On Sunday 18 May, Pope Leo XIV celebrated mass in St. Peter’s Square with symbolic gestures and rites through which the Petrine Ministry that he is now assuming was officially inaugurated. Among several Augustinian friars, the Prior Provincial Fr. Leslie Gatt was also present at the celebration on behalf of the Maltese Augustinian friars. Under a blue sky, a large community of Christians from around the world, together with various civil delegations from various states, gathered and prayed together for the Pope, for the Church and for the world at large.
The following day, Fr Leslie, together with a number of Augustinian Religious had the opportunity to meet in a private audience with Pope Leo XIV who welcomed them after a busy morning of various audiences. It was a moment in which Pope Leo was able to be a little more informal and shared with the brothers and sisters his love for Saint Augustine who unites us all together in the religious life we ​​have been called to live. It was a wonderful moment in which the Prior Provincial conveyed to His Holiness the joy of the Maltese Augustinian friars at the news of his appointment, together with the best wishes, of the Archbishop and of the Church in Malta.
Meanwhile, earlier in the week, Fr Leslie also sent a formal message of congratulations to Pope Leo XIV himself on behalf of all the friars. In his message, the Prior Provincial recalled the years in which Pope Leo XIV served as Prior General of the Order and the beautiful relationship he always built and maintained with the Maltese friars along the years. Above all, he assured him of our support and prayers.
