Barry Andrews, a Fianna Fail TD, presented a copy of Stephen Walker's biography 'John Hume: The Persuader' to Pope Leo XIV during a private audience at the Vatican this Easter.

Walker, a Bangor author and award-winning journalist from County Down, published the book in 2023. It covers John Hume, Nobel laureate and architect of the Good Friday Agreement.

Andrews selected the book as a gift focused on peacemaking. Walker contacted Andrews to express thanks after confirming the event's authenticity.

Walker initially questioned a photo of the Pope holding the book, suspecting it was an April Fool's joke or altered image. He verified it through Andrews' social media posts about the Vatican visit.

Walker shared the photo on social media once confirmed. He noted the positive reception.

Walker also published a biography of David Trimble last year. Trimble served as the first First Minister of Northern Ireland and the last Ulster Unionist in that role.