Vatican City: One year after his election to the papacy, Pope Leo XIV continues to shape his ministry through the spirituality and teachings of Saint Augustine, the great theologian and bishop of Hippo whose influence has guided the Pope since his religious profession in the Order of Saint Augustine nearly five decades ago.
When he first appeared on the balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica after his election on May 8, 2025, the Pope introduced himself with a simple but meaningful description: “I am a son of Saint Augustine, an Augustinian.” The statement immediately revealed the spiritual roots that continue to define his vision for the Church and his approach to leadership.
Born Robert Francis Prevost, Pope entered the Augustinian Order in 1978, professing vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Since then, the spirituality of Saint Augustine has deeply influenced his pastoral life, his understanding of community, and his commitment to dialogue and unity within the Church.
One of the clearest examples of this inspiration came in the Pope’s early words after his election when he quoted Saint Augustine’s famous phrase from Sermon 340: “With you I am a Christian, and for you a bishop.” The statement highlighted his belief that a bishop belongs first to the community of believers while also carrying the responsibility of shepherding the faithful.
Throughout the past year, Pope Leo XIV has repeatedly encouraged Catholics to walk together in faith and openness. He has often spoken about building bridges, promoting dialogue, and welcoming those who feel distant or forgotten. These themes strongly reflect Augustine’s own ministry as bishop, during which he defended Church teaching while also engaging patiently with different groups and caring for the poor.
Pope has also maintained a close bond with the Augustinian community. Fellowship and communal life remain central elements of Augustinian spirituality, and Leo XIV continues to value moments shared with his fellow religious brothers.
Only two days after his election, Pope made a private visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Genazzano near Rome, a sanctuary entrusted to the Augustinians for centuries. There he prayed before the image of Mary, whom he described as a guiding maternal presence throughout his life. In a message written in the shrine’s guest book, he entrusted his new mission to her care.
Augustinian themes have continued to appear regularly in Pope’s homilies and speeches. He often speaks about interior reflection, friendship, the search for truth, and unity among peoples. Even his papal motto, “In Illo uno unum,” meaning “In the One Christ we are one,” comes from a sermon of Saint Augustine on Psalm 127.
Pope’s coat of arms also reflects his Augustinian identity through the image of a heart pierced by the arrow of God’s Word, symbolizing conversion and love for truth.
Earlier this year, Pope Leo XIV visited Algeria, the homeland of Saint Augustine, during a pastoral journey from April 13 to 15. During the visit, he described Augustine as a figure whose teachings remain deeply relevant in today’s world, especially in encouraging humanity to seek truth, unity, and mutual respect despite differences.
Pope is expected to continue this tribute to Saint Augustine next month with a visit to Pavia in Italy, where the saint’s relics are preserved. The visit is expected to strengthen Pope’s message of dialogue and unity between peoples and cultures across the Mediterranean region.