Vatican to publish Pope Francis’ private diary in November 2026
The Vatican confirmed on Oct. 5 that a new volume titled The Private Diary of Pope Francis will be published on Nov. 24, 2026, bringing the late pontiff’s personal journal entries to the public for the first time.
The book pairs diary entries written between Dec. 20, 1992, and Aug. 18, 2024, with commentary from Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, who presents the writings and offers contextual insight.
Andrea Tornielli, editorial director of the Dicastery for Communication, welcomed the project, saying, "Through this book, which we believe readers around the world will appreciate, we will be able to gain an even deeper understanding of the Argentine Pope’s inner life."
Published by the Vatican Publishing House, the volume will be released simultaneously in five languages and distributed in 94 countries. The publisher will showcase the book at the Frankfurt Book Fair, scheduled for Oct. 7–11, ahead of the November launch.
The diary joins Pope Francis’ earlier works, including his final encyclical, Dilexit Nos, released in 2024, which reflected on the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The new compilation arrives more than a year after Pope Francis’ death on Apr. 21, 2025, marking the end of a 12‑year pontificate.
Vatican officials said the diary provides a rare glimpse into the pope’s private thoughts during pivotal moments of his ministry, from his early years as Archbishop of Buenos Aires to his global travels as pontiff. Readers can expect reflections on theological challenges, personal doubts, and the everyday realities of leading the Catholic Church.
The publication is expected to attract both faithful readers and scholars interested in contemporary Catholic history, offering a unique primary source for understanding the man behind the papal office.
Following the Frankfurt presentation, the Vatican will proceed with the worldwide release, with translations slated for languages including English, Spanish, Italian, French, and German.
