The Order of St. Augustine (OSA) in Cebu warmly and proudly welcomed our new Pope Leo XIV as American-born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, OSA had multiple visits in Cebu.

“Surreal gihapon mi. Never in our lifetime did we expect that an Augustinian would become pope,” said Rev. Fr. Jules Van Almerez, OSA, media liaison of the Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino de Cebu.

“This is very historic for us... not just in Cebu, not just in the Philippines, but for all Augustinians around the world,” he stressed.

Before his episcopal and cardinal appointments, Pope Leo XIV served as the Prior General of the Augustinian Order from 2001 to 2013. In his capacity, he visited Cebu several times.

“He presided over our Provincial chapter here in Cebu, and he regularly came for visits in 2004, 2008 and 2012,” Fr. Almerez recalled.

The Augustinian friars in Cebu describe the new Pope as a man by core values of OSA: unity in diversity, simplicity of life and pastoral charity.

For Fr. Jonas Mejares, OSA, Pope Leo is very simple, like Pope Francis.

“He lives simply, speaks many languages, and when he talks, he does so with precision. He is calm, composed and compassionate,” Fr. Mejares said.

Mejares is a prior of the community and the vice president for Augustinian Formation and Mission of the University of San Agustin.

The new Pope is also known for his theological grounding and pastoral experience. He is a canon lawyer and recognizes his firm understanding of Church governance and his deep concern for the poor.

At the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño, the spiritual heart of Cebu and centuries-old Augustinian stronghold, the mood turned jubilant upon the announcement of Pope Leo XIV.

He visited a small chapel in Mohon, Talisay City, Cebu.

There are 1.4 billion Catholics around the world.