In the hope of the Resurrection of Christ, we are grateful for the life of Pope Francis, our Jesuit brother, and rejoice in the election of our Augustinian brother, Pope Leo XIV. Both served as provincials of their respective provinces and Pope Leo served as Prior General of the Augustinians. We pray for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis. We also pray for Pope Leo XIV as he assumes the Petrine ministry.
Much of the teaching and way of Pope Francis was shaped by Ignatian spirituality and his formation as a Jesuit. We see already that Pope Leo XIV reflects his formation and internalization of Augustinian spirituality and life. Pope Leo was an Ordinary member of CMSM when he was Prior Provincial of the Midwest Augustinians, Mother of Good Counsel Province. When he completed his time as Prior General and then served again in provincial administration, he was an Associate member while also engaged in formation ministry. Not long after that he was named a bishop in Peru, where he had served as a missionary for many years. In some ways, his global experience and understanding is reflective of several members of CMSM, since most are part of international communities.
Back in March, the Executive Committee of CMSM had a meeting with then Cardinal Robert Prevost, OSA, Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. He met with our group by himself, listened attentively and carefully to our issues and concerns, and then offered thoughtful responses that prompted more dialogue. It was clear to us all that we were in the presence of a person who understood major superiors and religious life because he had lived it. He was willing to assist us in our considerations about good mutual relations with bishops. It was also clear from that meeting, and conversations with others while we were in Rome, that both prayer and a continued connection to his Augustinian community were deeply important to him.
Let us pray for our brother, Pope Leo XIV, as he leads our Church, calling us to a deeper encounter with Christ and one another as well as going forth as missionaries. May he also provide a strong voice to all people of the world for peace, justice, and human dignity.
In prayerful solidarity,
Frank Donio, SAC
Executive Director
This is an excerpt from the May 2025 Items of Note. Items of Note is a monthly email for CMSM members and partners. If you are not receiving Items of Note once a month via email, please email contact@cmsm.org.