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Pope spends afternoon in his spiritual home

Pope Leo XIV during his audience with media representatives at the Paul VI Hall in the Vatican, on May 12, 2025.
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Kathleen N. Hattrup - published on 05/14/25
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"He knows everyone, and we all know him — that made it especially meaningful."

On Tuesday, May 14, Pope Leo XIV returned to the Augustinian monastery where he lived for several years -- from 2001 to 2013, while serving as Prior General. It is very near the Vatican, and the Pope was able to spend a few hours with his confreres.

As a cardinal with a position in the Roman Curia, the future pope often went to celebrate Mass and have lunch at the Augustinian headquarters, just as he did on Tuesday. He arrived before noon and left around 3 pm.

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

He shared that Pope 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 Pope is not a stranger to the Curia house. "He knows everyone, and we all know him — that made it especially meaningful."

Pope 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 Pope 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."

2nd Visit to an Augustinian spot

Pope Leo XIV made his first trip outside Rome on the afternoon of May 10, 2025. He traveled to Genazzano, a small town of just over 5,000 inhabitants located 30 km southeast of the Italian capital (about 19 miles), to visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Counsel. 

This shrine was founded in the 15th century by an Augustinian nun, Blessed Petruccia, and is cared for by an Augustinian community.

The Augustinians were influential in spreading devotion to Our Lady of Good Counsel worldwide.

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