Vatican City: In a heartfelt and modest gathering, Pope Leo XV attended the 70th birthday celebration of Father Alejandro Moral, the Prior General of the Augustinian Order, held at the Santa Monica International College in Rome.

The event marked more than just a milestone birthday — it was also a tribute to a decades-long friendship rooted in shared faith and service. Pope Leo XV, himself a member of the Augustinian Order, made a personal visit to honor Fr. Alejandro, one of his closest confidants. The celebration followed the Holy Mass held on June 1, part of the Vatican's Jubilee observances dedicated to families, children, grandparents, and the elderly.

Born in Spain on June 1, 1955, Fr. Alejandro first met the future Pope in the 1980s during their time at the International College of Santa Monica. Their bond deepened when Fr. Robert Prevost (now Pope Leo XV) was elected Superior General of the Augustinians. He chose Fr. Alejandro as his vicar, and the two served together in leadership for 12 years.

When Fr. Prevost’s term concluded, Fr. Alejandro succeeded him, becoming the 97th Prior General of the Order. Fr. Prevost went on to serve as Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, and was later elevated to the rank of Cardinal by Pope Francis — ultimately ascending to the papacy as Pope Leo XV. The gathering was a quiet yet profound moment of fraternity, honoring a shared journey of faith, friendship, and service to the Church.