Fr. Mauro-Giuseppe Lepori was elected Abbot General of the Cistercian Order on September 2, 2010 and reelected for a second term ten years later on October 10, 2022.
Born in Lugano (Ticino, Switzerland) in 1959, and raised in Canobbio, Fr. Mauro-Giuseppe graduated with a degree in philosophy (1982) and theology (1990) from the University of Fribourg (Switzerland). In 1984, he entered Hauterive Abbey (Switzerland). He made his first profession of monastic vows on May 17, 1986, and he made his solemn profession in 1989. After his ordination to the priesthood on June 10, 1990, he served as novice master until his election as abbot of Hauterive on May 16, 1994. He received the abbatial blessing on June 29, 1994. Since 2005, he was a member of the Abbot General’s Council and of the Synod of the Order.  In November 2021, he was elected vice-president of the Union of Superiors General. He is known for his numerous books and articles, translated into various languages, and for his conferences and homilies. Since 2010 he has resided in Rome.