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“I am an Augustinian, a son of St. Augustin.” – Pope Leo XIV

Reflection by Br. Bernard Mary Fonkalsrud OFM Conv. | May 9, 2025

The world is abuzz with the recent election of Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost to the papacy, taking the name Leo XIV. Most are focused on the historical significance of having the first Pope from the USA, a Chicago local, and former missionary Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru – but another somewhat-overshadowed milestone is the fact that Pope Leo XIV is also the first pontiff to be elected from the Augustinian Order; so, what does this mean?

Chicago-born Cardinal, Robert F. Prevost, was elected the 267th pope May 8, 2025 and took the name Pope Leo XIV.

The Order of Saint Augustine (OSA) was founded as part of the great Mendicant movement of the 13th century, around the same time as other important Orders such as the Franciscans and Dominicans. According to historians, the early Augustinian Order was formed out of existing eremitical communities which followed the Rule of St. Augustine, written by St. Augustine of Hippo in the 5th Century, which unified into one organized group in 1244. The Augustinian charism is centered around a life in common, in which its members, by total gift of self, forge a path toward God through their service to others, particularly today in the areas of teaching, service to the poor, and parochial ministry. Augustinians profess the same three vows, or ‘Evangelical Counsels,’ as most other Religious – Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience.

Pope Leo XIV’s Augustinian heritage will, inevitably, play a vital part in his papacy, as it has in his ministry as Diocesan Bishop and Curial Cardinal. Before taking up his mission to Peru, he defended his doctoral thesis on ‘The Role of the Local Prior in the Order of St. Augustine,’ and later, in his most recent role before his election, as the Prefect for the Dicastery for Bishops. He emphasized his belief that bishops should have a crucial role in promoting unity within the Church, saying in May 2023 “The lack of unity is a wound that the Church suffers, a very painful one. Divisions and polemics in the Church do not help anything. We bishops especially must accelerate this movement toward unity, toward communion in the Church.” He stressed that bishops “must not hide behind an idea of authority that no longer makes sense today. The authority we have is to serve, to accompany priests, to be pastors and teachers.”

The then Cardinal Robert F. Prevost, in his role as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, with Pope Francis. He wears his Augustinian black habit.

These sentiments are very much in line with the ethos of the Augustinians and other Mendicant Orders, which hold the fraternal life as fundamental, not preoccupied by holding titles and accolades over one another, but rather on how best to practice the same servant leadership as Christ modeled on the night he was to suffer. Referenced in the Pope’s first address to the world, St. Augustine wrote, “What I am for you terrifies me; what I am with you consoles me. For you I am a bishop; but with you I am a Christian. The former is a duty; the latter a grace. The former is a danger; the latter, salvation.”

Let us pray that this ‘Son of St. Augustine’ may continue to be blessed, inspired, and lead by the Holy Spirit as he begins his pontificate as the 267th successor of St. Peter, the Bishop of Rome, the Vicar of Christ, and the leader of the Universal Church. May St. Augustine and Our Lady of Good Counsel intercede for Pope Leo XIV now and always. Amen.

Safeguarding Statement

The Franciscan Friars Conventual of St. Bonaventure Province are committed to creating safe environments for children and vulnerable adults.

Every friar in active ministry must complete training in Virtus (the National Catholic Risk Retention Group) and any other safe environment compliances required by the dioceses in which they serve.

In addition, St. Bonaventure Province has its own Safe Environment Commission that oversees the implementation and monitoring of the Province’s Policies, Procedures, and Protocols for Ethical Ministry with Minors and Vulnerable Adults. 

Any allegation regarding the Franciscan Friars Conventual of this Province receives an immediate response. This includes the Province’s full cooperation with local law enforcement authorities and Ordinaries who have ecclesial jurisdiction over these matters, as well as a duly diligent investigation by a qualified third party in order to substantiate credibility.