Institutional message on the election of Fr. Robert Prevost OSA as the new Pope: "We renew our commitment as Augustinians to serve the Church in its mission"

The Prior General, through the Secretariat of the General Curia of the Order of Saint Augustine, together with his entire General Council, "rejoices and celebrates the election of our dear brother, Fr. Robert F. Prevost, as Roman Pontiff

In a spirit of filial reverence, interpreting the sentiments of the brothers and sisters of the Order of Saint Augustine, he wishes to offer the Pope Leone XIV warmest and affectionate good wishes, invoking from the Lord abundant graces upon Him and His Magisterium. Graces upon graces that extend to the entire Church and to all humanity.

The good wishes are also intended to be an expression of gratitude for the fatherhood and ardor with which he guided the Order as Prior General for 12 years (from 2001 to 2013) and for the faithful and consistent testimony of consecration and ministry, lived in the light of the charism and teachings of Saint Augustine.

In enthusiastically reaffirming the convinced communion with the Holy Father on the part of all the religious, of our and His beloved Order, the Prior General renews the commitment of the Augustinians to serve the Church in its mission.

We assure our assiduous prayer for His person and for the Petrine Magisterium and we entrust ourselves to His paternal blessing.

May the Virgin Mary, venerated by us today with the sweet title “of Divine Grace”, the Holy Father Augustine, Saint Monica and all the saints and blessed of the Order, guard and support His Ministry as the successor of the Apostle Peter and encourage the Church to walk together in faith and with courage.

Most Holy Father, bless us!

Fr. Pasquale di Lernia

Secretary General O.S.A.