Leo XIV, a former prior general of the Augustinians, encourages religious superiors to value community life as a path of sanctification and to foster fraternal communion.
Superiors of communities of male religious should “discern ways to deepen the fraternal communion” among and within their communities, so as to offer “a united, joyful, and authentic witness to Christ.” Pope Leo XIV wrote these words in a letter of July 16, sent on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Conference of Major Superiors of Men in the United States (CMSM).
This organization brings together “leaders of Catholic religious institutes for men, monasteries, and societies of apostolic life.” Its goal is to promote the “welfare, community life, ministry and mission” of their members. The theme of their annual conference for 2026 (July 20-23) is “One in Christ: Communal Life Today.”
In his letter, made public by the Vatican on July 22, the Pope refers to the group’s 70 years of “fostering collaboration among male religious in the United States of America.” He praises their efforts to offer “a space for dialogue” and “support” to the superiors of religious communities; it has contributed to reinforcing “the public witness of consecrated men who devote their lives to the service of the Gospel,” he notes.
The great value of community life
Leo XIV was himself the major superior of a religious order of men. He served as the prior general of the Order of St. Augustine for no less than 12 years (from 2001 to 2013). Thus, he is well aware of the circumstances of the men he was addressing. Drawing on this experience, he encouraged them to “consider community life ‘as a place of sanctification and a source of inspiration, witness, and strength’” in the apostolate.
“It is precisely through sharing everything in common,” he notes, “including material goods, spiritual experiences, apostolic ideals and charitable service that the hidden presence of the risen Lord is made manifest among you.”
The Pope expresses his hope that, through these “days of reflection, dialogue and prayer” of their annual conference, these superiors will find ways to strengthen the “fraternal communion” within their own communities, and also with other Institutes. This will enable them “to continue offering a united, joyful and authentic witness to Christ.”
He ends the letter by blessing the conference participants and their communities. The Pope assures them of his “spiritual closeness,” and he entrusts them “to the loving intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church.”
