ROME (OSV News) ─ Pope Leo XIV has revealed that he considered joining the Salesians as a boy before ultimately discerning a vocation with the Augustinian order, joking that the congregation of Don Bosco "came in second place" in his spiritual journey.
The pope made the disclosure during a visit to Rome's parish Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on Feb. 22, where he met with members of the Salesian order.
"As a boy, before joining the Augustinians, I also visited the Salesian community," he told them.
The comment offered a glimpse into the early spirituality and formation of the pope, born Robert Francis Prevost, in Chicago and raised in its south suburbs. According to his brother John, the future pope showed signs of a religious calling from a very young age.
"From the youngest age, he (just) knew that that's what he was going to do. It wasn't that there was ever a doubt in anyone's mind. Even going to kindergarten he knew that he was going to be a priest," John Prevost previously told OSV News.
John Prevost recalled that his youngest brother was 5 or 6 years old when he first began playing priest and offering pretend Masses, using an ironing board covered with a white sheet as an altar, a plastic cup for a chalice, and Necco candy wafer discs for pretend Communion.
By the time Robert Prevost was in eighth grade, following home visits from vocation directors of several religious orders as well as a diocesan visit, he chose the Order of St. Augustine. John Prevost said he did not know precisely what drew his brother to the Augustinians over other congregations.
Robert Prevost entered the Augustinians' St. Augustine Seminary High School near Saugatuck, Michigan, at the age of 13.
Augustinian spirituality is deeply rooted in unity, truth and love, with a strong emphasis on community and service to the church and to others. Members of the men's branch of the order are known as "men of heart."
On Sunday, Pope Leo said he retains a fondness for the Salesians.
"Perhaps there is something that has remained in my heart, also united with you, in the Salesian community," he told the congregation.
"In fact, I have visited more Salesian communities than Augustinian ones in these first ten months of my pontificate," he added.
The Salesians of Don Bosco, officially known as the Society of St. Francis de Sales, were founded by St. John Bosco in 1859. The congregation is widely known for its work at the service of young people, particularly the poorest and most marginalized.
The pope acknowledged what he called "great gifts" in the Salesian charism, highlighting in particular the congregation's service to young people and its commitment to educational ministry.
During his visit, Pope Leo also toured the room in the church complex where St. Bosco stayed for 18 days during his final visit to Rome in 1887 for the consecration of the basilica. There, the pope paused to pray a Hail Mary.
Pope Leo encouraged the community to continue “truly serving young people with great generosity" and to remain faithful to the example of their founder.
"Live this spirit of Jesus' love by following the example of Don Bosco," the pope said.
The visit to the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was the second in a series of five planned parish visits Pope Leo is making across Rome in the weeks leading up to Easter.
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Courtney Mares is Vatican editor for OSV News. Follow her on X @catholicourtney.
