(NewsNation) — The selection of Pope Leo XIV has made him the first Augustinian friar to be elected to lead the Catholic Church.
The Order of St. Augustine includes about 2,800 Augustinians in 47 countries throughout the world.
“As an Augustinian Catholic institution, we celebrate this significant day for our university community and the global church. Villanova, built on the teachings of St. Augustine, has always been grounded in advancing a deeper understanding of the fundamental relationship between faith and reason — between spirituality and wisdom,” the Rev. Peter Donohue, president of Villanova University, said in a statement.
The Augustinian Order was created in 1244
The Augustinians are Catholic priests and brothers following in the footsteps of Christ and Saint Augustine since 1244, according to the Augustinian Vocations of North America.
“We serve God and His people in diverse ministries as pastors, educators, and missionaries,” its website said.
Saint Augustine is “known as the doctor of grace,” the Rev. Robert Hagan, a friend of Leo, told NewsNation’s Elizabeth Vargas.
“A core Augustinian value is friendship,” he said.
The order is also known for charity and missionary work. Hagan said Leo embodies many teachings from the Augustinian Order.
“The world is in for a real treat for him to now lead and shepherd the flock with those values,” he said.
Who is Pope Leo XIV?
Cardinal Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, was born in Chicago and spent his career ministering in Peru. He recently led the Vatican’s powerful office of bishops and was promoted to cardinal in January 2023 by Pope Francis.
In 1977, Prevost attended Villanova University, receiving a bachelor’s degree in math before attending the Catholic Theological Union of Chicago to get a diploma in theology.
Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, left, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, appears with, from left, Master of Ceremonies Archbishop Diego Giovanni Ravelli, and former Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin on St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican on May 8. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis) 
Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, left, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, appears on the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican shortly after his election as the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis) 
FILE – New Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, stands for a portrait at the end of the consistory where Pope Francis elevated 21 new cardinals in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Sept. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Riccardo De Luca, File) 
FILE – Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, leads the recitation of the Holy Rosary for Pope Francis’ health in St Peter’s Square at the Vatican, March 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, File) 
Pope Leo’s visit to Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox, IL, in August, during which he celebrated a special Mass for the school’s Celtic community 
Pope Leo’s visit to Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox, IL, in August, during which he celebrated a special Mass for the school’s Celtic community 
Pope Leo’s visit to Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox, IL, in August, during which he celebrated a special Mass for the school’s Celtic community 
Pope Leo’s visit to Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox, IL, in August, during which he celebrated a special Mass for the school’s Celtic community 
Faithful react after the announcement of the newly elected Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco) 
Faithful holds an American flag following the election of Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) 
Newly elected Pope Leo XIV appears at the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) 
ope Leo XIV appears on the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica after being chosen the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, at the Vatican, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) 
Pope Leo XIV appears on the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica after being chosen the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, at the Vatican, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
Prevost is also a Peruvian citizen, and lived there for years, spending time as a missionary and archbishop. Francis brought Prevost to Rome in 2023 to be the head of the office that vets bishop nominations, a key role in the church.
Prevost speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French and Portuguese, and can read in Latin and German, according to the National Catholic Report.
His first words outside St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday translated to, “Peace be with you all.”
Despite being the first American pope, Prevost did not use English during his speech.
When asked about Leo’s selection, President Donald Trump said, “What greater honor can there be? We’re a little bit surprised, and we’re happy.”