Pope Leo XIV’s papacy is profoundly influenced by the Order of St. Augustine, which he was part of since he was 14, emphasizing his mission-centric approach to leadership.
The Rise of Pope Leo XIV: Shaped by the Order of St. Augustine
The Rise of Pope Leo XIV: Shaped by the Order of St. Augustine
Exploring how a small religious order shaped the new leader of the Catholic Church.
The cellphone of Rev. Alejandro Moral Antón, leader of the Order of St. Augustine, buzzed incessantly as he received calls seeking clarity about Pope Leo XIV’s impact on the Catholic Church. As the first pope from the order, Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, represents a significant moment in Catholic history. His tenure follows his deep-rooted connection to the Augustinians, a group that consists of fewer than 3,000 members.
Father Moral Antón, who had been awoken early to handle global inquiries, explained, “The new pope is an Augustinian!” His connection to Leo XIV brings forth the order’s principles of charity, truth, and unity, which Leo embodies in his commitment to missionary work and inclusivity.
Pope Leo XIV's journey began at the age of 14 when he joined the Augustinians, eventually becoming an ordained priest in 1982 and serving for 12 years from Rome. His time as a missionary in Peru helped him develop an extensive network that would later bolster his candidacy during the conclave that led to his election as pope.
Historian Pierantonio Piatti noted that Leo’s papacy will likely emphasize dialogue and communal decision-making, aligning with Pope Francis' vision of synodality—a church where bishops and laypeople collaborate on significant issues. The order’s emphasis on outreach and listening shapes their understanding of leadership, making Leo’s approach reflective of their collective ideals.
In this new era marked by the influence of the Order of St. Augustine, the Catholic Church looks forward to a papacy that prioritizes connection and understanding in a diverse world.
Father Moral Antón, who had been awoken early to handle global inquiries, explained, “The new pope is an Augustinian!” His connection to Leo XIV brings forth the order’s principles of charity, truth, and unity, which Leo embodies in his commitment to missionary work and inclusivity.
Pope Leo XIV's journey began at the age of 14 when he joined the Augustinians, eventually becoming an ordained priest in 1982 and serving for 12 years from Rome. His time as a missionary in Peru helped him develop an extensive network that would later bolster his candidacy during the conclave that led to his election as pope.
Historian Pierantonio Piatti noted that Leo’s papacy will likely emphasize dialogue and communal decision-making, aligning with Pope Francis' vision of synodality—a church where bishops and laypeople collaborate on significant issues. The order’s emphasis on outreach and listening shapes their understanding of leadership, making Leo’s approach reflective of their collective ideals.
In this new era marked by the influence of the Order of St. Augustine, the Catholic Church looks forward to a papacy that prioritizes connection and understanding in a diverse world.
