VATICAN (RVA news): Pope Leo XIV appointed Brother Armin Luistro, the superior general of the Brothers of the Christian Schools [De La Salle Brothers], as a member of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, the Holy See Press Office announced on June 25.
Brother Luistro is among 18 newly appointed members from across the world. The group includes Arthur Cardinal Roche, Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa of Jerusalem, Archbishop Jude Thaddaeus Ruwa’ichi of Tanzania, and several superiors general from missionary and contemplative congregations.
As the first Filipino and Asian to serve as superior general of the De La Salle Brothers [elected in 2022] his appointment marks a historic milestone, not only for the De La Salle Brothers but for the broader Philippine Church.
He is widely recognised for blending deep pastoral sensitivity with professional experience in education and governance, having previously served as president of De La Salle University and Philippine secretary of Education.
Brother Luistro’s inclusion is especially significant as it brings the often-underrepresented voice of lay religious brothers into Vatican decision-making structures. His presence reflects Pope Leo XIV’s ongoing commitment to broaden representation from the Global South, recognising the unique pastoral realities and challenges faced by religious congregations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
He will join a global table of voices tasked with advising the Holy Father and shaping Vatican policies that affect religious life across continents, from addressing vocations crises and safeguarding concerns, to promoting interculturality and dialogue in apostolic communities.
His background in education, leadership formation, intercultural engagement, and pastoral care positions him well for this ministry of dialogue, accompaniment, and discernment.
The Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life plays a crucial role in the life of the universal Church. It oversees matters related to governance, formation, discipline, apostolic mission, and community life for more than 600,000 religious men and women and numerous apostolic societies around the world.
