As the first pope from this small religious order, Leo XIV emphasizes missionary outreach and dialogue in the Catholic Church.
Pope Leo XIV: A Product of the Order of St. Augustine
Pope Leo XIV: A Product of the Order of St. Augustine
Exploring the profound influence of the Order of St. Augustine on Pope Leo XIV’s journey to the papacy.
The world has turned its attention to a small religious order known as the Order of St. Augustine following the election of Pope Leo XIV, previously Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost. With fewer than 3,000 members, this tight-knit community has played a significant role in shaping the papacy at a critical time for the Catholic Church.
On a recent day, Rev. Alejandro Moral Antón, leader of the Order, struggled to keep up with media inquiries and personal calls, such as one from his dentist who missed an appointment. “The new pope is an Augustinian!” he cheerfully tried to explain, echoing the excitement surrounding the order and its influence on Leo XIV.
Having embraced Augustinian values since the age of 14, Leo was ordained as a priest in 1982 and dedicated much of his early career as a missionary in Peru. His leadership role within the Order in Rome over the last 12 years equipped him with connections that ultimately influenced the cardinal conclave that elected him.
Augustinians are now optimistic that Leo XIV will prioritize the core values of their order, including charity, truth, and unity, alongside a strong focus on missionary outreach and active listening. Historian Pierantonio Piatti notes that Leo’s papacy aligns with the idea of “synodality,” a vision brought forth by Pope Francis for a more collaborative church.
As the first Augustinian pope, Leo XIV is expected to foster communication within the church, bridging the gap between bishops and laypeople, and driving meaningful dialogue essential for contemporary issues facing the Catholic community. The world watches closely how this unique background will influence his decisions and leadership style.
On a recent day, Rev. Alejandro Moral Antón, leader of the Order, struggled to keep up with media inquiries and personal calls, such as one from his dentist who missed an appointment. “The new pope is an Augustinian!” he cheerfully tried to explain, echoing the excitement surrounding the order and its influence on Leo XIV.
Having embraced Augustinian values since the age of 14, Leo was ordained as a priest in 1982 and dedicated much of his early career as a missionary in Peru. His leadership role within the Order in Rome over the last 12 years equipped him with connections that ultimately influenced the cardinal conclave that elected him.
Augustinians are now optimistic that Leo XIV will prioritize the core values of their order, including charity, truth, and unity, alongside a strong focus on missionary outreach and active listening. Historian Pierantonio Piatti notes that Leo’s papacy aligns with the idea of “synodality,” a vision brought forth by Pope Francis for a more collaborative church.
As the first Augustinian pope, Leo XIV is expected to foster communication within the church, bridging the gap between bishops and laypeople, and driving meaningful dialogue essential for contemporary issues facing the Catholic community. The world watches closely how this unique background will influence his decisions and leadership style.
