Spanish
SANTO DOMINGO. – The election of Robert Francis Prevost as the new Pope Leo XIV has resonated with special enthusiasm in the Dominican Republic, particularly in the province of La Vega, where the pontiff left an indelible mark during his pastoral visits prior to his ascension to the papacy.
In 2004, being Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine, Prevost visited La Vega to present a recognition to Gladys Altagracia García, in honor of her generous service and collaboration with the Augustinian community, which was then celebrating 50 years of presence in the country. During his stay, he walked through several communities, including Palmarito, Barranca, Jamo and Licey, carrying a message of faith and hope.
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In 2011, Prevost returned to La Vega to participate in the golden jubilee of the Augustinian presence in the Dominican Republic. During this visit, he was honored with the Order of Saint Augustine, the highest recognition granted by the educational and religious community of the Agustiniano College. He participated in a mass presided over by Cardinal Nicolás de Jesús López Rodríguez in the San Agustín parish, along with Monsignors Juan Antonio Flores Santana and Antonio Camilo.
These visits reflect Leo XIV's deep commitment to local communities and his closeness to the faithful. His missionary work in Latin America, especially in Peru, and his experience in the region, augur a pontificate close to the realities and challenges of the continent.
The president of the Dominican Episcopal Conference, Monsignor Héctor Rafael Rodríguez, highlighted the close ties of Leo XIV with the Dominican Republic and, in particular, with the city of La Vega. He recalled that Prevost, belonging to the Augustinian order, visited the country on several occasions before becoming pontiff.
