Pope Leo XIV’s dissertation, written by then-Father Robert Prevost, O.S.A., in 1987, offers insights into topics like Church authority, the mission of the priesthood, and spiritual life that are of interest to contemporary Church leadership and Church life.
The Office and Authority of the Local Prior in the Order of St. Augustine was published in October 2025 by Catholic University of America Press, who holds the sole English-language publication rights. This book includes a foreword by prominent theologian Father Thomas Joseph White, O.P., who is the rector of the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum), where the pontiff defended his dissertation in canon law.
At the center of Fr. Prevost’s reflections are key concepts regarding the common good of the Church, the Eucharistic liturgy as the center of community life, the role of hierarchy and consultation, and mutual respect for the diverse contributions of each person to the congregation/household.
Fr. White’s foreword helps frame the work for readers interested in understanding the mind and heart of Pope Leo XIV as a young priest, as well as his thoughts about the life of the Catholic Church.
The Office and Authority of the Local Prior in the Order of St. Augustine is available through CUA Press (including a digital version), Amazon, and select retailers.
