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USA Today
18-05-2025
- General
- USA Today
Pope Leo XIV is the first Augustinian pontiff. Here's what the religious order means
Pope Leo XIV is the first Augustinian pontiff. Here's what the religious order means Show Caption Hide Caption Who is Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, the new pope? Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been named the first ever pope from the U.S. and will go by the name Leo XIV. Formerly known as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV became the first-ever pope born in the United States on May 8. The 69-year-old, who hails from Chicago but has dual Peruvian nationality after spending most of his career as a missionary in Peru, became a cardinal in 2023. "Peace be with you all," he told the cheering crowd in fluent Italian. Leo, who became the church's 267th pope, also spoke in Spanish, but not English, in his brief address. Leo thanked Pope Francis and repeated his predecessor's call for a church that is engaged with the modern world and "is always looking for peace, charity and being close to people, especially those who are suffering." Pope Leo XIV is a man of many firsts; apart from being the first American-born pope, he is also the first pope to be an Augustinian. Those who do not practice Catholicism may not know what this means. Here is what you need to know about the Order of St. Augustine. What is an Augustinian? According to the Augustinian Vocations of North America, Augustinians are members of the Order of St. Augustine. 'We serve God and His people in diverse ministries as pastors, educators, and missionaries,' the vocations website said. The order was born juridically in March 1244, when Pope Innocent IV united various groups of hermits in service to the Universal Church as a community of Mendicant Friars. The core values of this order are to "live together in harmony, being of one mind and one heart on the way to God." "The main purpose for you having come together is to live harmoniously in your house, intent upon God in oneness of mind and heart," the Rule of St. Augustine reads. "Call nothing your own, but let everything be yours in common. Food and clothing shall be distributed to each of you by your superior, not equally to all, for all do not enjoy equal health, but rather according to each one's need. For so you read in the Acts of the Apostles that 'they had all things in common and distribution was made to each one according to each one's need.'' How many Augustinians are there? The Order of St. Augustine includes some 2,800 Augustinians in 47 countries throughout the world. Contributing: Greg Giesen, Delaware News Journal Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The possible path for Archbishop Fulton Sheen to become a Saint
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — An Archbishop who was born and raised in central Illinois could have the status of a Saint sooner rather than later. The venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen was a man who went from being born in El Paso, Illinois, to being one of the most captivating people on television. There is a possibility he could soon be referred to as Saint Fulton Sheen. 'We believe that some day the church will indeed catch up with Fulton Sheen, meaning that the church will canonize him,' said Bishop Louis Tylka of the Diocese of Peoria. 'But at present we're just working with the other dioceses and the Universal Church to move forward and move beyond the pause so that we can move to the beatification of Fulton Sheen.' Pope vows every effort to work for peace in regions where Christians persecuted, forced to flee Sheen was known for his television and radio presence, drawing around 30 million weekly viewers for his half-hour segments during the public service show 'Life Is Worth Living.' He won an Emmy in 1953 for 'Most Outstanding Personality', beating other nominees such as Lucille Ball and Edward R. Murrow. Bishop Tylka of the Peoria Diocese said even though the process for Sheen's sainthood is on pause, he hopes it can be resumed soon. 'God willing, hopefully soon,' said Tylka. 'Certainly with a new Holy Father, we'll be reaching out to him to encourage him to allow us to move that forward.' The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage is set to begin for the Peoria Diocese on Monday. This is a journey that many dioceses from across the country take part in. This journey begins with the presence of Jesus in the form of bread in the streets of different areas. For the Peoria Diocese, they will be making stops in several cities and towns, including Galesburg, Bloomington and the home church of Archbishop Sheen in El Paso. To see the full list of stops, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Catholic community looks forward to new papacy with joy and hope
Pune: During a visit to Vatican City last year Lourdes Daniel, Bishop Emeritus of Nashik, met Pope Leo XIV when he was cardinal Robert Francis Prevost. The new head of the Catholic Church was incredibly easy to speak with, warm, approachable, and genuinely pleasant in their conversation, he said. "Some of us were heading to St Peter's Basilica for Mass, and he chose to quietly join us. Another priest from our group captured that moment in a photograph I will always treasure. It was the only time I met him, but it left a deep impression," Daniel was struck by the gentle and constant smile which made everyone around the would be pope feel welcome and comfortable. "There was a serene humility in him that's rare and deeply reassuring. Pope Leo XIV carries a quiet strength and a spirit of openness that the world now needs. His papacy will bring compassion, wisdom, and a renewed sense of connection," he among the Catholic community the world over spread as soon as the white smoke was visible on Thursday after a group of 133 cardinals, the largest conclave ever, elected a new pope. His followers in Pune said the new leader will bring about changes, discipline, and like Marie Stella said Pope Leo XIV's first greeting was 'Peace be with you'. "This is what Jesus said when he appeared to his apostles after his resurrection. It resonates deeply with the community. Everyone wants peace. The new leader will continue Pope Francis's legacy."A pope's choice of name indicates his papacy's priorities. Father Malcolm Sequeira, Bishop of Amravati, said Pope Leo XIV's choice of the papal name is a powerful one."At a time when the world is divided and hurting, we need strong moral leadership. We need a leader who can engage with global communities and work for peace, and change. We believe he will help build bridges, speak for the voiceless, and bring important social changes. This is a hopeful and historic moment," Father Sequeria Roque Alphonso, vicar general, Diocese of Poona, said that it is a significant moment for the Church, "We express our deep gratitude to God for the gift of a new Shepherd to the Universal Church," he said. They will soon decide on dates for a special Colin Hendricks, rector at St Patrick's Cathedral, said that an American pope is a pleasant surprise. "Pope Leo XIII was a stalwart. We are looking forward to a lot from the new pope. He will further the mission of Pope Francis, and the changes will be led by the spirit of God."Father Mariano D'Silva, parish priest at Church Of Our Lady Of Perpetual Help, said, "Pope Leo XIII was legendary and the new pope has indicated he will bring about change and instill more discipline."Other Christians have reposed faith in the new leader. Frank Freese, retired CEO and principal of The Bishop's School, said, "The new pope seems to be a down-to-earth, simple and deeply religious man. He appears to be conscious of people's spiritual needs. It is possible that he will rid the Church of harsh rules that are difficult to follow."
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Austin Catholic community mourns death of Pope Francis
AUSTIN (KXAN) — The news of Pope Francis' passing is widespread Monday morning. Argentine-born Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected as Pope in 2013. Many Catholic schools and church offices were already closed for Easter Monday and had previously planned mass services throughout the day. This former Dallas bishop will lead process of selecting a new pope 'After an important day for the church on [Sunday] to hear of his passing was sad for the whole church,' Carla Sanchez said as she left an early Monday morning mass. 'I think he did so much for the church and we should be forever grateful.' Father James Misko, who is serving as Diocesan Administrator in Austin, will be celebrating noon mass at Saint Mary Catholic Cathedral 'for the repose of the soul of the holy father.' Saint Mary, located in downtown Austin off 10th Street, is the mother church for the Diocese of Austin. Misko issued the following statement: Brothers and sisters: As we hear of the passing of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, we unite in prayerful thanksgiving for his just over 12 years of faithful service to the Universal Church as the successor to St. Peter. Ever devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary and with her intercession, his commitment to social justice and a deep care for the poor and those on the peripheries of society will remain among his many legacies. The first pontiff from the Americas, Pope Francis brought a new perspective to the papacy, humbly saying to the crowds in St. Peter's square the night of his election, 'It seems that my brother cardinals have gone to the ends of the earth to get one (a Pope), but here we are'. I ask the people of the Diocese of Austin to join in prayer with the Universal Church and all people of goodwill to express our gratitude to God for the life of Pope Francis. We pray that our Holy Father, who has been received in the arms of our Lord will now rest from his earthly labors and hear the words, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant (Mt. 25:21).' Through the intercession of Mary, under her title of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, we ask that God receive Pope Francis into his presence forever. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen. The Diocese of Austin is currently without a Bishop, as of March 25. Its former Bishop, Joe Vasquez, is now the Archbishop of Galveston-Houston. Since the Pope appoints new Bishops to a diocese, Vasquez's replacement in Austin will be prolonged until the new Pope is appointed. The Diocese of Austin said there are more than 700,000 Catholics in the Central Texas area. The diocese covers a wide area from Bell County to San Marcos and College Station. The diocese posted on Facebook early Monday in remembrance of Pope Francis. 'Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was elected the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church on March 13, 2013. Today, we mourn his passing,' the post said. 'Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.' In 2022, the Pope blessed the Diocese of Austin for its 75th anniversary. This story will be updated. Check back for more. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Cumbria welcomes election of new pope
Roman Catholics and Christians from across Cumbria have welcomed the election of a new pope in Rome. Pope Leo XIV, the first American head of the Catholic Church, emerged on to the balcony of St Peter's Basilica in front of a packed St Peter's Square on Thursday evening after a two-day conclave. Crowds had been joyously waving flags and chanting 'Habemus Papam', since white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel shortly after 5pm UK time on Thursday. The new pontiff is the 267th pope, becoming the religious leader of some 1.4 billion Catholics across the globe and is the successor to St Peter, who was the first. In his first words as Pope, the new pontiff told the adoring crowd: 'Peace be with you.' The news has been welcomed across the world and in Cumbria The Diocese of Lancaster, which covers the whole of Cumbria said in a statement: 'Together with the Universal Church, and with all people of good will, the Catholic Diocese of Lancaster in the UK welcomes and commends to the grace of Almighty God Cardinal Robert Prevost OSA as Pope Leo XIV, the successor of St Peter. 'Pope Leo comes to this universal ministry after many years of professed and ordained life as deacon priest and as a bishop, as a religious, and as a teacher. 'As with his predecessors we hold the Holy Father in our prayers and take courage already from the words of his inaugural address with its call for peace across humanity. 'The times we live in cry out for a fundamentally different approach to serve the world order, one led by Christ. 'Mary the Mother of God. Pray for him. St Peter. Pray for him. St John Paul II. Pray for him, Pope Saint Leo the Great, pray for him.' READ MORE: Bishop Rob Saner-Haigh named as Bishop of Carlisle | News and Star The Parish of our Lady of Perpetual Health in Carlisle, said in Latin: 'We have a pope! Let us pray for our pontiff Leo, may the Lord preserve him, and give him life, and make him blessed on earth, and not deliver him into the hands of his enemies.' The Anglican Church of St Cuthbert in Carlisle also welcomed the news. In a social nedia post the church said: 'We rejoice tonight with friends from the Roman Catholic Church of St Barthelemy D'Anjou in the Loire Valley, France and our friends in the parish of The Catholic Parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Carlisle. God bless Pope Leo.'
