As the world celebrates the historic election of Pope Leo XIV—the first American pope and first Augustinian—EWTN News Nightly takes a closer look at the religious order that shaped his spiritual identity. Named after St. Augustine of Hippo, the Augustinians were officially founded in 1244 by Pope Innocent IV, who united various hermit groups into a single community. As a mendicant order, Augustinians live together in shared mission, moving where the Church needs them most, guided by their rule to "live together in harmony, being of one mind and one heart on the way to God." Dr. Chad Pecknold, professor of systematic theology at The Catholic University of America, joins to discuss what it means for Pope Leo XIV to call himself a "son of Augustine." Dr. Pecknold provides insight into Augustinian spirituality and how it may influence the new pope's leadership, particularly in addressing the spiritual needs of American Catholics and the broader culture. We also explore parallels between Pope Leo XIV and Pope Leo XIII, especially in their shared concern over secularism and the challenges facing faith in the modern world.

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