Pope Leo XIV Honored with Saint Augustine Medal in Philadelphia

Pope Leo XIV holds the Saint Augustine Medal, presented to him on July 18, 2025, at Villa Barberini in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, by Augustinian Father Robert P. Hagan, prior provincial of the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova. The pope’s recorded message of gratitude was later shown in Philadelphia on August 28, 2025. (Photo courtesy of the Augustinian Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova)

Pope Leo XIV, the first Augustinian pontiff, was honored with the Saint Augustine Medal in Philadelphia, where he delivered virtual remarks emphasizing humility, service, and the Augustinian values of truth, unity, and love.

Article by Maddie Tyler, Chief Senior News Editor

PHILADELPHIA - The Catholic Church’s newest pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, was honored last night with the prestigious Saint Augustine Medal during a celebration in Philadelphia that drew Augustinians, Villanova alumni, and friends of the order from across the country.

The award, presented by the Augustinian Province of St. Thomas of Villanova, recognizes exemplary leadership and service in the spirit of St. Augustine. Pope Leo, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, O.S.A., became the first Augustinian elected to the papacy earlier this year.

Although unable to attend in person, Pope Leo delivered a prerecorded message from Castel Gandolfo in Italy, where he has been spending time in prayer and reflection. In his remarks, the Holy Father expressed humility and gratitude at being recognized by his own religious family.

“I’m humbled and truly honored to accept the Saint Augustine Medal from the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova,” Pope Leo said. “So much of who I am I owe to the spirit and the teachings of St. Augustine, and I’m grateful to all of you for the many ways your lives exhibit a deep commitment to the values of Veritas, Unitas, et Caritas.”

Reflecting on Augustine’s journey of faith, the pope urged the faithful to listen to one another and to God in a noisy world. “Before we speak, we first must listen,” he said. “May we strive to filter the noise, open ourselves to God’s love, and share it with the world as we become one in Him.”

The evening began with a Mass of Thanksgiving at Philadelphia’s historic Saint Augustine Church, founded by Augustinian friars in the late 1700s to serve immigrant communities. The dinner followed, raising funds for the Augustinian Fund, which supports the care of elderly friars, the formation of new friars, and ministries across the globe.

Fr. Robert Hagan, O.S.A., Prior Provincial of the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova, praised Pope Leo’s lifelong commitment to the poor and his witness to Augustinian values. “For your servant leadership, your witness, and now as our universal shepherd—we thank you,” he said during the medal presentation.

Past recipients of the Saint Augustine Medal include Villanova basketball legends Patty and Jay Wright and the late Bishop Louis A. DeSimone.

Closing his remarks, Pope Leo called on the Augustinian community to remain united in their mission of peace and service: “May God bless you all and bring peace to your restless hearts as we continue to build a community of love, one in mind and heart intent upon God.”