In brief
Father Alejandro Moral Antón reflects on the deep-rooted values and connections within the Augustinian order that may influence Pope Leo XIV’s approach to leadership.
The buzz surrounding the election of Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, has spotlighted the pivotal role played by the Order of St. Augustine, a religious group with about 3,000 members. As Father Alejandro Moral Antón, the order’s leader, attended to a flurry of global inquiries, his mission was clear: to convey the core values that mold the new pope’s leadership style.Pope Leo XIV’s journey with the Augustinians began at the tender age of 14 and shaped his spiritual and leadership identity, culminating in his ordination as an Augustinian priest in 1982. His path included significant missionary work in Peru before he assumed a leadership position within the order for over a decade, thus establishing a network of relationships that paved the way to his papacy.The first Augustinian pope, Leo XIV is anticipated to introduce a renewed focus on missionary outreach and a commitment to inclusive decision-making. “The Holy Father will certainly be inspired by this search for communion and dialogue,” noted historian Pierantonio Piatti, emphasizing how these principles align with Pope Francis’ vision of a more collaborative church structure.Under Leo XIV’s leadership, the Augustinians hope to foster a church environment that emphasizes understanding and unity among both clergy and laypeople. His unique background and values may redefine how the papacy approaches global challenges, giving voice to the fundamental Augustinian ethos of charity, truth, and community in service of the faithful worldwide.
