By Charles Igwe
What was supposed to be a joyful visit to Nigeria by Cardinal Robert Prevost this July has taken a dramatic and historic turn — one that has left the Augustinian Order in Nigeria both celebratory and wistful.
Cardinal Prevost, who was expected to preside over the ordination of new Augustinian priests in Nigeria, will no longer make the trip. Not due to any setback or disappointment, but because he has been elected the new head of the Catholic Church. On May 8, 2025, Cardinal Prevost was elected Pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first Augustinian priest in history to ascend to the papacy.
Speaking on the development, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel James Voviyere, Secretary of the Augustinian Province of Nigeria, shared mixed emotions felt by the Order: “We are happy because he is the Pope, but we are a bit sad because his election means he will not be coming to ordain our brothers as priests this July. That ordination would have marked his tenth visit to Nigeria.”
His election marks a deeply symbolic milestone not just for the global Church, but especially for the Augustinians. “It is significant for us on several levels,” Fr. Emmanuel explained. “Pope Leo XIV is the first Augustinian to become Pope, following Pope Francis who was the first Jesuit to do so. This moment will be remembered in history, and it will certainly bring the Augustinian Order greater global visibility, potentially attracting new vocations.”
Pope Leo XIV is no stranger to Nigeria. As former Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru and Prior General of the Augustinians, he has visited the country nine times, forming close bonds with local communities and clergy.
Today, the Augustinian Province of Nigeria is vibrant and active, operating 28 houses across major cities including Lagos, Jos, Benin City, Maiduguri, and Yola. It also manages six educational institutions — from the Augustinian Institute of Philosophy in Makurdi to secondary schools in Nasarawa, Delta, Plateau, and Kaduna States. Internationally, the Order has a presence in London, Rome, South Africa, and Benin Republic, but its Nigerian roots run especially deep.
Fr. Emmanuel believes Pope Leo XIV’s missionary background and pastoral sensibilities will shape his pontificate. “He has always been close to the people and their lived experiences. He will be a missionary pope—simple, pastoral, and committed to giving people hope, meaning, and a sense of belonging,” he said.
