Augustine 2.0: How the Order's Radical History Informs Leo's Reforms

As the first Augustinian pope since the 13th century, Leo XIV is reviving his order's forgotten radicalism. His synod proposal to let laity lead priestless parishes directly echoes 1241 Augustinian texts about "communities sustaining sacramental life." The former Prior General (2001-2013) has dusted off suppressed manuscripts advocating: married clergy in remote areas (1248), women preaching (1256), and wealth redistribution (1263). "Early Augustinians were the Jesuits of their day," notes historian Dr. Elena Rossi. Most provocatively, he's testing "The Augustine Option" - small intentional communities blending monks and families, based on the saint's original vision. Traditionalists call this dangerous revivalism, but the pope insists: "I'm not innovating. I'm remembering."