The Maltese Augustinian Friars, gathered for the Ordinary Provincial Chapter 2026, express their full solidarity with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV and their steadfast support for his clear and unwavering message of peace. In particular, we express our concern regarding the recent attacks directed toward himself and his ministry. At the same time, we firmly condemn all forms of war, violence, and any threats to the freedom and dignity of the human person, especially those affecting the most vulnerable members of society.
The Prior Provincial, together with the entire Chapter Assembly, unites with our Bishops in affirming our closeness and wholehearted support to our brother, Pope Leo XIV whose mission is to proclaim the Gospel while promoting justice and peace without compromise. We pray that the Lord grant him courage and strength to persevere in this mission of hope in a world so often marked by conflict and suffering. As Saint Augustine reminds us, “those who love peace and desire to possess it” must “do their utmost to multiply those who possess it” (Sermon 357, 3).
We thus reaffirm our stand for peace throughout the world, with particular concern for the Middle East, and we condemn every form of abuse of power. May all those entrusted with political responsibility return to the path of dialogue, seeking solutions that foster reconciliation rather than confrontation.
We publish this declaration while Pope Leo XIV is today visiting the ruins of the Basilica of Peace (Basilica Pacis), once the episcopal seat of our spiritual father, Saint Augustine of Hippo, as well as the Augustinian community in Annaba, in Algeria, where Maltese friars served with dedication and courage between 1933 and 2012.
Finally, we encourage all people of goodwill to support this intention through constant prayer to the Lord of Peace. May peace reign among all nations. We also invite the faithful to pray for his Holiness Pope Leo XIV in his mission for peace, especially during his apostolic journey in Africa.
14th April 2026