This Basilica was one of the churches most visited by the then-Robert Prevost during his stays in the Eternal City. But not only as a cardinal - it all stems from a previous connection.
FR. GABRIELE PEDICINO
Prior Provincial of the Augustinians in Italy
Pope Leo prayed many times, first as a student, then as a young priest, and even more so as Prior General. He found himself celebrating in this basilica on numerous occasions, visiting this community, and often stopping at the tomb of Saint Monica.
He didn't even forget it afterward, when he returned as a cardinal.
It is not too far to go back in time. On August 27th of last year, he himself presided over a Mass on the feast day of Saint Monica. The visits he made to his Augustinian brothers have not been forgotten, especially now that he is the successor of Peter.
FR. GABRIELE PEDICINO
Prior Provincial of the Augustinians in Italy
I met him as Prior General while I was in formation, then in the first years of my priesthood, and I always found him to be a person who knew how to give you time, space, and a listening ear.
And the experience I have personally had even today, since he became Pope, is that of having rediscovered this, this ability of his to welcome, to make room for you, to receive you as a truly brother. This is the feeling, the experience I had when I met him as Pope.
Pope Leo XIV is the first pope in the history of the Church to belong to this order. It is an unprecedented achievement of which the Augustinian brothers are proud.
FR. GABRIELE PEDICINO
Prior Provincial of the Augustinians in Italy
For us this is a festive occasion, it is a festive occasion, because it is truly the opportunity to serve the Church even more, having also given a son of Augustine to the Church as Pontiff.
A basilica that, in addition to housing the remains of Saint Monica and the relics of Saint Augustine, also houses one of the most important paintings by the Italian painter Caravaggio: the Madonna of Loreto.
AM
TR:GS
