Pope Francis and the Augustinian Recollects: a prophetic and hope-filled friendship

For more than a decade, Pope Francis has forged a close and fruitful relationship with the Augustinian Recollects. It is not just a matter of institutional meetings, but of a profound dialogue between the Augustinian charism and the heart of the Pontiff. In his words resounds a constant call to live with hope, humility and creative courage. This article gathers the key moments of this spiritual and prophetic friendship that illuminates the path of consecrated life today.

A permanent Easter vigil

Since his election in 2013, Pope Francis has maintained a close and fraternal relationship with the Augustinian Recollects. Beyond formal meetings, there is a thread of affection, trust and shared mission that unites the Pontiff with this branch of the Augustinian family. His speeches, gestures and appeals outline a path of communion and prophecy for today’s world.

“Be men of hope”

In the most recent meeting during the 56th General Chapter of the Order (2022), the Pope was clear: “Be men of hope.”. In the midst of a Church facing internal and external challenges, Francis encouraged religious to keep the flame of the Gospel alive in every community, even when “there are fewer of them” or consecrated life seems to be waning. Hope is not superficial optimism, but a theological virtue that rests on Christ and is concretized in works, closeness and service.

“We cannot be true parents without experiencing being children.”

With his characteristic pastoral style, Pope Francis reminded the Augustinian Recollects that all authentic authority is born from the experience of being loved. In words addressed to the General Chapter, he insisted on living the “spiritual paternity from a profound filiation: “We cannot be true fathers without experiencing being sons”. This is the only way to guide with tenderness, firmness and creativity.

“Creative courage” and “father’s heart”.

On several occasions, Pope Francis has exhorted religious to live with creative courage. That is, not to be afraid to innovate when the essential is assured: the following of Christ in the Augustinian style. “Go forward with a father’s heart and creative courage,” he told them, citing the figure of St. Joseph as an inspiration for times of uncertainty and discernment.

Words that touch the heart

In 2016, the Pope received the General Chapter of the Order with a profoundly evangelical message: “Be light for the world in humility, poverty and service”. Throughout these years, his interventions have been true spiritual letters, full of encouragement and call to authenticity.

Gifts that speak volumes

Beyond the speeches, the meetings with the Pope have been marked by symbols full of meaning. In 2022, the Augustinian Recollects gave the Pope three special gifts: a painting entitled The Embrace of Mercy, a handwritten letter, and the Laudato Si’ Cross, made by ARCORES as a sign of ecological commitment. Small gestures that speak of great closeness.

A bond that was born in Buenos Aires

The Augustinian Recollects of Argentina remember the then Archbishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio as a simple pastor, who traveled by bus and subway, and who always showed sensitivity for the poor. His election as Pope was received with surprise and joy. Today, that bond remains and has become universal.

St. Augustine, companion on the road

Francis has not hidden his appreciation for St. Augustine. On several occasions he has recommended his sermons, such as that of the Shepherds (Sermon 46), which invites us to care for the flock with a humble spirit and faithful service. Augustinian thought has been a source of inspiration for the Pope, especially in his calls to interiority, community and conversion of heart.

Conclusion: Prophets of Hope in a Wounded World

Pope Francis has called upon the Augustinian Recollects to be prophets of hope, fathers with heart, creative in charity y witnesses to the Gospel in Augustinian style. In every meeting, word and gesture, there beats an invitation to renew consecrated life from fidelity to Christ and the audacity of the Spirit. In difficult times, this spiritual friendship is a light for the Church and the world.