Pope Leo XIV Celebrates Mass and Shares Lunch with Augustinian Brothers
On the Feast Day of Our Lady of Fatima, Pope Leo XIV made a heartwarming visit to the General Curia of the Order of Saint Augustine, near the Vatican. The Pope celebrated Mass with the Augustinian brothers and then joined them for lunch, a tradition he had maintained even before becoming the pontiff.
Arriving just before noon, the Pope returned to the place that had been his home for 12 years, from 2001 to 2013, during his time as Prior General. The short journey from the Vatican to Via Paolo VI was a special moment for the Pope to reconnect with his religious family.
Despite an unexpected thunderstorm, hundreds of people gathered at the Augustinian Curia gate to catch a glimpse of the Pope as he departed around 3:00 p.m., warmly greeting those who had been waiting patiently.
Fr. Alejandro Moral, the Prior General, shared that Pope Leo XIV led Mass in the Curia chapel and then joined the brothers for lunch. The Pope expressed his gratitude for the community, emphasizing the importance of unity and togetherness.
During his visit, the Pope interacted with various staff members and workers, spreading warmth and joy throughout the Curia house. Fr. Moral described the visit as “very warm and informal, a gesture of gratitude” that was deeply appreciated by everyone present.
As Pope Leo XIV bid farewell to the community, he left them with words of wisdom from Saint Augustine, urging them to always stay close to one another and live in communion. The visit was a reminder of the importance of shared life and unity in the Augustinian community.
Overall, Pope Leo XIV’s visit to the Augustinian brothers was a heartwarming and meaningful experience, fostering a sense of connection and togetherness among all who were present.
