By Anastasia Pinto
In alignment with this historic moment in the Church, as the pontificate of Pope Leo XIV begins, on May 14 The Lay Centre community welcomed two guests to its Wednesday gatherings: Fr. Andrés Felipe Romero, OSA, an Augustinian friar from the same religious order as then-Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, and Joshua McElwee, a Vatican correspondent for Reuters.
With over a decade in Rome, Joshua McElwee has reported extensively on the Church, including the pontificate of Pope Francis. Drawing from these experiences, he offered the community a glimpse into the fast-paced world of wire-service journalism, emphasizing how speed and precision are essential to his work as a reporter.
He reflected on the impact of Pope Francis’s death, noting the shared reverence that marked the atmosphere and the deep respect shown by fellow journalists during coverage of the funeral. He then spoke about the distinct environment of the recent conclave and the significant media presence it attracted, especially in contrast to that of 2013.
McElwee also offered insights into the early moments of Pope Leo XIV’s public ministry — his prepared and thoughtful first address from the “Loggia” of the Blessings in St. Peter’s Basilica, the symbolism in his attire, and his initial messages and gestures as pope.
He highlighted that in his first audience with international journalists, Pope Leo XIV mentioned reporters imprisoned for their work — “a really kind and lovely thing for him to do,” McElwee said.
Augustinian spirituality
Describing Pope Leo XIV as “a gift from God to the world,” Fr. Andrés Romero, OSA, spoke about Augustinian spirituality and how the Pope’s Augustinian roots may shape his papacy — with a strong emphasis on unity, humility, and interiority.
Fr. Romero further explained that at the heart of Augustinian spirituality is the call to unity — Unum in Deum, or “One in God.” This theme of unity is also reflected in Pope Leo XIV’s episcopal motto, which appears on his papal coat of arms: In Illo uno unum, meaning “In the One, we are one.”
It echoes St. Augustine’s well-known words: Cor unum et anima una in Deum — “One heart and one soul in God.”
As a fellow member of the Augustinian Order, Fr. Romero also highlighted its strong emphasis on community, noting that the Augustinian charism is centered on love and communion; values he believes Pope Leo XIV will bring to his papacy.
He also underscored how Pope Leo XIV’s years as a missionary and Augustinian superior have prepared him well for service to the universal Church. His leadership, Fr. Romero added, helped stabilize the Order of Saint Augustine through thoughtful reform of its constitutions.
A great listener
Fr. Romero said that then-Cardinal Prevost has always been someone who “listens before making a decision.” Recalling a meaningful conversation he had with Cardinal Prevost during a gathering of Augustinians in Rome in 2023, Fr. Romero noted his quiet humility amid increasing responsibilities.
He shared that when then-Archbishop Prevost became Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, he was asked how he felt. His response was, “small for what God asks of me.” This humility, Fr. Romero remarked, is profoundly Augustinian: “Like Augustine, he did not seek power. He simply responded to the call of the Church,” he said. “He is a small man, but great for God,” Fr. Romero added.
Photo: Karina Gandur
