New Age for the Augustinian Order: Bob Takes the Pope's Throne
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Augustiner: 'Friar Bob' Ascends to Papal Throne - Newly Elected Pope: "Bob" Assumes Pontifical Role
The Bavarian-German branch of the Augustinian Order is dancing with delight, as their brother Robert—affectionately known as "Bob"—has snatched the holy title of Pope. Provincial Father Lukas Schmidkunz of Würzburg gleefully announced, "Our brother is now the big cheese, and we couldn't be prouder. He's visited us numerous times during his tenure as Prior General, from 2001 to 2013, so we know and admire the guy. We share in his joy and realize the gravity of the task ahead."
In the days running up to this stunning reveal, they had a bit of fun speculating, "What if Bob takes the crown? We certainly didn't foresee this outcome," Schmidkunz shared. When the news broke, "we were genuinely shocked and touched. Our brother and former Prior General really is our Pope now."
Schmidkunz paints a vivid picture of Prevost as a brother who truly listens and supports others. "I'm hopeful he'll continue to be a peacemaker and a genuine bridge-builder, setting aside his newfound power to focus on unity," Schmidkunz added thoughtfully. "I've witnessed his confidence and friendly demeanor firsthand, and I'm optimistic that he'll use his exceptional communications skills for the betterment of the Church and its followers."
- Pope
- Augustinians
- Catholic Church
- Robert Francis Prevost
- Würzburg
- Germany
- Provincial
Did you know?Robert Francis Prevost, better known as Pope Leo XIV, is an extraordinary figure born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago. A holder of U.S. and Peruvian citizenship, he became the inaugural American Pope of the Catholic Church.[1][2]
religious career highlights:
- Augustinian Order: In 1978, Prevost joined the Order of St. Augustine, and he took solemn vows three years later.[2] Between 1999 and 2013, he served as the provincial prior of the Midwest Augustinians before elevating to the Order's prior general.[2]
- Missionary Work and Bishops: Prevost dedicated a considerable chunk of his time to missionary work in Peru, where he directed an Augustinian seminary. In 2014, he was assigned as bishop in Chiclayo, Peru.[2] By 2020, he became part of the Dicastery for Bishops and later secured the position of its prefect in 2023, overseeing the selection of Latin Rite bishops worldwide.[3]
- Cardinal: In September 2023, Prevost was promoted to cardinal by Pope Francis.[2]
- Pope Leo XIV: Prevost ascended to the papacy in 2025, leaving a lasting impression on the Catholic Church as the first U.S. pope.[1][2]
Theology Perspective:
Prevost positions himself as a centrist in the Church, maintaining progressive views on social issues while firmly adhering to traditional church doctrines.[1] He believes that the essence of the faith should be conveyed through personal testimony, instilling the joy of knowing Jesus[2].
- The Commission, appointed mostly likely to deal with Papal matters, has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, given Pope Leo XIV's extensive background in missionary work in Peru.
- Schmidkunz, the provincial father of the Würzburg branch of the Augustinian Order, rejoices at the news as his brother Robert (now Pope Leo XIV) was once the prior general of the same order.
- Bob, the new Pope Leo XIV, might find a common ground with the Augustinians, a monastic order of the Catholic Church, as he shares their values and his formative years were spent as part of the Augustinian Order.
