**The election of Pope Leo XIV has spotlighted the Order of St. Augustine, a small religious community that has significantly influenced his development and vision as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church.**
**Pope Leo XIV's Roots in the Augustinian Tradition**

**Pope Leo XIV's Roots in the Augustinian Tradition**
**Exploring the profound impact of the Order of St. Augustine on Pope Leo XIV's papacy.**
The recent election of Pope Leo XIV has sparked global interest in his formative years within the Order of St. Augustine, a modest community of fewer than 3,000 members. Father Alejandro Moral Antón, the current leader of the order, reflected on the excitement and inquiries he has received since the new pope’s election, including an unexpected call from his dentist.
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, has deep roots in the Augustinian tradition that began at age 14. After his ordination as a priest in 1982, he served as a missionary in Peru and eventually managed Augustinian affairs from Rome for over a decade. His extensive connections within the community and global outreach played a crucial role during the recent conclave where he was elected pope.
As the first pope from the Augustinian order, Leo XIV is anticipated to highlight the order’s core values of charity, truth, and unity, which are central to its mission. Observers expect Leo to prioritize outreach and foster a spirit of listening, aligning with the principles of synodality that the previous pope, Francis, sought to promote. Historian Pierantonio Piatti stated that Leo will likely embody a dialogue-driven approach in his papacy, fostering collaboration between bishops and the laity in decision-making processes.
The rise of Pope Leo XIV marks a significant moment for the Order of St. Augustine, as the world’s attention turns to the influence of their teachings and the direction the new pope will take on global Catholicism.
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, has deep roots in the Augustinian tradition that began at age 14. After his ordination as a priest in 1982, he served as a missionary in Peru and eventually managed Augustinian affairs from Rome for over a decade. His extensive connections within the community and global outreach played a crucial role during the recent conclave where he was elected pope.
As the first pope from the Augustinian order, Leo XIV is anticipated to highlight the order’s core values of charity, truth, and unity, which are central to its mission. Observers expect Leo to prioritize outreach and foster a spirit of listening, aligning with the principles of synodality that the previous pope, Francis, sought to promote. Historian Pierantonio Piatti stated that Leo will likely embody a dialogue-driven approach in his papacy, fostering collaboration between bishops and the laity in decision-making processes.
The rise of Pope Leo XIV marks a significant moment for the Order of St. Augustine, as the world’s attention turns to the influence of their teachings and the direction the new pope will take on global Catholicism.