In a rich and inspiring conversation on Morning Air, John Morales sat down with Fr. Dominic Bouck for a deep dive into the Augustinian roots of our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, the first pope from the Order of St. Augustine.
Fr. Dominic began by unpacking the Augustinian Order’s unique charism, grounded in the Rule of St. Augustine, one of the earliest guides for communal Christian life. The core of this rule? A life lived in “one heart and one mind”, echoing the Acts of the Apostles. It’s a vision of radical unity, shared mission, and deep devotion to Christ in community.
While smaller than other religious orders, the Augustinians are spiritually potent, focusing on interiority, theological depth, and a communal way of life that challenges individualism.
Pope Leo XIV is already living this vision. Fr. Bouck highlighted how the Pope’s papal motto, “In Illo Uno Unum” (“In the One Christ, we are one”), is Augustinian to the core, calling the global Church into a unity that flows from Christ Himself.
Even Pope Leo’s inaugural homily opened with the iconic line from St. Augustine’s Confessions:
“Our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee, O Lord.”
It was more than a quote—it was a mission statement. From language to tone to outreach, the Pope is already leading with love, simplicity, and spiritual depth.
Fr. Bouck and Morales also reflected on the ecumenical potential of having an Augustinian pope. Since St. Augustine is a revered figure across Christian traditions, including among Lutherans, Pope Leo’s leadership could open new doors for dialogue and healing in the Body of Christ.
This moment feels ripe for reconciliation and shared witness, and Pope Leo is stepping into it with grace.
Fr. Dominic captured it best. “He’s not driving anyone away… he’s bringing everyone in.”
Pope Leo XIV is already modeling a Church that leads not with bureaucracy, but with the Gospel. His Augustinian spirituality, rooted in love, humility, and truth, is shaping a papacy that invites, unites, and heals.
Let’s keep praying for the pope and for the Church he shepherds with such a Christ-centered heart.
