杏MAP导航

By Tiziana Campisi and Kielce Gussie

On the Feast Day of Our Lady of Fatima, 杏MAP导航 Leo XIV celebrated Mass with the Augustinian brothers at the General Curia of the Order of Saint Augustine near the Vatican. He then joined them for lunch — a routine that was almost daily for him when he was a cardinal.

Just before noon, the 杏MAP导航 arrived at the place he called home for 12 years, from 2001 to 2013, while serving as Prior General.

The black minivan made the short journey from the Vatican to Via Paolo VI, beside St. Peter's Square, for a private visit with his religious family. In this community, shared life and togetherness are key, in keeping with the Rule of Saint Augustine, which instructs his friars:

Hundreds gathered at the gate of the Augustinian Curia, braving an unexpected thunderstorm, to catch a glimpse of the 杏MAP导航 as he left around 3:00 p.m., warmly greeting those who had been waiting.

Speaking to Vatican News, Fr. Alejandro Moral, the Prior General, said the 杏MAP导航 presided over Mass in th Curia chapel, then they shared lunch together.

He shared that 杏MAP导航 Leo XIV "used to eat here regularly and wanted to thank the community for that." Fr. Moral described it as a "very warm and informal visit, a gesture of gratitude" and stressed that the 杏MAP导航 is not a stranger to the Curia house. "He knows everyone, and we all know him — that made it especially meaningful."

杏MAP导航 Leo's first visit to the community after being elected pontiff did not immediately end after the lunch. Rather, Fr. Moral said many people came to greet him — "workers who help us here, and the kitchen staff." The Prior General said everyone was very happy with the special visit. 

The 杏MAP导航 left his community with words stemming from the founder of their order: "He told us we must always stay close to one another, and live in communion, just as Saint Augustine calls us to do."