Pope Leo XIV is Augustinian: WFU expert can provide context
The newly elected pope, Leo XIV, previously led the Order of St. Augustine and identifies as an Augustinian. What does that mean?
Understanding St. Augustine and his intellectual and spiritual influence can provide important context for the upcoming papacy. A Wake Forest University professor can offer insight on the teachings of a man who lived 1,600 years ago, and how they still hold relevance for the modern world and its leaders.
Executive Director of Wake Forest’s Program for Leadership and Character Michael Lamb is a leading expert on Augustine and the author of several articles and the book, “A Commonwealth of Hope: Augustine’s Political Thought.” He can provide valuable perspective on what it means to be “Augustinian” and how this philosophical and theological tradition might shape the new pontiff’s approach to leadership.
“Augustine is one of the most influential thinkers in Western history, and his views have shaped the views of many modern leaders from across the political spectrum,” Lamb says. “Martin Luther King Jr. was influenced by Augustine. Joe Biden quoted Augustine in his inaugural address. Vice President J.D. Vance picked Augustine as his patron saint when joining the Catholic Church. And now, Leo XIV has become the first Augustinian pope.”
In his book, Lamb argues that Augustine’s virtue of hope, often overlooked, provides a powerful framework for navigating political challenges and fostering common purpose even amidst division. He also challenges prevailing interpretations of Augustine’s political thought.
“Augustine’s a complicated figure, but in my research, I keep coming back to three characteristics,” Lamb says. “First, he understood that citizens are diverse and do not need to share the same faith or ideology to be members of the commonwealth. Augustine also knew that finding common ground could start conversations and keep them going even in the face of disagreement. And he realized that persuasion is usually more effective when we engage other people on their terms rather than on our own. Many people see Augustine as one of history’s great pessimists, but I’ve found that he offers lessons today that can help us find hope in the face of despair.”
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