Filipino Augustinian recalls encounter with Pope Leo XIV

Rev. Fr. Jonas Mejares, an Augustinian friar from the University of San Agustin in Iloilo and vice president for Augustinian Formation and Mission, shared on Friday his memorable encounter with newly elected Pope Leo XIV, describing him as “a man of precision, humility, and pastoral wisdom.”

In an interview with DZBB, Mejares said he traveled to Rome with five other friars at the request of their Order’s superior general to study and re-evaluate their constitution ahead of the upcoming General Chapter.

While staying at the Sta. Monica building near the Vatican, Mejares said he and then-Cardinal Robert Prevost were living in the same compound — different buildings, but connected. He later met with Prevost at the Curia.

Mejares said the meeting gave him an opportunity to personally thank Prevost on behalf of the Augustinian Province of Cebu. Prevost had been invited to lead the celebration of the province’s 40th anniversary as a juridical entity on 15 January but was unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts. He sent a video message instead.

“It was fortunate for me to thank him in person,” Mejares said.

He also shared that he had a strong feeling Prevost would eventually become pope, citing the American cardinal’s career trajectory.

“I just kept it to myself. I heard his name mentioned because we were both Augustinians,” Mejares said.

Describing the new pontiff as “kind and composed,” Mejares said, “He is very approachable. When you talk to him, he is very calm and seems shy — but he’s not.”

He added that Pope Leo XIV’s selection was likely due to his theological depth and practical leadership. “He is doctrinally solid and pastorally grounded,” Mejares said.

Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected on Friday as the 267th Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. He succeeds Pope Francis, who died on 21 April.