The Bishop of Parramatta has welcomed the election of Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV.
Bishop Vincent Long said he looked forward to the new chapter with “prayerful optimism”.
“This is a joyful moment for the universal Church and a deeply meaningful one for our local community in western Sydney and the Blue Mountains,” he said.
“Pope Leo XIV brings a missionary heart, shaped by decades serving among the poor in Peru. As an Augustinian, he will gift the Church and the world with a deeply contemplative spirit.”
Bishop Long said he had met Pope Leo on several occasions.
“He is a humble, prayerful man, dedicated to Christ and steeped in the mystical charism of the Augustinian tradition and I pray that he will guide our church with renewed hope and joy during this challenging time,” he said.
For the local Augustinian community in western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, the announcement brings both excitement and profound personal connection.
Fr David Austin OSA, Assistant Priest at Holy Spirit Parish St Clair and former Provincial of the Australian Augustinians, was “absolutely thrilled” with the news and described Pope Leo XIV not only as a spiritual leader but also “a personal friend”.
“He’s truly a remarkable man. He’s a humble man, understated in many respects, but very astute,” he said.
“He always remained grounded, no matter the role. As Prior General, he knew the names of Augustinians across the world. That’s who he is – connected, humble, and present.”
Lucy Randolph
Lucy Randolph is a western Sydney-based journalist, focusing on hyperlocal news stories impacting the Penrith community.