As the world continues to get acquainted with Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff, a recent Theology on the Rocks West program offered a glimpse into the man who now leads the Catholic Church.
Andrew Staron, vice president of academic affairs, associate professor of systemic theology at Saint Mary Seminary and Graduate School of Theology and a published scholar on the works of St. Augustine, shared what might be expected from the first Augustinian pope.
In his presentation, “Augustinian Priest to Pope: What is an Augustinian,” Staron walked attendees through the new pope’s life from his birth in Chicago, Illinois in 1955, through his education, becoming a member of the Order of St. Augustine, leading the religious order that was founded in the 13th century, his missionary work in Peru, his appointment as bishop of Chicalayo, his elevation by the late Pope Francis as a cardinal archbishop, his work in Rome leading the Dicastery of Bishops and ultimately, his election in May as pope.
Staron also discussed St. Augustine of Hippo, namesake of the Augustinian order. He was a fourth century convert to Catholicism who was reluctantly ordained a bishop. “It’s hard to overemphasize his importance on our faith. He helped us understand what it is to be Church,” Staron said.
One of St. Augustine’s most famous quotes, “You have made us for yourself and our hearts are restless until they rest in you,” illustrates how the saint searched for the happiness that eluded him until he found Christ. St. Augustine wanted a life of contemplation, but was forced into his role as a bishop where he advocated for the unity of truth and love, noting anything about God must include love.
Pope Leo’s episcopal motto, “In the One we are One,” is a line from one of St. Augustine’s homilies, Staron explained. He said the new pope worked for unity rooted in Christ as he faced a variety of challenges during his ministry in Peru.
“He said we must consider the poor – not just the materially or economically poor, but also the spiritual poor – in order to see the world properly,” Staron said.
He summed up his impression of Pope Leo as someone who is “more global than any other American cardinal, but enough of a (Vatican) insider to know what’s going on, yet enough of an outsider not to be an insider.”
As his pontificate unfolds, Staron said he expects Pope Leo to focus on communication, encouraging everyone to journey together – synodality – to the home God prepared for us, looking for ways to be a missionary Church, seeking ways to build bridges and being ready to reach out and dialogue with the world.
Theology on the Rocks West will hear from Bishop Robert Pipta of the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Parma at its 7 p.m. Aug. 11 program at the Irish American Club West Side, 8559 Jennings Road, Olmsted Township. Tickets are $15.