(Fifth installment in a series on the Rule of St. Augustine, which can help us understand the mindset and vision of Pope Leo XIV who lives according to this Rule.)
Leo’s Heart: A New Way to Speak
"Refrain from quarrelsome words; they do no good and are likely to cause dissension… Let your words be few and wise. Do not raise your voice, for a subdued voice is the voice of peace."
— Rule of St. Augustine, Chapter 5
In this chapter, Augustine shifts his focus to something that may seem small but carries enormous weight: our speech. How we talk to one another—especially in the close quarters of community—can either build up or tear down. Augustine knew from experience the power of words to unify or divide, to bless or to wound.
The heart of this chapter is the call to humility in conversation. Augustine doesn’t demand silence, but wise speech—the kind that reflects inner peace and respect for others. “Do not raise your voice,” he writes, not just as a matter of etiquette, but because peace has a tone. The way we speak reveals the posture of our heart.
This might be one of the most relevant chapters for us today. In a world filled with noise, opinion, and argument, Augustine’s advice is countercultural: fewer words, softer voices, less complaining, more patience. Imagine what our homes, workplaces, and parishes would look like if we took this seriously.
There’s a deep spiritual logic here. When we stop trying to win arguments, dominate conversations, or get the last word, we make room—for the other, and for God. That’s the kind of space Pope Leo seems to inhabit: a voice measured not by volume, but by its ability to speak into people’s hearts. His Augustinian formation likely taught him what Augustine teaches here—that speech is not neutral. It’s either a path to communion or a weapon of division.
Augustine also gives very practical instructions: if you’re correcting someone, do it privately and gently. If you’ve been corrected, don’t take offense. He’s not just teaching good manners—he’s fostering a culture of trust. In a community where people feel safe to speak and to be corrected in love, real transformation becomes possible.
As a parish, this chapter offers some soul-searching questions: How do we talk about one another when we’re not in the room? Do our conversations build bridges or sow division? Are our meetings, gatherings, and social moments marked by wise words—or just a need to be heard?
This week, consider making one small change in your speech: choose silence when tempted to complain. Lower your voice when emotions rise. Offer a word of encouragement instead of criticism. These aren’t just communication tips—they are the bricks that build a community of peace.
St. Augustine’s Rule reminds us that holiness is revealed not only in what we believe or how we pray, but in how we speak to each other in ordinary moments. Pope Leo, formed by this vision, shows us what it means to speak with authority because one speaks with peace.