Prior of Vienna Augustinians gives insight on his colleague, Pope Leo

 "Pope Leo will also challenge us"

What leadership style does Leo XIV practice? Father Dominic Sadrawetz knows the new pope. Sadrawetz leads the Augustinians in Vienna from Switzerland – one of the closest branches of the order, which was subordinate to Robert Prevost as the worldwide leader of the Augustinians.

What is it like when a fellow monk suddenly becomes pope?

It was a special moment when his name was announced. After "Robert Francis..." we knew "Prevost" would be next. We wouldn't have dared to wish for that, but we've joked: he would be a good pope. When he became one, we were all speechless, overwhelmed. Then a soothing silence spread within me; I felt safe and secure.

What qualities that Augustinians bring with them, due to their upbringing, will he be particularly useful to?

On the loggia, he recited Augustine's words: "I am a Christian with you and a Bishop for you." Even as superior of the order, he was aware that he wanted and must walk with us, and he will do so with the universal Church as well. He looks to see where people stand, making sure that no one is left behind, but also that no one rushes ahead. It's his quality: he has people in mind. He searched for God with his brothers, then with his diocese, and now he will do the same with the universal Church. He is a good listener, but he also knows what he wants. He will challenge us from time to time, I think.

What is the essence of Augustinian spirituality?

The Order's rule states that we should live in harmony with one another, as one heart and one soul, on the path to God. This means we should cultivate friendship in Christ, be open to our brothers and sisters, but also to all those around us, and thus advance the Gospel together and make life successful.

As the leader of your local religious community, did you have direct contact with him as the worldwide leader of the order? Did you ever disagree with him?

During my time as regional vicar, I had contact with him; we met at general chapters or conferences in Rome, and as Prior General, he visited all the monasteries, including ours. We didn't disagree, but he is a person who can challenge you. He looks for solutions and sometimes sees ones you wouldn't even think of or that you wouldn't want at first. In retrospect, however, these all turned out to be good. And he never imposed them on us, but rather developed them in dialogue with us. If we had ever come into conflict, he would certainly have tried to resolve it through discussion, as I see him. Because that's his strength: he walks with the brothers and sees what's possible. And asks what it's ultimately about. When we realize it's about Christ, we become capable of putting aside a need or even formulating it clearly. For the sake of love, for the community, for the universal Church. He showed us that each of us is a child of God, loved by God. Therefore, the other person is also loved by God and demands respect and goodwill from me.

Recently, in November 2024, Cardinal Prevost visited your community. What advice did he give you?

It was the Feast of All Saints, but also 675 years since the consecration of our Augustinian Church. He reminded us, in reference to the Gospel of the Beatitudes, that as Christians we must continually make new choices to stay on the path of Christ: for poverty of spirit instead of wealth and power, for mercy instead of vengeance and hatred, for peace instead of conflict. This is often contrary to the world that thinks differently. He also said that God created us without us, but he will not redeem us without us. He wants our decision to follow his path.

What was your personal impression of him when you met him?

When he stepped onto the loggia, I saw him fully reflected in the way I experienced him here with us: he comes, is present, looks around, tries to make contact. He only starts talking when he has noticed everyone. Then he takes action with kindness and friendliness, but also with consistency, but always invitingly. He also has a fine sense of humour, which I think will certainly help him now. Whenever I met him, I always felt safe and encouraged, as if a new tailwind was carrying me forward. I liked being a priest and an Augustinian, but now I like being one even more! He was already like that as a superior: he encouraged and uplifted us. I am convinced that if we now reflect with him on what it is all about, then many of the unanswered questions within the Church will find an answer in the Christian spirit. If we think and live the questions from Christ's perspective, then I am convinced that a new path will emerge. That was my experience with him in the Order.

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