Pope Leo XIV, being an Augustinian, has quoted St. Augustine a number of times, including in his first address when he walked out on the balcony in front of St. Peter's Square after being elected pope.
During that first address he said, "I am an Augustinian, a son of St. Augustine, who once said, 'With you I am a Christian, and for you I am a bishop.'”
He has returned to this quote often, sometimes rephrasing it, such as during his visit with the mayor of the city of Rome, "I am Roman for you and with you."
Where did this quote come from?
Anniversary of St. Augustine's episcopal ordination
This quote that Pope Leo has become fond of is from a sermon St. Augustine gave while a bishop. Interestingly, St. John Paul II also quoted this line when visiting the parish church of Vatican City:
Here, in this church, I can repeat, particularly, the words that St. Augustine addressed to his faithful on the anniversary of his episcopal ordination: "But you too support me in order that, according to the command of the Apostle, we may bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ (Gal 6:2) ... While I am frightened by what I am for you, I am consoled by what I am with you. For you, in fact, I am a bishop, with you I am a Christian. The former is the name of an office, the latter of grace; the former is a name of danger, the latter of salvation."
St. John Paul II meditated on these words, believing that the second part was the more important part:
In fact, the truth that each of us—you, revered and dear Brothers, and I—is a "Christian", is the first source of our joy, of our noble and serene pride, of our union and communion. A "Christian": what a significance this word has and what riches it contains!
Interestingly, the parish that St. John Paul II visited was entrusted to the Augustinian Order.
It is a beautiful quote, one that recognizes the weighty office of being a bishop, but putting more emphasis on the reality that the Bishop of Rome is also a Christian, "with us."
Pope Leo does not want to seem distant or removed from the flock entrusted to his care, but close and united with them.
When taking possession of the Cathedral of St. John Lateran, Pope Leo quoted Bl. John Paul I, reiterating this central spiritual theme, "I assure you that I love you, that I desire only to enter into your service and to place my own poor abilities, the little I have and am, at the service of all” (Homily for the Taking of Possession of the Chair of the Bishop of Rome).
