Pope Leo XIV, an Augustinian, has frequently referenced St. Augustine, setting an 'Augustinian' tone for his pontificate. St. Augustine's emphasis on faith, divine grace, and conversion has had a lasting influence on Christian thought. The formation of the clergy has historically emphasized St. Thomas Aquinas, who focused on the link between faith and reason. St. Augustine, in contrast to Aquinas, emphasized Revelation and conversion, viewing history as a struggle between the City of God and the earthly city. Benedict XVI, like Leo XIV, showed a strong affinity for St. Augustine, viewing him as a contemporary figure.
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Pope Leo XIV, an Augustinian, has consistently drawn inspiration from St. Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD) since the beginning of his pontificate, signaling an "Augustinian" direction for his papacy 1. This emphasis marks a shift from the prevalent Thomistic line in clerical formation since the 19th century, which prioritized St. Thomas Aquinas's rational approach to faith and reason 1. St. Augustine, in contrast, focused on Revelation, divine grace, conversion, and the experience of unity with the divine, a perspective that Pope Benedict XVI also notably embraced 1.
Leo XIV's initial public statements and addresses have been deeply infused with Augustinian thought. During his first appearance after election, he declared, "I am an Augustinian, a son of St. Augustine," setting the tone for his papacy 1. His pontifical motto, "In Illo uno unum" ("in the One"—Christ—"we are one"), is a direct expression from St. Augustine, emphasizing unity 1.
The Pope has frequently quoted St. Augustine to convey his vision for the Church and society. He cited Augustine's "Let us live well and the times will be good. We are the times" in his first meeting with the media, linking communication to history and human action 1. At his installation Mass, he promoted a Church founded on God's love and unity, quoting Augustine: "The Church consists of all those who are in harmony with their brothers and sisters and who love their neighbor" 1.
Pope Leo XIV has applied Augustinian principles to contemporary issues. In his speech for the Jubilee of Political Leaders, he referenced St. Augustine's City of God, advocating for a society governed by charity that transcends selfish love for generous, God-centered love 1. He also appealed to the clergy of Rome, urging them to "Love this Church, be ye in this holy Church, be ye this Church," and to pray for unity among all believers 1.
The current Prior General of the Augustinians, Father Alejandro Moral Anton, highlighted that Augustinian spirituality is summarized by the search for truth, the practice of charity, and unity 1. He also noted St. Augustine's emphasis on interiority, asserting that God is "deeper inside me than my own innermost self" 1. Pope Leo XIV is seen as embodying these spiritual dimensions, which Father Anton believes are crucial for the Church today 1.
St. Augustine, sometimes known as the "doctor of tears," also emphasized the place of emotions and the "grace of tears" in spiritual life, notably referencing his mother St. Monica's prayers for his conversion 1. Pope Leo XIV, by openly showing emotion, such as tears when receiving the fisherman's ring, implicitly follows this Augustinian dimension, suggesting a papacy that embraces a profound, interior spiritual journey 1.
How does grace and faith shape the Church's mission?
Grace and faith are fundamental to the Church's mission, shaping its purpose, actions, and the very nature of its existence. They are intrinsically linked, with grace enabling faith, and faith being the human response that allows the Church to fulfill its divine mandate.
Grace is defined as a participation in the life of God, introducing believers into the intimacy of the Trinitarian life . It is the help God provides to enable individuals to respond to their vocation of becoming adopted sons and daughters of God . For the Church, grace is the divine enablement that allows it to carry out its mission.
Faith is the human response to God who reveals Himself . It is a theological virtue by which believers commit their entire selves to God, believing all that He has said and revealed, and all that the Holy Church proposes for belief . Faith is not just an intellectual assent but a submission of the will and a gift of self to God, involving one's entire existence .
In summary, grace provides the divine life and empowerment for the Church's mission, enabling its communion with God and its participation in Christ's saving work. Faith is the necessary human response, allowing the Church to receive, preserve, transmit, and proclaim the revealed truth, thereby fulfilling its mission of evangelization and leading humanity to salvation.