The election of Pope Leo XIV has brought joy, pride, and a renewed sense of hope to many across the globe, but perhaps none more so than the Augustinian family.

In an exclusive interview with the Communication Office of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC), the Augustinian Sisters of the Mercy of Jesus (AMJ) shared heartfelt reflections on the election of Pope Leo XIV. For the AMJ sisters based in KwaZulu-Natal, the news brought not only immense joy but a profound sense of connection, because the new Pope is one of their own.

For the Prioress of the AMJ sisters in Estcourt, Durban Archdiocese, the announcement was met with disbelief and delight. “It was unbelievable, as a young sister, I had no recollection of him, but when Sr Stephen said, ‘I know Father Robert,’ we all rejoiced. To have an Augustinian become pope—it’s a great joy,” said Sr Zonke Mdluli AMJ.

Sr Margaret Antony AMJ described the moment as one filled with spiritual significance. “We were waiting for the name after the white smoke, and when I heard it was an Augustinian, I ran to tell the others. It was overwhelming. We always saw popes as far away in the Vatican, but now, one of our own. It’s deeply humanizing.”

Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost on 14 September 1955 in Chicago, Illinois, brings with him a rich and multicultural heritage. His father, Louis Marius Prevost, was of French and Italian descent, while his mother, Mildred Agnes Martinez, came from a Louisiana Creole family with Dominican, French, African, and Spanish roots.

In the Sunday, May 11 interview, the AMJ Sisters recalled his visits to South Africa during his time as Superior General of the Augustinians, from 2001 to 2013. Sr Beata Msomi AMJ shared her memories of his pastoral leadership. “He was quiet, a man of few words—but when he asked you something, you felt seen. He was deeply compassionate and fully present. He wasn’t just a visitor; he was a brother.”

Sr Stephen Middleton AMJ, who has served in South Africa for 47 years, echoed these sentiments. “He was a listener. That’s what I remember most. He paid attention to what we were doing and who we were. That listening spirit—that’s what the synodal Church is about.”

Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Prevost, journeyed to the papacy through a strong academic and pastoral care foundation. He earned a degree in Mathematical Sciences from Villanova University, followed by a Master of Divinity from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. His studies culminated with a doctorate in Canon Law from the Angelicum in Rome, providing him with a rich blend of theological insight and juridical understanding within the life of the Church.

Sr Beata AMJ recalled, “I remember him at the children’s home. He didn’t shy away from the chaos or the children trying to climb on him. He embraced them, literally and spiritually.”

Pope Leo XIV is a gifted communicator, not just in the way he speaks, but also in the many languages he knows. He speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese, and Quechua fluently, and he can read Latin and German. This strong language ability will help him greatly as he leads a Church that is worldwide and made up of many different cultures.

The joy of his election is further amplified by the timing of the upcoming Symposium and AGM of the Leadership Conference of Consecrated Life in Africa and Madagascar (LCCL), which will be hosted in South Africa for the first time from May 23 to May 30, 2025.

Sr Zonke AMJ, a member of the organizing team, sees it as providential. “Africa is coming to us. And now we have a Pope who comes from our Augustinian family. It’s as if everything is aligning.”

The sisters hope the election of Pope Leo XIV brings renewed awareness of their congregation’s charism. “We are the Augustinian Sisters of the Mercy of Jesus,” Sr Zonke explained. “Our life revolves around three pillars—community, prayer, and apostolic service. These must always feed into each other. Our Eucharistic life centers us.”

Yet, like many religious congregations today, the Augustinians face challenges. “Our numbers have decreased,” admitted Sr Margaret AMJ. “But this joy of having a Pope from our congregation brings strength. It reminds us we are not forgotten. We are still part of something greater.”

On the significance of the papal name Leo XIV, the sisters reflected thoughtfully. “Pope Leo XIII championed the rights of workers and the dignity of ordinary people,” Sr Stephen noted. “Perhaps this new pope is signaling his commitment to those same values.”

Sr Beata added, “In his first address, he spoke repeatedly of peace. I think he wants to be a man of peace, just like Pope Leo XIII and Saint Augustine, whose legacy he inherits.”

Above all, the sisters remain united in prayer and solidarity with Pope Leo XIV. “We surround him with our love and prayers,” said Sr Margaret. “We ask him to pray for us, too—that we may continue our mission of mercy, even as our numbers grow smaller. And we trust the Holy Spirit will guide him.”

As the world watches the unfolding papacy of Pope Leo XIV, the Augustinian Sisters of the Mercy of Jesus serve as a testament to the profound and personal impact of spiritual leadership rooted in humility, compassion, and attentive love.