Our Brother Augustinian, Pope Leo XIV
On May 8, 2025, the Church entered a historic moment with the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first pope from the United States and Peru, and the first from the Order of Saint Augustine. For the Augustinian family, this moment also recalls his twelve years of service as Prior General of the Order (2001–2013), a period marked by steady leadership, a global pastoral vision, and a deep commitment to Augustinian community life. From the very beginning of his pontificate, his ministry has been unmistakably centered on Jesus Christ—the heart of Augustine’s faith and the source of the Church’s unity and mission. Shaped by years of guiding the Order across cultures and continents, his pastoral style reflects an Augustinian spirituality rooted in the love of Christ, the search for truth, unity of heart, and compassionate service. As Pope Leo XIV, he now carries this heritage into his ministry as shepherd of the universal Church, remaining for us both a brother formed by our tradition and a pastor entrusted with the care of God’s people worldwide.
 |  |  |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
 |
Roots and Formation
Raised in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV’s early life was shaped by a strong sense of faith, community, and service. Drawn to religious life at a young age, he entered the Augustinian community, where his vocation was formed through prayer, study, and fraternity. His academic and spiritual formation was further deepened during his years at Villanova University, an experience that helped integrate intellectual rigor with Augustinian values—laying the foundations for a life of pastoral leadership and service to the Church.
Augustinian Life
Rooted in the spirituality of Saint Augustine, Pope Leo XIV’s vision of the Church is shaped by community, interiority, and the search for truth—values that continue to guide his pastoral and ecclesial leadership.
Pope Leo XIV: Missionary at Heart
Before his election to the papacy, Pope Leo XIV lived a deeply missionary vocation, shaped by years of pastoral service beyond his homeland. His experience among diverse peoples and cultures formed a shepherd attentive to the margins, grounded in dialogue, and committed to bringing the Gospel to concrete human realities. This missionary spirit continues to mark his vision for the Church: outward-looking, compassionate, and rooted in encounter.
Prophetic Leadership
In continuity with the Church’s prophetic mission, Pope Leo XIV addresses the pressing concerns of our age—peace, justice, care for creation, and solidarity with the vulnerable—calling the faithful to faithful and courageous engagement.
Pope Leo XIV International Study Centre
From the heart of the Order of Saint Augustine, the Leo XIV International Study Centre was established as a sign of fidelity to the vision and appeals of Pope Leo XIV. Erected within the Order and rooted in the Augustinian tradition, the Centre serves as a place of study, formation, and dialogue inspired by the Church’s Social Doctrine and a Christ-centered concern for the human person and the common good. Based at the Augustinian convent of Santo Spirito in Florence, the Institute brings together research, formation, and cultural engagement in service of society and the Church. We invite you to learn more about its mission and activities by visiting the Centre’s website.
