The Catholic University of America Press has announced that, this October, it will publish the English edition of Pope Leo XIV’s 1987 canon law dissertation on the role of the prior as the local superior in the Augustinians — a work that includes theological insights by the now-pontiff regarding Eucharistic liturgy in community life, ecclesial authority, and the mission of the priesthood. 

Then-Father Robert Prevost defended the dissertation, “The Office and Authority of the Local Prior in the Order of St. Augustine,” to earn a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas, also known as the Angelicum, in 1987, according to an Aug. 11 CUA press release. 

Though the dissertation specifically examines the role of Augustinian priors, “his insights as a young priest in areas such as Church authority, the spiritual life following the way of St. Augustine, and the mission of the priesthood are of interest as they relate to contemporary Church leadership and Church life,” CUA noted. 

There are aspects of the dissertation that can be appreciated by the general public, historians, canon lawyers, and theologians, according to the release. 

Father Thomas Joseph White, rector of the Angelicum, penned the publication’s foreword, which “helps frame the work for the wider public interested in understanding the mind and heart of Pope Leo XIV as a young priest, and his thoughts about the life of the Catholic Church,” the release states. “Central themes regarding this, the apostolic tradition, and ecclesial authority in the service of the common good may indicate directions and themes to anticipate from this pontificate.”

The dissertation also focuses on the “Augustinian conception of the spiritual life that focuses on the inward work of grace, the primacy of the love of God, and inward conformity to Christ,” as well as “the role of hierarchy and consultation, and mutual respect for the diverse contributions of each person,” the release notes.

CUA Press has exclusive English-language rights to publish the dissertation, which will be available in print and on Kindle.