New Pope Previously Led the Order of St. Augustine, Focused on Service to the Poor

Cardinal Robert Prevost has made history by becoming the first pope from the United States in the two-millennia-long history of the Catholic Church. Prevost, who is now known as Pope Leo XIV, previously held the esteemed role of prior general, the leader of the Order of St. Augustine, a religious community that dates back to the 13th century. This order, founded as a collective of mendicant friars, embraces a mission of poverty, service, and evangelization, shaping Prevost’s spiritual and clerical identity.

At 69 years of age, Pope Leo XIV embarks on a significant papacy marked by a renewed focus on the principles established by St. Augustine of Hippo, who is revered for his contributions to early Christian theology. The Order of St. Augustine boasts a global presence, with members active in approximately 50 countries. The community’s guiding ethos emphasizes contemplative spirituality, communal living, and dedicated service to others. A foundational tenet of the order is the commitment to “live together in harmony, being of one mind and one heart on the way to God,” reflecting its emphasis on unity and collaboration among its members.

Religious orders, such as that of St. Augustine, represent distinct communities within the Catholic Church, encompassing priests, nuns, monks, and laity who devote themselves to specific missions and spiritual practices. Unlike diocesan priests, who serve within specific geographic territories, religious-order priests have the flexibility to be assigned globally, engaging in similar pastoral responsibilities.

Pope Leo XIV follows in the footsteps of Pope Francis, who was the first pope from the Jesuit order and the first from any religious order in over 150 years, a distinction last held by Pope Gregory XVI. Historical sources indicate that 34 of the 266 popes throughout history have belonged to various religious orders, contributing to the diverse landscape of Catholic leadership. Notably, prior to Prevost, six Augustinians had ascended to the papacy, marking a significant legacy within the church’s hierarchy.

The appointment of Pope Leo XIV may signal a transformative period for the Catholic Church, as he seeks to uphold the values of his order while navigating the complexities of a global faith community. Through his leadership, there lies the potential for renewed emphasis on service and unity within the church, reflecting the fundamental principles established centuries ago.