Midwest Augustinian Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel Celebrates First ‘Austin Friar’ to be Elected Pope

Official Statement from the Midwest Augustinian Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel on the Election of Pope Leo XIV

The Midwest Augustinian Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel rejoices in the historic election of our brother, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, O.S.A., as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. His election marks a moment of profound significance—not only as the first pope from the United States, but also as the first Augustinian to be elected pontiff.

“Pope Leo XIV is a man of deep integrity, a true listener, and a companion to those on the margins of society,” said Prior Provincial Very Rev. Anthony B. Pizzo, O.S.A. “We see him as a bridge-builder, rooted in the spirit of St. Augustine, walking forward with the whole Church as a companion on the journey. We are honored that he is one of our own, a brother formed in the restless heart of the Augustinian Order.”

Born in Chicago in 1955, Pope Leo XIV entered our novitiate in 1977 and made his solemn profession in 1981. Following priestly ordination in 1982, he went on to earn advanced degrees in canon law in Rome and spent the next decades serving the Church with humility and distinction—as a missionary in Peru, as an educator and formator, as Prior Provincial of our own Province, and later as Prior General of the entire Augustinian Order for two terms.

After returning to the Province in 2013, he was called once more to missionary service, this time as Apostolic Administrator and then Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru. His episcopal ministry was marked by a pastoral heart, dedication to formation, and care for the poor. His leadership in the Church continued to expand: as a member of the Congregation for the Clergy, the Congregation for Bishops, Apostolic Administrator of Callao, and ultimately, as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. In 2023, he was created Cardinal by Pope Francis and, in 2025, elevated to the Order of Bishops within the College of Cardinals.

Now, in divine providence and guided by the Holy Spirit, our brother has been entrusted with the Chair of Peter.
Pope Leo XIV brings to the papacy the heart of an Augustinian: a love for community, a thirst for truth, and a shepherd’s care for the people of God. His life of mission, teaching, and servant leadership reflect the best of our tradition.

We offer him our prayers, our love, and our unwavering support. May his pontificate be a source of unity, peace, and renewal for the Church and the world.

In Augustine,
The Midwest Augustinian Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel