religion popes

Pope Leo childhood

Catholic elementary school, altar boy, St. Augustine Seminary High School in Michigan, graduated in 1973

Influence Pope Leo

Augustinians, Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIII- encyclical Rerum Novarum- equal rights for workers

Augustinian

1977- began his novitiate in the Augustinian order, ordained as a priest in 1982

1985- began missionary work with the Augustinians in Peru until 1998

Elected prior general of the Augustinian order in 2001

Elected Pope in May 2025

Vocation Pope Leo

His vocation was shaped by a sense of calling to missionary work, which would later shape much of his life, especially in Peru.

His faith inspired him to leave the United States and live in Chiclayo, Peru, where he served as a pastor, teacher, and later bishop

CST Pope Leo

Catholic social teaching had a large impact on him, especially the Church's mission to uphold human dignity and serve the vulnerable- Pope Leo XIII encyclical Rerum Novarum

Episcopal motto ‘In Illo Uno Unum’

quote of Saint Augustine- means that “although we Christians are many, in the one Christ we are one.” -Christ-centered identity and conviction that unity in Christ forms the heart of the church

“served as parish priest in underserved areas.”

Vatican News Pope Leo quote

“Human experience is actually the door that leaders one into discovering who God is…”

interview with Catholic News Service, vocation rooted in authentic witness

“Bishop of the people” Pontifical mission society

Servant leadership- Vocation rooted in presence and service- delivered oxygen during the pandemic, walked through floods, advocating for migrants

« “His academic work focused on Augustine’s idea of religious authority as service, not power”

Leadership shaped by St Augustine

“ I passed by the parish where I was going…and felt the need to go to confession… I had heard just like a voice, a call: I was convinced that I had to become a priest.”

Pope Francis finding vocation- going to party 21 September 1953 (St Matthews feast day)

Jesuits

Bergoglio was drawn to them because of their emphasis on missionary work, service, and living a life of simplicity and poverty, joined in 1958

St. Francis of Assisi

Pope Francis chose the name “Francis” to echo, someone renowned for loving and safeguarding the poor and creation. Upon his election, he explained that he wanted a “poor church for the poor” in homage to Francis’s example.

Jesuit influence

he was known for favouring simpler vestments devoid of ornamentation, broke with tradition by refusing to live in the lavish Apostolic Palace, choosing instead to stay in the modest Casa Santa Marta guesthouse.

Laudato Si’

Environmental Stewardship as Religious Duty- Francis confronted the ethical and spiritual ramifications of the environmental crisis, urged humanity to see ecology through a broader moral lens

Action to ‘empower women’ (NPR) in the church

Appointing women to two Vatican posts previously held only be men

‘I want a poor church for the poor’

Pope Francis made frequent visits to soup kitchens, prisons, and refugee camps