Dom Mauro-Giuseppe Lepori was elected as the Abbot General of the Cistercian Order on September 2, 2010.  

 Born in Lugano (Ticino, Switzerland) in 1959 and raised in Canobbio, Dom Mauro-Giuseppe graduated in philosophy (1982) and theology (1990) from the University of Fribourg (Switzerland). He entered Hauterive Abbey (Switzerland) in 1984. He professed his monastic vows on May 17, 1986, and made his solemn profession in 1989. He was ordained a priest on June 10, 1990, and served as the novice master until his election as the abbot of Hauterive on May 16, 1994. He received the abbatial blessing on June 29, 1994. Since 2005, he has been a member of the General Abbot’s Council and the Order’s Synod. He is known for his published books and articles, translated into various languages, as well as his lectures and preaching during spiritual retreats.