Villanova University Buzzes with Pride as Alumnus Becomes Pope Leo XIV

Villanova, Pennsylvania found itself basking in a unique and unexpected spotlight as news spread that one of its own, Robert Prevost, a 1977 graduate, had been chosen as the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church. Now known as Pope Leo XIV, Prevost’s ascension to the papacy sent waves of excitement and pride throughout the Villanova University community.

The announcement came at a particularly busy time on campus, coinciding with final exams, pre-graduation celebrations, and the flurry of students moving out of their dormitories. Despite the end-of-semester chaos, the news of Pope Leo XIV’s election quickly became the dominant topic of conversation, echoing through classrooms, dining halls, and even reaching the ears of visiting parents.

The university subtly acknowledged the historic event. A papal flag was prominently displayed at the campus center’s entrance, proudly fluttering alongside the school’s iconic logo. Beyond this symbolic gesture, the initial outward signs of celebration remained modest, reflecting a sense of reverence and anticipation.

In the heart of the student center, amidst the rainy weather, two sophomore biology majors, Kasey Wood and America Morrobel, discussed the news. Wood shared that she had first learned of Pope Leo XIV’s election through the ubiquitous medium of social media, with memes circulating rapidly among her peers. "I was a little shocked," Wood admitted. "It’s such a huge win for our school." Morrobel echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the unique connection the Villanova community now felt with the papacy. "The pontiff’s Villanova roots mean we can relate to him in a different way," she explained, "we can feel like the pope is a little closer to us."

Both students recalled hearing the joyous sounds of church bells ringing on May 8, the day the white papal smoke signaled the election’s conclusion. The celebratory atmosphere extended beyond the campus borders, as passing cars along the adjacent roadway honked in a collective expression of congratulations.

Wood, though not Catholic, shared a personal experience that had deepened her connection to Villanova’s Catholic and Augustinian traditions. During a trip to Rome with the school choir, she had the opportunity to perform at St. Peter’s Basilica, an experience that left her feeling deeply connected to the university’s heritage.

Villanova University had previously recognized Prevost’s accomplishments by awarding him an honorary Doctor of Humanities in 2014. At the time, he served as the apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo, Peru.

Over at the Holy Grounds Cafe, nestled within the campus center, sophomore political science major Teddy Dunn pondered the implications of the new papacy while enjoying a coffee and bagel. Dunn admitted he was not well-versed in the papal selection process until he watched the movie "Conclave". He expressed curiosity about Pope Leo XIV’s potential political and social stances. "He seems to move toward the middle, which is good," Dunn observed. His father, Nick, added his perspective, stating, "I’m looking forward to seeing this pope’s relationship with the White House, since Pope Francis was kind of tense." He also expressed interest in the new pope’s views on immigration and how those views might affect the United States.

Freshman Yixuan Huang from Upstate New York described Pope Leo XIV as "a wonderful representation of Villanova and its values," emphasizing his perceived "integrity and morals." Huang recounted that she chose Villanova for its welcoming atmosphere, accommodating people, and the beauty of its wooded campus with its historic stone buildings. "There’s a lot of Villanova pride," Huang declared, "and it’s very great to get the school’s name out there more for academics. People focus on sports, but the academics here are really rigorous."

Villanova’s athletic prowess, particularly in men’s basketball, is well-known in the Philadelphia region. The Wildcats are celebrated for their NCAA championship victories in 1985, 2016, and 2018, making them the only school among the city’s "Big 5" basketball teams to achieve such recent success.

Emmanuel Nwalipenja, a senior from Philadelphia, expressed his excitement about having a pope who graduated from Villanova. "This school really takes the Augustinian and Catholic work seriously," Nwalipenja stated, believing that Pope Leo XIV’s election reflected this commitment.

Tim Van der Walle, along with his wife, both graduates of Notre Dame University who previously lived in the Philadelphia area, toured Villanova’s campus with their daughter. They were impressed by the university’s atmosphere and its Augustinian emphasis on "veritas, unitas, caritas: truth, unity, love." These values, Van der Walle hoped, would be reflected in the new pope’s leadership. "The kids are passing around memes," he chuckled, referencing the lighthearted online reactions to the news. He particularly enjoyed a meme created by someone in the university’s math department, where Robert Prevost earned his undergraduate degree. The meme humorously pondered, "What can you do with a Villanova mathematics degree? Become the pope." This playful humor captured the unique blend of academic rigor and Catholic identity that defines Villanova University. The university now eagerly anticipates the direction Pope Leo XIV will take the Church, secure in the knowledge that one of their own stands at the helm.

The Villanova community continues to buzz with excitement, pride, and anticipation, eagerly awaiting the impact their distinguished alumnus will have on the world stage.