In a remarkable turn of events, Villanova University, nestled in the suburbs of Philadelphia, is basking in the joy of its distinguished graduate, Robert Francis Prevost, being elected as the new Pope Leo XIV. The announcement was met with jubilation across the university campus, where students gathered to watch the historic moment unfold live from the Vatican.
Pope Leo XIV: Villanova University's Celebrated Alumnus Takes the Throne
Pope Leo XIV: Villanova University's Celebrated Alumnus Takes the Throne
Villanova University celebrates the election of its notable alumnus Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV.
On Thursday, as white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel, a watch party at Villanova erupted into cheers when the name Prevost was announced. Senior Isabella Quatela expressed the collective thrill of her fellow students, highlighting the excitement surrounding their prominent alumnus. The university's campus celebrated with ringing church bells and a jubilant atmosphere, as faculty members raised toasts and congratulatory messages flooded the inbox of President Rev. Peter M. Donohue.
As the leading institution of the Augustinian order, Villanova University has a long-standing commitment to community, truth, and charity, principles that Pope Leo XIV is expected to uphold, rooted in his past as a devoted member of the Augustinian community. Prevost's journey through the university began long ago when he graduated in 1977 with a mathematics degree while simultaneously fostering a deep connection to his alma mater.
The university's president expressed wishes he could have invited the new papal leader to serve as a commencement speaker before noting the probability that Prevost's papal responsibilities would preclude such engagements. On the day of the historic announcement, Father Donohue was attending a Villanova alumni event in Chicago but quickly found himself inundated with messages of congratulations following Prevost’s selection.
Prevost's background reflects a humble approach to leadership, embodying a philosophy of community that resonates throughout his long-standing ties to Villanova. This sentiment was echoed by faculty members, such as professor Anna Moreland, who fondly recalled her personal interactions with him. Indeed, many at Villanova felt a sense of personal connection, sharing stories and memories of time with the new pope.
As Pope Leo XIV embarks on this new chapter, the ties between him and his alma mater are anticipated to strengthen, marking an inspiring intersection of academia and faith at Villanova University.
As the leading institution of the Augustinian order, Villanova University has a long-standing commitment to community, truth, and charity, principles that Pope Leo XIV is expected to uphold, rooted in his past as a devoted member of the Augustinian community. Prevost's journey through the university began long ago when he graduated in 1977 with a mathematics degree while simultaneously fostering a deep connection to his alma mater.
The university's president expressed wishes he could have invited the new papal leader to serve as a commencement speaker before noting the probability that Prevost's papal responsibilities would preclude such engagements. On the day of the historic announcement, Father Donohue was attending a Villanova alumni event in Chicago but quickly found himself inundated with messages of congratulations following Prevost’s selection.
Prevost's background reflects a humble approach to leadership, embodying a philosophy of community that resonates throughout his long-standing ties to Villanova. This sentiment was echoed by faculty members, such as professor Anna Moreland, who fondly recalled her personal interactions with him. Indeed, many at Villanova felt a sense of personal connection, sharing stories and memories of time with the new pope.
As Pope Leo XIV embarks on this new chapter, the ties between him and his alma mater are anticipated to strengthen, marking an inspiring intersection of academia and faith at Villanova University.
