It came as a surprise for Catholics all over the world when Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost, from Chicago, United States, was chosen early morning Friday (May 9, Philippine Standard Time) to become the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
It was even a bigger surprise – especially for Lagunenses – that Pope Leo XIV (the papal name Prevost chose) had actually visited Laguna province before.
In a social media post Friday, the Colegio de San Agustin in Biñan City shared photos of then Father Prevost visiting the school, which is run by friars of the Order of Saint Augustine, last September 2010.
Prevost visited the Philippines at the time for the Closing Ceremony of the International General Chapter of the Order of Saint Augustine.
"[He] was then serving as Prior General of the Order, leading the friars with wisdom rooted in the teachings of St. Augustine," the school said in its social media post.
"That historic gathering in the Philippines – graced by venues such as San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Colegio San Agustin - Biñan, and University of Regina Carmeli – was a moment of deep spiritual fraternity and cultural celebration."
Prior to this, Prevost also visited the Philippines in 2004, where he blessed the Augustinian Friary of Mohon, Talisay City.
First American pope
Aside from being the first Pope from the United States, Pope Leo XIV also holds the distinction of being the first pope from the Order of Saint Augustine.
He is a relative newcomer to the College of Cardinals, having been elevated to the position by his predecessor Pope Francis in 2023.
Prior to that, he had served in various positions within the Augustinian Order, particularly in Peru where he served as a missionary for almost 15 years.
Pope Leo XIV was among those considered as "papabile," or cardinals most eligible to become the next Pope after Pope Francis passed away on April 21.
In his first appearance at St. Peter’s Square, the new pope urged the Catholic faithful to “walk together” to proclaim the Gospel and “build bridges with dialogue” to achieve peace.
"We must all walk together, always trying to work as men and women faithful to Jesus to proclaim the Gospel, to be missionaries. I am a son of St. Augustine. We must be a missionary Church that builds bridges and is ready to receive all those in need, like this square with open arms," he said.
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