In Villanova, Pennsylvania, excitement filled the air at Villanova University when the school celebrated an extraordinary milestone. The joyous occasion followed the election of Cardinal Robert Prevost, a 1977 graduate of Villanova and an alumnus of its math program, as the first pope from the United States. The campus, a prestigious Augustinian institution located near Philadelphia, resonated with the peal of church bells in tribute to this historic moment in the Catholic Church’s annals.
The university community gathered to honor one of their own, as Villanova President Rev. Peter Donohue fondly recalled his days as a theatre student sharing the campus with Prevost in the mid-1970s. At a time when both Vietnam War and the Catholic Church were experiencing significant changes, Donohue remembered an era of transformation. The commemorative events were particularly vibrant, as thousands of balloons were released during a spring graduation event focused on raising awareness about world hunger, accompanied by a carnival and a marching band.
The newly elected pope, known now as His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, spent several formative years at Villanova, a university celebrated for champions not just in spirituality but also in athletics, with its men’s basketball team clinching national titles in 1985, 2016, and 2018. His ascent to the pope’s position has brought unprecedented recognition to the school, evoking pride across the campus and city. Philadelphia even paid homage with a billboard featuring Pope Leo XIV and the pun “From the Main Line to the Divine Line,” highlighting Villanova’s influence extending beyond worldly achievements to the divine realm.
Numerous students and faculty members, such as senior Peggy Murray who met the pope the prior year, expressed their delight and pride. They reminisced about meeting a humble and approachable man who took the time to interact and say Mass with them in Rome, unaware that he would one day become the head of the Catholic Church. Faculty and students alike celebrated the illustrious alumnus whose story is now interwoven with the university’s legacy.
Despite his rise to one of the most revered positions in the world, Prevost, who also holds an honorary Doctor of Humanities from Villanova since 2014, remains closely connected to the university. Donohue noted that the pope, a fervent supporter of Villanova basketball, regularly engages with the university—staying informed about their communications.
Rev. Rob Hagan, previously mentored by Prevost and currently serving as the athletics department chaplain, praised the pope for his intelligence, warmth, and mentorship abilities. Meanwhile, Reverend John Lydon, having shared a mission in Peru with Pope Leo XIV and witnessing his angelic singing voice and passion for soccer, emphasized the pope’s humility and deep devotion to his faith throughout their friendship.
Kevin Hughes, a professor of theology and religious studies at Villanova, shared the moment of disbelief and pride when hearing of Prevost’s election. He highlighted the pope’s ability to connect genuinely with individuals, a reflection of profound pastoral touch.
The Order of St. Augustine, rooted in the philosophies of the fifth-century St. Augustine of Hippo, continues to guide Villanova’s mission in providing education that embraces truth, unity, and love. With nearly 10,000 students enrolled, the institution prides itself on crafting an educational experience that motivates individuals to think critically and act compassionately.
While Villanova boasts a roster of lauded alumni such as former first lady Jill Biden, actor Bradley Cooper, and musician Jim Croce, educating a pope is an unparalleled achievement. As Donohue poignantly noted, the values of community that underscore Villanova resonate deeply with Pope Leo XIV’s life and leadership style, reflecting the principles that the university cherishes most.