Homecoming a Week Later: From Cardinal Prevost to León XIV

On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, the Holy Father Leo XIV visited the community of the Augustinians of the General Curia. It is the first time since his election as Roman Pontiff on Thursday, May 8, that he returns to his brothers to celebrate the Holy Mass, share lunch in the refectory, and spend time with what until now was his religious community.

Seven days ago, on Tuesday, May 6, then-Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost spent his last moments with the community before entering the conclave. After praying with them, for them, and for all the cardinals who would have to make the difficult decision of choosing Peter’s successor, he left this house "wearing the Augustinian habit" and the cardinal red, only to return exactly one week later dressed entirely in white.

Celebration of the Eucharist in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Help

On the liturgical feast of the Order, Pope Leo XIV presided over the Eucharistic celebration together with his Augustinian brothers. This commemoration represents an ancient devotion that originated in the early 14th century in the Church of Saint Augustine in Palermo and spread throughout the Order.

"Peace be with you"

In his homily, the Holy Father began with the same words he used for the Urbi et Orbi blessing on the day of his election: "Peace be with you." He then emphasized the missionary role of the Church and the need to walk together in a synodal manner. He also highlighted the importance of spiritual communion, a distinctive feature of the legacy of Saint Augustine, which drives us to move forward in unity to spread the message of the Gospel to the world.

A warm return home

In the refectory, the Prior General, Fr. Alejandro Moral Antón, warmly welcomed the Holy Father. During his remarks, he emphasized the fullness of joy that only the risen Christ can provide, now joined by the happiness of his election as Supreme Pontiff.

Recalling the words of Christ, "Tu es Petrus", he assured Pope Leo XIV of the unconditional prayer, support, and fraternity of the Order of Saint Augustine as he embarks on his new ministry. Finally, Fr. Alejandro noted that while the universal Church has provided for the vacant See, "now it is we who have a 'vacant seat' in our house, in our chapel, and in the refectory where we have shared so many fraternal moments."

It is worth noting that, since Pope Francis called him to Rome to preside over the Dicastery for Bishops, naming him Prefect, Cardinal Prevost had celebrated daily Eucharist and participated in morning prayer in the Chapel of the General Curia, also sharing lunch with his brothers in this house.

"It has been a very emotional day, as our brother has returned to the community to be with us once again, to share and thus increase our joy."

"Make known the magnificent spiritual heritage of Saint Augustine"

The Holy Father, after congratulating two brothers who were celebrating their birthday and feast day, encouraged those present to persevere in spreading the wonderful doctrinal and spiritual heritage of Saint Augustine.

He recalled how he still holds dear some words that Pope Benedict XVI addressed to him in the Vatican Gardens, when he was still Prior General, on the occasion of the blessing of a mosaic dedicated to the Virgin Mary, Mother of Good Counsel. On that occasion, Benedict XVI passionately encouraged the Augustinians to study, deepen, and spread the thought of Saint Augustine.

Echoing Pope Benedict XVI’s exhortation, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of the work of the Pontifical Patristic Institute Augustinianum, an academic institution key to furthering this mission.