Members of the Order of the Augustinian Recoletos of Guatemala celebrated the choice of Pope Leo XIV, since the Supreme Pontiff is a member of said Rama of the Catholic Church.
“This designation, although surprise, has been received with gratitude to see a brother who lives the identity and the Augustinian charism elevated to the pontificate,” said Fray Ángel Jahir Córdoba, rector of the Augustinian College of Guatemala.
The religious said that Robert Francis Prevost, such as Supreme Pontiff, his main function will be to serve as a guarantor of the unity of the Church, seeking harmony among Christians and all men of good will.
In addition, he said that his choice of the name Leo XIV links him to a tradition of potatoes that worked for human peace and dignity, issues he mentioned in his first public appearance as leader of the Catholic Church.
The new Pope, formed from a young age in Augustinian seminars, carries what could be called Augustinian DNA in his blood. Unlike Eugenio IV, who only followed the rule of San Agustín, the current pontiff was born and consolidated within the Augustinian family, according to Córdoba.
He also said that, among the approaches that will probably characterize their pontificate, the sense of evangelizing mission, the promotion of church doctrine and theological dynamism stand out.
“As a follower of San Agustín, the great doctor of grace and defender of faith, is expected to work to deepen Catholic theology,” he added.
Pronouncement
The Archbishop of the Altos, Quetzaltenango-Totonicapán, Monsignor Víctor Hugo Palma Paul, spoke about the appointment of Pope Leo XIV and said that it is a “wonderful” day because the new leader of the Catholic Church will continue with Francisco’s legacy.
Palma Paúl highlighted the speed with which the new Pope was chosen, because only two days were enough for the cardinals to agree on the conclave.
“The last Pope called León was Leo XIII, was one of the people who suffered a lot from social changes. The social changes of the Church caused a lot of shock, communism came, social movements came, revolutions. Today the world is also in many technological changes,” said the prelate.
He added: “Let us remember that there are wars in today’s world, commercial wars, wars in India against Pakistan, is Russia against Ukraine, there is the problem of the Gaza Strip, the wars of Africa, the world is agitated. The appointment of this Pope is providential. He was born in the United States, American father and Spanish mother. He is 69 years old and is Augustine,” he said.
Monsignor explained that the Agustina Congregation is one of those that follow the spirituality of St. Augustine of Hippo. “What did St. Augustine say? That you have to look for God as the Supreme well,” Palma Paul emphasized. “The Pope has immense tasks in front, but he knows very well, he even addressed in his first message in Spanish and Italian. In Spanish, because he sent greetings to his Peruvian diocese of Chiclayo. He is Peruvian nationalized. In that sense we have a multinational pope,” Palma explained.