The Rise of Pope Leo XIV: A Testament to the Order of St. Augustine

Mon Sep 15 2025 22:40:37 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a surprising turn of events, the small Order of St. Augustine, a religious community with deep historical roots, has gained the spotlight following the election of their member, Pope Leo XIV.

The Order of St. Augustine, a global community with fewer than 3,000 members, has become an influential force in shaping the new papacy with its grounded principles of charity, unity, and truth. The new Pope, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, has a profound connection to the Order, which began in his adolescence and evolved into a lifelong commitment to its values. Padre Alejandro Moral Antón, head of the Order, expressed his astonishment at the sudden global interest as he juggled calls from media representatives and personal acquaintances alike.

As the first pope from the Augustinian tradition, Leo XIV is expected to advance evangelical outreach and foster an inclusive decision-making atmosphere, resonating with the ongoing synodality movement initiated by his predecessor, Pope Francis. Historian Pierantonio Piatti predicts that Leo’s leadership will embody the Augustinian approach of communication and mutual understanding, reflecting a modern vision for the universal church.

Furthermore, Pope Leo XIV's roots in Peru as a missionary and his extensive connections developed during his 12 years leading the Order from Rome are poised to influence his papal decisions going forward, blending tradition with contemporary needs and aspirations of the Catholic Church.

With Pope Leo XIV’s election, the Order of St. Augustine anticipates a renewed emphasis on dialogue and collaboration within the church, which could transform how papal authority functions in connection with both clergy and laity alike. The world watches closely as this new chapter unfolds for the Catholic Church under his leadership.