Gathered at the Augustinianum Patristic Institute in Rome, around 100 religious from 46 countries participated in this meeting, which takes place from September 1 to 18.

Vocation, formation, and love

The Pontiff, who recently turned 70, focused his message on three fundamental concepts: vocation, formation, and love. He emphasized that a religious vocation is not something static or imposed, but rather a spiritual adventure that encompasses one’s entire life.

A mission that does not die

Leo XIV insisted that the evangelizing mission, with its call to serve, to give of oneself generously, to rejoice humbly, and to share the lives of others, remains indispensable today.
He emphasized that this mission is realized in the care of local communities, education, attention to the poor, and a charitable life expressed in concrete works.

Interiority and community life

For the Pope, this General Chapter is an opportunity to pray together, listen to the Spirit, recognize the gifts received, and reflect on present challenges.
He asked the Augustinians to deepen their interiority—inspired by Saint Augustine—not as an escape from responsibilities, but as a source of strength for mission and community life.

Training with passion and freedom

Regarding formation, the Pope emphasized that it must be born of love: helping young people discover the beauty of what they are called to be, supporting them in falling in love with their vocation, and fostering authentic enthusiasm.
Formation, he said, cannot be reduced to rules or routines, but must inspire a free and growing response to God’s love.

Evangelical poverty as a criterion for life

Finally, Leo XIV exhorted the Augustinians to safeguard evangelical poverty as a criterion that illuminates everything: their resources, their structures, their community life and their apostolic mission.