The Catholic Augustinian Order, formally known as the Order of Saint Augustine, traces its origins to the early centuries of Christianity, inspired by the teachings and rule of Saint Augustine of Hippo. Saint Augustine, a pivotal figure in early Christian theology, emphasized a communal life dedicated to the pursuit of truth, charity, and devotion to God, principles that became foundational to the order.

America has delivered our 1st pope to the world community on this day May 8, 2025, and he is an Augustinian. In this moment, Anne of Carversville assures readers that this is a brilliant choice, one that does not surprise me at all, when I read his curriculum vitae over the weekend.

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected pontiff on the second day of the conclave, becoming leader of 1.4 billion Roman Catholics. He took the papal name Leo XIV, and greeted his new followers by saying, “Peace be with you.”

Because AOC has been writing about the Trump Administration’s love of the Crusades, I’ve been deep in research on early Christian history. Concurrently, for the last three years, I’ve worked to understand humanism and the Renaissance and how parallels to it can help us with the massive problems facing America and the entire world in this moment.

Throughout its development, the Augustinian Order dedicated itself to education, intellectual pursuits, and pastoral care. Its members engaged in theological scholarship and established monasteries and schools, thereby significantly contributing to the intellectual life of Europe.

More than any other mendicant order, the Augustinians developed a conception of eremitical (hermit) life that was authentically intellectual.

As the Middle Ages gave way to the Renaissance, the Augustinians played a crucial role in fostering the spirit of inquiry and humanism that characterized the era.

Brunello Cucinelli’s Message to Youth and a Humanist Revolution

Credits from Brunello Cucinelli Personal IG: 1. Egyptian priest © 2025. Photo Scala, Florence; 2. Hesiod © 2025. Photo Scala, Florence/bpk, Bildagentur fuer Kunst, Kultur und Geschichte, Berlin; 3. Socrates © 2025. Image copyright The Metropolitan Museum of Art/Art Resource/Scala, Florence; 4. Seneca © 2025. Image copyright The Metropolitan Museum of Art/Art Resource/Scala, Florence; 5. Saint Augustine of Hippo © 2025. DeAgostini Picture Library/Scala, Florence; 6. Giovanni Boccaccio © 2025. DeAgostini Picture Library/Scala, Florence

Brunello Cucinelli, Humanism and the Augustinians

Surely designer Brunello Cucinelli has a deep affinity for Pope Leo the 14th. Cucinelli’s values and decision to speak widely about humanism is the trigger that inspired me to reacquaint myself with the philosophy. Stopping by his personal, philosophical IG just now [see link in collage credits], I see that Brunello Cucinelli delivered a message to global youth on April 28, 2025: Letter to the youth for a humanist revolution. This letter is on BrunelloCucinello.com — not the shop BC site.

Even Google AI confirms the influence of Augustinian values on the designer. It writes:

Brunello Cucinelli, the fashion designer and founder of the luxury brand, has expressed admiration for Saint Augustine and his philosophy, particularly the idea of "putting your soul in order". He has stated that his work and business practices are inspired by Augustine's teachings on free will and the pursuit of a good life through moral choices.

My AI researcher offered much deeper analysis of this question about humanism and Augustinian values. With today’s news, AOC has every reason to dig extra deep into this exciting intersection of topics I’m already very familiar with.

There is nothing about life in America right now — as defined by the Trump Administration — that inspires me. Today’s appointment of Pope Leo XIV has made my heart smile and weep in the same moment.

My relationship with the Catholic Church is truly traumatic, but this past reality has nothing to do with the hope I feel about today’s GOOD NEWS for the entire world that Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elevated to Pope Leo.

I’m also pleased for myself that I have been very clear-eyed about connecting all these dots between the past and the present. Much of that decision is directly attributed to designer Brunello Cucinelli and his entire family that lives by values I hold in the highest possible regard. ~ Anne