Pope Leo appoints Bro. Armin Luistro to key Vatican post

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Brother Armin Luistro, FSC, the Superior General of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, as one of the newest members of the Dicastery for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and the Societies of Apostolic Life, the Vatican announced on June 24.

The appointment places Luistro among a distinguished roster of cardinals, archbishops, bishops, and religious superiors from around the world entrusted with shaping the future of consecrated life within the Church. 

The Dicastery oversees matters concerning religious orders, congregations, and secular institutes, playing a crucial role in the promotion and regulation of consecrated and apostolic communities.

For many in the global Lasallian community, the news was received with deep joy and pride. “This appointment is a clear sign of the synodal path that we, as Lasallians, are called to walk in communion with the Church,” said the De La Salle Brothers in an official statement. 

"We extend our best wishes to Brother Armin in this new mission, trusting that his service will be a valuable contribution to the entire consecrated life of the Church.”

Luistro, an educator and religious leader with more than 34 years of experience in the public and private sectors, is no stranger to transformative leadership. In 2022, he made history as the first Filipino to be elected Superior General of the De La Salle Brothers worldwide, becoming the 28th successor of St. John Baptist de La Salle.

He began his religious life in 1979 while studying at De La Salle University (DLSU) and professed his final vows in 1988. His early years were spent as a teacher, counselor, and campus minister at De La Salle Lipa in Batangas.

In the early 2000s, Luistro co-founded the De La Salle Catholic University in Manado, Indonesia—now De La Salle University-Indonesia—with Bishop Josef Suwatan. He served as president of DLSU Manila from 2004 to 2010 before being appointed secretary of the Department of Education under then-President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III. 

During his tenure from 2010 to 2016, Luistro championed major reforms including the controversial K to 12 Basic Education Program.

He later returned to lead De La Salle Philippines from 2017 to 2019 and served in various educational and intergovernmental organizations, such as the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines, the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization, and the National Youth Commission.

Luistro holds a doctorate in educational management from University of St. La Salle in Bacolod, and earned his master’s degree in religious education and values and bachelor’s degree in philosophy and humanities from DLSU. —Sherylin Untalan/KG, GMA Integrated News