Pope Leo XIV to Augustinians: "Listen to God and to others"

Rome - In Rome, around 100 Augustinian superiors will be discussing the future of the Order over the next three weeks. Pope Leo XIV, himself a former Augustinian superior, set a clear tone at the start of the General Chapter.

Published on 02.09.2025 at 12:21 –

Pope Leo XIV opened the General Chapter of the Augustinian Order. "The General Chapter is a moment of grace for the Augustinian Order and for the whole Church," said the Pope on Monday evening in the Roman church of Sant'Agostino, according to Vatican News. The atmosphere of the assembly must be characterised by "listening to God and to others". Leo XIV, whose real name is Robert Francis Prevost, is a member of the Augustinians and was Prior General of the order from 2001 to 2013.

Using the words of St Augustine, Leo called on the religious to be humble and united. "No one should think that they have all the answers. Everyone should openly share everything they have. All should accept in faith what the Lord gives," said the Pope. Unity is an indispensable goal: "For what unites comes from Him, but what divides cannot be from Him."

Around 100 religious superiors are taking part in the General Chapter. Until 18 September, they will discuss the future of the community and elect a new Prior General in the Augustinianum near the Vatican. The previous leader, Alejandro Moral (70), took over from Prevost in 2013 and is now stepping down after two terms in office. Founded in 1244, the order now has more than 2,300 members in almost 400 branches in 50 countries. (KNA)