The Holy Father, the first Augustinian Pope, celebrates in Annaba and encourages “being born from above” in preparation for his upcoming visit
Pope Leo presided this Tuesday, April 14, over the Eucharist at the Basilica of Saint Augustine in Annaba (Algeria), ancient Hippo, in a celebration of profound spiritual significance for the entire Augustinian family. The Mass, celebrated as a Votive Eucharist of Saint Augustine, gathered faithful and religious, including friars of the Order of Saint Augustine, with the presence of their Prior General, Father Joseph Farrell.
In this emblematic place, where Saint Augustine lived his episcopal ministry, the Holy Father —the first Augustinian Pope in history— offered a homily centered on the call to unity and the need to “be born from above,” an invitation that resonates with special force in preparation for his upcoming visit to the Augustinian Recollect family.
“Being born from above,” a call for the Church
Starting from the dialogue between Jesus and Nicodemus (cf. Jn 3), Pope Leo recalled that Christian life is born from the action of God: “you must be born from above.” This requirement, far from being a burden, is —he explained— a gift of grace that opens the way to a new life.
In this context, the Pontiff quoted Saint Augustine on two occasions, underlining the primacy of God in the life of the believer: “Give what you command and command what you will” (Confessions, X, 29, 40), and “I should be nothing, my God, I should be nothing at all unless you were in me; or rather, I should not exist at all unless I were in you” (Confessions, I, 2).
Likewise, he evoked the conversion process of the Bishop of Hippo, accompanied by the persevering tears of his mother, Saint Monica, as a sign of a faith that sustains hope.
Unity as a criterion for Christian life
The core of the homily was marked by a strong call to unity. Drawing inspiration from the Acts of the Apostles (cf. Acts 4:32-37), the Pope highlighted that the first Christian community “was of one heart and soul,” indicating that this communion is not based on human agreements, but on the love of God.
This unity —he emphasized— is made manifest in shared life, in charity, and in the ability to place goods at the service of others. Thus, the Church becomes a sign of hope in the world: where there is despair, it kindles hope; where there is misery, it restores dignity; where there is conflict, it promotes reconciliation.
A message of preparation
The words spoken in Hippo acquire a particular meaning for the Augustinian Recollect family, which is preparing for the Holy Father’s upcoming visit. The call to be born from above translates into a concrete commitment to communion, fraternal life, and evangelical witness.
Pope Leo invited Christians to be a humble but significant presence, comparing them to incense which, though small, spreads its fragrance and lifts the heart to God.
A “very special moment” in the land of Saint Augustine
At the conclusion of the celebration, the Holy Father expressed his gratitude for the welcome received and described the trip as “a very special moment that God has permitted,” highlighting the symbolic value of an Augustinian Pope celebrating the Eucharist in the city of Saint Augustine.
In his final words, he asked for God’s mercy “so that we may all together recognize and walk upon the path of justice, peace, and communion.”
Unity for the mission
From the land of Hippo, Pope Leo has offered a clear message: the Church is called to renew itself from God, living unity as a visible sign of the Gospel and as a condition for the mission.
This message becomes a horizon and preparation for the Holy Father’s visit, inviting the entire Augustinian Recollect family to walk in communion and hope.
El Papa León invita a “renacer de lo alto” desde la unidad en la basílica de San Agustín
