The Maltese Augustinian Province joyfully welcomes the news of the election of H.E. Cardinal Robert F. Prevost O.S.A. as Bishop of Rome and Shepherd of the Universal Church, now taking the name Leo XIV.
In this spirit, we unite with the entire Augustinian Order around the world and with the Universal Church, giving thanks to the Lord for calling this brother of ours in the Augustinian religious life to such a great service within the Church.
Among the Cardinals, Cardinal Robert F. Prevost is likely one of the most familiar with Malta, particularly due to his responsibilities as Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine for twelve years. In fact, between 2001 and 2013, he visited Malta on several occasions to lead Provincial Chapters and conduct canonical visits both to the Augustinian Friars and to the Augustinian Contemplative Nuns, who at the time fell under his jurisdiction. Beyond this role, he maintained contact over the years with several Maltese Augustinian brethren.
In addition to the roles he held within the Augustinian Family, on November 3, 2014, Pope Francis appointed Robert Francis Prevost as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo, Peru. He was later ordained a bishop and assigned the titular see of Sufar. From then onward, he continued to serve both as bishop and later as President of the Peruvian Episcopal Conference.
On January 30, 2023, Pope Francis called him to Rome to serve as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. He was created Cardinal by Pope Francis in the Consistory of September 30, 2023, and was assigned the Deaconry of Saint Monica. Additionally, he began serving as a member in various other Dicasteries and on the Pontifical Commission for the Vatican City State.
His most recent visit to Malta was in November 2023, when he came to address the Plenary Assembly of the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences being held in Malta. During that visit, he also presided over the Eucharist at the Basilica of Mosta and spent some time with the Augustinian Community in Valletta.
