In a jubilant atmosphere on May 8, 2025, students at Villanova University celebrated as former student Robert Francis Prevost was announced as the new Pope Leo XIV. The moment unfolded during a watch party on campus when white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel, signaling the selection of the new pontiff. As soon as his name was mentioned, cheers erupted among students, with many taking pride in having an alumnus now leading the global Catholic Church.
Pope Leo XIV: Villanova University Celebrates a Remarkable Alumnus
Pope Leo XIV: Villanova University Celebrates a Remarkable Alumnus
The announcement of Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV has brought excitement to Villanova University, heralding a historic moment for the college community.
The campus was alive with festivities, including ringing church bells and professors raising toasts. Villanova, a premier Catholic institution rooted in the Augustinian order, boasts approximately 10,000 students. Prevost, an alumnus who graduated with a mathematics degree in 1977, now steps into a significant role after a long tenure in the church and a deep connection to his alma mater.
Pope Leo XIV, who had previously led the Augustinian order, is described by Villanova’s president, Rev. Peter M. Donohue, as embodying humility and simplicity. Throughout his priesthood, he consistently emphasized the importance of community, often visiting the Augustinian community in Vatican City for meals and prayers.
The Villanova community feels closely tied to the new pope, with many students and faculty recalling personal encounters with him. The electricity in the air was palpable, with professors celebrating with champagne at lunchtime gatherings upon hearing the news. The pride for Prevost’s ascension is representative of the institution’s values of truth, charity, and unity as they look forward to his leadership at the Vatican.
As celebrations continue, the sense of connection and community at Villanova University is amplified by the remarkable journey of one of its own, now celebrated as Pope Leo XIV.
Pope Leo XIV, who had previously led the Augustinian order, is described by Villanova’s president, Rev. Peter M. Donohue, as embodying humility and simplicity. Throughout his priesthood, he consistently emphasized the importance of community, often visiting the Augustinian community in Vatican City for meals and prayers.
The Villanova community feels closely tied to the new pope, with many students and faculty recalling personal encounters with him. The electricity in the air was palpable, with professors celebrating with champagne at lunchtime gatherings upon hearing the news. The pride for Prevost’s ascension is representative of the institution’s values of truth, charity, and unity as they look forward to his leadership at the Vatican.
As celebrations continue, the sense of connection and community at Villanova University is amplified by the remarkable journey of one of its own, now celebrated as Pope Leo XIV.
