The significance of Pope Leo XIV coming from the Augustinian Order
(NewsNation) — The selection of Pope Leo XIV has made him the first Augustinian friar to be elected to lead the Catholic Church.
The Order of St. Augustine includes about 2,800 Augustinians in 47 countries throughout the world, so this is a monumental moment for the group.
'As an Augustinian Catholic institution, we celebrate this significant day for our university community and the global church. Villanova, built on the teachings of St. Augustine, has always been grounded in advancing a deeper understanding of the fundamental relationship between faith and reason — between spirituality and wisdom,' Villanova University President Rev. Peter Donohue said in a statement.
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The Augustinians are Catholic religious priests and brothers following in the footsteps of Christ and Saint Augustine since 1244, according to the Augustinian Vocations of North America.
'We serve God and His people in diverse ministries as pastors, educators, and missionaries,' its website said.
Saint Augustine is 'known as the doctor of grace,' the Rev. Robert Hagan, who is a friend of Pope Leo XIV, told NewsNation's Elizabeth Vargas.
'A core Augustinian value is friendship,' he said. The order is also known for charity and missionary work. Hagan said Pope Leo XIV embodies many teachings from the Augustinian Order.
'The world is in for a real treat for him to now lead and shepherd the flock with those values,' he said.
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