Report Filipino De La Salle Brother Joins Key Vatican Dicastery

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Picture courtesy of Manila Bulletin

 

In an announcement that underscores the growing influence of Filipino leadership in the global Catholic Church, Brother Armin Luistro, FSC, has been appointed by Pope Leo XIV as one of the newest members of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) shared the news on Wednesday, June 25.

 

Brother Armin Luistro, who currently holds the position of Superior General of the De La Salle Brothers, joins an esteemed group of 18 new members in this important Vatican office. The dicastery plays a pivotal role in overseeing religious congregations and societies of apostolic life within the Church.

 

Historically significant, Consolata Missionary Sister Simona Brambilla is at the helm of this department, marking the first instance of a woman leading a major Vatican office. Her leadership adds significance to Luistro’s appointment as it aligns with ongoing efforts to reflect diversity within the Church’s hierarchy.

 

This appointment follows a special audience at the Vatican on May 15, when Luistro led the De La Salle Brothers in celebrating the 75th anniversary of St. John Baptist de La Salle being named the patron saint of Christian teachers.

 

Among the other distinguished appointees are Cardinal Arthur Roche, Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero, Cardinal Giorgio Marengo, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and Cardinal Jaime Spengler. Each of these figures brings a wealth of experience, representing different geographical and cultural regions, thus offering diverse perspectives to the dicastery.

 

The Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life is tasked with guiding religious practices and ensuring cohesion within the global consecrated life community. It oversees the approval of religious constitutions, handles the formation and mergers of religious orders, and manages disciplinary issues involving vowed members.

 

The Catholic Church encompasses a significant number of religious individuals globally, with roughly 600,000 women religious, 128,500 priests from religious orders, and approximately 50,000 religious brothers, according to Vatican data.

 

Elected as the Superior General in 2022, Brother Luistro became the first Asian in this prestigious position, which positions him as the global leader within the Lasallian community. His illustrious career also includes roles such as President of De La Salle Philippines and Secretary of the Department of Education in the Philippines.

 

This new Vatican appointment is a testament to Brother Luistro’s dedication to education and religious matters, marking a significant milestone not only for him but also for Filipino representation in the Vatican.

 

In response to the announcement, La Salle Global expressed their support, viewing Luistro's new role as a testament to the collaborative path that Lasallians are encouraged to travel within the Church. De La Salle University also extended congratulations, highlighting the ongoing pride in their former president's achievements.

 

This development is seen as a promising sign for increased Filipino participation in Vatican affairs and a step forward in the integration of diverse perspectives within the Catholic Church’s leadership.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Manila Bulletin 2025-06-25

 

 

[KannikaP]

New word for me...DICASTERY. Looked it up, it is not in the Oxford English Dictionary or Thesaurus.

But Mr Chat put me right.