Since his appointment in May 2025, Pope Leo XIV has captured global attention – the first Pope from the Order of St Augustine and the first American elected to the papacy.
While many books have explored his American roots and ministry in Peru, few have highlighted his unique connection to Australia, and particularly to Western Sydney.
Pope Leo XIV: His Story and Australian Connection is the first book by Fr David Austin OSA, former Provincial of the Augustinians in Australia, and now Prior and Associate Pastor at Holy Spirit Parish, St Clair.
‘Pope Leo XIV: His Story and Australian Connection’ by Fr David Austin OSA. Image: Supplied
Fr Dave, who considers the Pope a good friend after many years of contact with him in the Province and at overseas meetings, shines a light on this lesser-known chapter of his life.
Reflecting on the task of writing, Fr Dave described both his initial enthusiasm and the challenge of being faithful to the detail that would be of interest to the Australian reader.
Fr David Austin OSA. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
He recalls that, while studying for the priesthood in Philadelphia in the 1960s, along with other Augustinians from Australia, the seminarians’ summer destination was actually the Minor Seminary High School in Holland, Michigan, which Pope Leo later attended. Fr Dave’s further studies in Chicago in the mid-1990s and in 2018 helped him to capture in his writing some of the spirit of the city in which Pope Leo grew up.
Six degrees of separation
The book recounts Pope Leo’s six visits to Australia between 2002 and 2010, when he served as Prior General of the Augustinian Order. From NSW to Victoria and Queensland, he met parishioners, students, and staff in Augustinian parishes and schools, leaving a lasting impression on all he encountered. For many Australians, these memories resurfaced warmly when he was elected Pope.
Pope Leo XIV, then Fr Robert Prevost OSA (centre), celebrates Mass at Collaroy Beach during the International Augustinian Youth Encounter in 2008 in Sydney, Australia. Image: Fr Jesper Bermudez OSA/Supplied
Tracing his journey from his birth in Chicago, USA, through his ministry in Peru, leadership as Prior General, and role as Cardinal and Bishop, the book also explores his deep Augustinian spirituality.
In his opening address to the world, Pope Leo declared, “I am an Augustinian, a son of St Augustine.” His Papal motto, In Illo uno unum (“In the One Christ We are One”), drawn from St Augustine’s sermon on Psalm 127, reflects the unity at the heart of his ministry.
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, is quoted in the book, describing the Pope’s election as “a joyful moment for the universal Church and a deeply meaningful one for our local community in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.”
The book also tells the story of the Augustinians in Australia, from the chance beginnings of their chapter to the establishment of the first Augustinian priory in Victoria in 1886, and finally to Holy Spirit Parish, St Clair, 30 years ago. From reflections on Fr Bob’s tennis prowess to more formal visits, there is much to reminisce about in the book.
(L-R) Current parish community priests Fr Dave Austin OSA, Fr Joseph (Saju) Aresseril, OSA, and Fr Peter Tangey, OSA during the 30th anniversary celebrations of the Augustinian community at Holy Spirit Parish, St Clair-Erskine Park. Missing is Parish Moderator Fr Percival Sevare OSA. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
A local celebration
Fr Dave launched the book on 6 November at St Kieran’s Parish, Manly Vale, with Fr Peter Jones OSA, the current Provincial. It was also shared with Holy Spirit Parish, St Clair-Erskine Park parishioners.
“The feedback has been very positive so far,” Fr Dave said, noting the book is aimed at a wide readership, including parishioners, those interested in the Augustinian way of life, Australian history, and scholars.
“Writing about Augustinian spirituality in the third part was the hardest, as I wanted to present a complete picture which covered all relevant aspects and was consistent with the work of other writers before me.”
Fr Dave completed the book in about three months alongside his existing ministries, but he was eager to take on the challenge.
Fr Dave signs a copy of his book for Fiona Choi and James Lu. Fiona Choi’s photo of Pope Leo XIV wearing an Akubra hat is featured on the cover. Image: Supplied.
“I found it quite exciting,” he reflected. “It was spiritually nourishing.”
He added, “I was writing about the Church, which I love.”
Pope Leo XIV: His Story and Australian Connection is available from Catholic bookshops or directly from St Paul’s Publications here.
This book supports the Diocesan Pastoral Plan priorities of Community and Mission, and our objective to be a Church that walks together. Visit Synodality to learn more.
