One year after the election of Pope Leo XIV, his pontificate stands out for a style that combines gentleness and determination. Father Alejandro Moral Antón, former prior general of the Order of Saint Augustine and for twelve years vicar general alongside Leo XIV, paints a portrait of the Pontiff: "He is a meek man, capable of listening and welcoming, yet firm on the principles of faith." After completing his term, Father Moral now serves in a parish in Buenos Aires, where he experiences direct pastoral ministry for the first time: "I am serene and happy," he confides.
Augustinian spirituality, centered on fraternity and the search for truth, shines through in every gesture of the Pope. His charisma is never self-referential, but always oriented toward encounter with others, especially the poorest and forgotten. In this first year, Leo XIV wanted to give a clear sign: the Church is called to be a welcoming home, where no one feels excluded.
The Journey to Africa: A Pilgrimage of Hope
One of the most significant moments of this year was the apostolic journey to Africa. Father Moral recalls: "It was the journey of a shepherd who knows a often-forgotten continent deeply. As his vicar, I traveled Africa at his side on several occasions: he knows its wounds, its hopes, its vitality." The Pope had announced from the beginning that his first trip would be to Africa, and so it was. Not a state visit, but a true pilgrimage among the people.
Images of the smiling Pope, at ease among the crowd, touched the hearts of many. "Africans live in a different dimension," Father Moral continues. "They lack many things we take for granted, but they embrace the essential with a freshness that challenges us." The Pontiff wanted to be physically among them, listen to their stories, share their joy and pain. A prophetic gesture in a world that often forgets the most vulnerable.
A Message of Peace for the World
The theme of peace is the thread running through the entire pontificate. "For him, peace is the great challenge to which the Gospel calls us," Father Moral emphasizes. Not by chance, his first greeting from the Loggia of Blessings was: "Peace be with you." A greeting that echoes the Risen Lord's words to the disciples and becomes a life program.
The Pope insists that peace must be built day by day, because war destroys everything and everyone, and nothing is gained from it. This is the heart of the Augustinian charism: making fraternity the measure of every human relationship. In a time marked by conflicts and divisions, the voice of Leo XIV rises clear and prophetic, inviting believers to be peacemakers in their communities.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God" (Matthew 5:9)
This beatitude seems written for our time. The Pope reminds us that peace is not just the absence of war, but the fruit of justice, love, and forgiveness. Every Christian is called to be a builder of peace, starting with small daily gestures.
The Shepherd's Style: Gentleness and Firmness
Father Moral describes Leo XIV's governing style as a balance between gentleness and firmness. "Meek, capable of listening and welcoming, yet firm on the principles of faith." He is not a leader who imposes, but one who convinces through witness. His authority comes from consistency and closeness to the people.
In one year, the Pope has met various groups: young people, the elderly, the sick, prisoners, refugees. Each encounter was a moment of grace, an opportunity to listen and proclaim the Gospel of mercy. His busy schedule did not prevent him from reserving precious time for prayer and reflection.
Church Reform: Unity in Diversity
Pope Leo XIV has promoted a reform that seeks unity in diversity, respecting local traditions and fostering a synodal Church. His vision is of a Church that walks together, listening to the Holy Spirit and the signs of the times. In this first year, he has taken concrete steps toward greater transparency and lay participation in the life of the Church.
Comments