Pope Leo XIV as a friend, shepherd, and guide, with his time in Rome shaping his work for the Church.
Archive photo of Robert Prevost's early years in Italy
This documentary was put together by journalists Felipe Herrera-Espaliat, Salvatore Cernuzio, and Tiziana Campisi from Vatican Media. Jaime Vizcaíno Haro and Stefano Anella also contributed to the editing.
This is the third Vatican media-produced documentary dedicated to Pope Leo XIV, following "León de Perú," which was released in June 2025 and focused on his missionary work in Peru, and "Leo from Chicago," released in November 2025, which looked at his American roots.
"Leone a Roma" will be broadcast on Vatican media's official channels to mark the anniversary of the start of Pope Leo XIV's Petrine ministry and will be available to other media upon request.
The Vatican media crew filming the documentary