As the Church marks Pope Leo XIV’s saint’s day, Fr. Hagan sees his leadership as a gift to the world—a call to rediscover the Augustinian values
Newsroom (17/09/2025, Gaudium Press ) On September 17, the Catholic Church celebrates the saint’s day of Pope Leo XIV, honoring St. Robert Bellarmine. Fr. Robert Hagan, OSA, head of the Augustinian Province of St. Thomas of Villanova, describes the pontiff as “a man of prayer who listens to God and to people,” embodying the timeless values of St. Augustine: veritas, unitas, caritas—truth, unity, and love.
A Shepherd Rooted in Augustine’s Legacy
Fr. Hagan, who has known Pope Leo XIV for 27 years, reflects on the Pope’s journey from Fr. Robert Francis Prevost, a fellow Augustinian, to the leader of the global Church. “He has this incredible combination of a prayerful relationship with the Lord and a loving desire to be with the people,” Hagan says. “This son of Augustine is now the Good Shepherd for all of us.”
Hagan recalls his personal encounters with Prevost during his time as provincial in Chicago and later as prior general of the Augustinian order. “I took my vows to him,” Hagan shares. “He was kind and approachable, and now, in this role, you can see why God picked him.”
The Pope’s spirituality, Hagan emphasizes, is deeply rooted in Augustinian principles. “Pontifex means bridge builder,” he notes, highlighting how Leo XIV’s words and actions echo Augustine’s call for peace, friendship, and community. “He helps the world discover what it needs most today: truth, unity, love, and friendship.”
A Voice for the Faithful
Pope Leo XIV’s calm, clear, and accessible communication style has resonated widely, winning the hearts of the faithful. “People like him,” Hagan observes. “Young people are being invited to be part of this. Even those who lapsed are hearing an invitation to return.” His approachable demeanor and focus on inclusion have revitalized interest in the Church, particularly among younger generations and those distanced from faith.
A Missionary Heart
A defining aspect of Leo XIV’s life is his missionary work. An American by birth, he spent 20 years serving in Peru among the poorest communities. “He didn’t just learn the language; he learned the culture,” Hagan says, noting the Pope’s deep connection to the people he served. “For us, prior general was like a mini Pope.”
This missionary spirit continues to shape his papacy, as Leo XIV emphasizes outreach, compassion, and solidarity with the marginalized, reflecting the Augustinian commitment to community and service.
A Brother on the Balcony
The election of Pope Leo XIV was a moment of profound joy for the Augustinian community. Fr. Hagan vividly recalls the day: “Who’s on that balcony? Roberto Francisco Prevost! That’s our brother.” In the provincial office at Villanova, emotions ran high as Augustinians and students celebrated. “They said, ‘He walked on these same paths, studied in these same classrooms, ate in these same cafeterias. And now he’s Pope.’”
In the early months of his pontificate, Leo XIV has consistently conveyed messages of peace and reconciliation, offering a vision of hope for a divided world.
A Call to the Augustinians
On September 15, Pope Leo XIV addressed the Augustinian General Chapter, urging his brothers to embrace divine charity as the foundation of their community life and apostolic mission. “The ineffable gift of divine charity is what we must look to if we want to live our community life and apostolic activity to the fullest, sharing our material goods as well as our human and spiritual ones,” he said. He encouraged them to continue their work “in fraternal joy, with a heart ready to welcome the suggestions of the Spirit,” praying that “the Lord’s charity may inspire your thoughts and your actions, making you apostles and witnesses of the Gospel in the world.”
A Pontificate of Hope
As the Church marks Pope Leo XIV’s saint’s day, Fr. Hagan sees his leadership as a gift to the world—a call to rediscover the Augustinian values of truth, unity, and love. Through his prayerful spirit, missionary heart, and commitment to building bridges, Pope Leo XIV continues to inspire the faithful to live out the Gospel with joy and purpose.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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