Pope Leo opens Augustinian General Chapter in Rome

On 1 September, Pope Leo XIV presided at the inaugural Mass in the Basilica of St Augustine in Campo Marzio for the 188th General Chapter of the Order of St Augustine.

Eighty-three delegates from fifty countries gathered for the assembly—the highest authority within the Augustinian Order—which convenes every six years. They will elect a new Prior General to succeed Fr Alejandro Moral Antón, who steps down after twelve years in office. The Chapter will also determine the Order’s pastoral priorities for the coming term. The ceremony coincides with the anniversary of the Pope’s own entry into the novitiate in 1977 and formally begins nearly three weeks of deliberations at the Pontifical Patristic Institute Augustinianum.

Fr Pasquale di Lernia, the Secretary General, explained to Agensir News that the rhythm of governance has become established in modern times, with ordinary Chapters, such as this one, alternating with intermediate reviews. He underlined that the presence of an Augustinian Pope did not alter the nature of the assembly, though it did sharpen its sense of responsibility. “Our charism is service to the Church,” he said. “Today that commitment demands renewed fidelity and discernment.”

The forthcoming election will be conducted under constitutional safeguards to prevent indefinite tenure. A Prior General serves for six years and may be re-elected, but if, after three ballots, the necessary majority is not achieved, an incumbent seeking immediate reappointment must withdraw. By custom, most serve no more than two consecutive terms.

The Chapter will conclude on 18 September with the election of the 98th Prior General and his Council. “The Chapter is the beating heart of our way of life,” said Fr di Lernia. “It is the place where we recognise ourselves as a global body, read the challenges before us, and identify the paths to serve the People of God.”

Founded in 1244, when Tuscan hermits embraced the Rule of St Augustine, the Order was confirmed among the mendicant families at the “Grand Union” of 1256. Ever since, its friars have seen themselves as heirs to the Bishop of Hippo’s vision of shared life, preaching, and service.

The Order numbers about 2,500 friars and some 700 nuns. While Europe and the United States remain its historic strongholds, the most dynamic growth is seen in Africa and Asia, with Latin America presenting a stable profile. The assembly will also hear from presidents of the federations of Augustinian nuns and lay representatives of the wider family, though they will not take part in the voting.

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