In brief
Pope Leo XIV, the first Augustinian pope, is expected to advocate for missionary outreach and a collaborative church structure inspired by the values instilled in him since childhood.
In a rare moment of calm, Rev. Alejandro Moral Antón, the head of the Order of St. Augustine, found himself inundated with calls following the election of Pope Leo XIV. This unexpected attention highlighted how the order of roughly 3,000 members played a pivotal role in shaping the Pope’s spiritual journey.Now facing a global audience, Father Moral was quick to distill the essence of Augustinianism: a commitment to charity, truth, and unity. Many believe that Leo XIV, who began his Augustinian mission at 14 and was ordained in 1982, will steer the Vatican towards an enhanced focus on listening and dialogue—two tenets central to the Augustinian way. Historian Pierantonio Piatti, articulating the order’s role in Leo's mission, unveiled the expectation of an emphasis on “synodality,” fostering collaboration among bishops and laity in decision-making, echoing themes articulated by Pope Francis.Tracing the lineage from Cardinal Prevost to Pope Leo XIV, one sees a commitment to bridging communities and fostering outreach, characteristics deeply ingrained through his years in the order. With this foundation, Pope Leo XIV is poised to navigate the intricacies of modern papacy while being an advocate for inclusive dialogue and community. The world—along with the Catholic community—watches with heightened interest as Pope Leo XIV takes steps to realize the ideals of the Order of St. Augustine during his papacy. As he embarks upon this journey, the Augustinians hope to see a renewed commitment to their mission within the broader scope of the Church’s future.
