Lost Sermon by Saint in Pope Leo-JD Vance Debate Found 1,600 Years Later

A previously unknown sermon by St. Augustine, the influential 4th-century theologian, has been discovered in a medieval manuscript in Poland more than 1,600 years after it was originally delivered. The text, which adds to a growing body of Augustine’s writings, was identified by Professor Christian Tornau, a Latin scholar at Germany’s University of Würzburg, during his examination of a 12th-century manuscript belonging to the former Bad Doberan Abbey. Now housed in the monastery of Pelplin, Poland, the manuscript contains six sermons, two of which had not been recognized as works by Augustine prior to Tornau’s research. Tornau initially approached the task as a routine academic exercise, tasked with analyzing the manuscript for potential historical insights. However, his findings revealed that two of the sermons, likely delivered in the late 4th century, had remained unidentified despite their clear attribution to Augustine. The discovery marks a rare and valuable addition to the corpus of Augustine’s writings, offering new perspectives on his theological views and rhetorical style. Newsweek reached out to Tornau for translations of the manuscript, indicating ongoing efforts to disseminate the findings to broader audiences. St. Augustine of Hippo, born in A.D. 354 and died in 430, is widely regarded as one of the most influential thinkers in Christian history. As bishop of Hippo Regius, now known as Annaba in Algeria, he played a pivotal role in shaping early Christian doctrine. His extensive writings on topics such as grace, free will, and the nature of evil have had a lasting impact on both theology and Western philosophy. Despite the vast number of texts attributed to Augustine, authentic discoveries of previously unknown works remain exceedingly rare. Most surviving manuscripts have been thoroughly examined, making this latest find particularly noteworthy for scholars and theologians. The timing of the discovery coincides with heightened public interest in Augustine’s legacy, driven by recent exchanges between Pope Leo XIV and Vice President JD Vance. Their discussion centered on Catholic teachings regarding warfare, specifically the doctrine of “just war,” which finds its origins in Augustine’s writings. In April, Vance challenged Pope Leo’s stance on war, referencing the long-standing Christian tradition of just war theory. As a convert to Catholicism and a vocal advocate for the faith, Vance has frequently cited Augustine as a key influence and selected him as his patron saint. Pope Leo XIV, a member of the Augustinian religious order, has consistently expressed admiration for Augustine, whom he considers a spiritual father. The pontiff’s interpretation of Augustine’s teachings has shaped the order’s theological approach, emphasizing the moral complexities of armed conflict. During a recent address, Pope Leo stated that “God is never on the side of those who once wielded the sword and today drop bombs.” This remark followed the outbreak of hostilities between the United States, Israel, and Iran, underscoring the relevance of Augustine’s philosophical framework in modern geopolitical discourse. Vance, in response, highlighted the historical continuity of just war theory, noting that the tradition spans over a millennium. At a public forum, he questioned the pope’s assertion, arguing that the doctrine must account for instances where military action led to liberation, such as the Allied forces' efforts to free France from Nazi occupation. Vance emphasized the importance of theological accuracy, urging caution in interpreting sacred texts. His remarks reflect a broader tension between traditionalist interpretations of church teachings and evolving perspectives on ethical warfare. The newly discovered sermons, though not explicitly addressing the concept of just war, provide additional insight into Augustine’s theological priorities and rhetorical strategies. Scholars anticipate that further analysis of these texts could yield deeper understanding of how Augustine framed issues of morality, justice, and divine intervention. As the debate between Pope Leo and Vance continues, the rediscovery of Augustine’s work serves as a reminder of the enduring influence of ancient thinkers on contemporary religious and political discourse.