As celebrations unfold on campus, the community reflects on the impact of their notable graduate.
The Papacy of a Villanova Alumnus: Pope Leo XIV Emerges from the Augustinian Tradition
The Papacy of a Villanova Alumnus: Pope Leo XIV Emerges from the Augustinian Tradition
Villanova University celebrates the elevation of its alumnus, Robert Prevost, to Pope Leo XIV.
May 8, 2025, 6:53 p.m. ET. Students at Villanova University erupted in joy on Thursday as they gathered for a watch party to witness the white smoke signaling the election of a new pope. The moment was made even more special with the announcement of Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV, a proud alumnus of the institution.
Isabella Quatela, a senior and soon-to-be graduate, shared her excitement: “As soon as we heard ‘Prevost,’ everyone started cheering.” The campus, located in the suburbs of Philadelphia, celebrated with ringing church bells and jubilant toasts among faculty members.
Villanova, a notable Catholic university, is rooted in the Augustinian tradition emphasizing community and service. Prevost studied mathematics and philosophy there, earning his degree in 1977, and has maintained strong ties to his alma mater, returning to meet students and receiving an honorary doctorate in 2014.
Father Peter M. Donohue, the university president, noted Prevost’s deep commitment to Villanova. He expressed a sense of loss regarding a missed opportunity for the former cardinal to speak at commencement, acknowledging the busy schedule now ahead for Pope Leo XIV.
On Thursday, while attending a Villanova alumni event in Chicago, Father Donohue was inundated with congratulatory messages, including from rival Notre Dame university’s president. He expressed confidence that Prevost would embody a humble and community-oriented papacy, reflecting his pastoral character shown during his tenure as a cardinal.
On the Villanova campus, personal stories of connection to the new pope proliferated; friends of Quatela shared cherished photos from dinners with him, while humanities professor Anna Moreland reminisced about a past lunch with Prevost, raising champagne to celebrate the momentous occasion.
As the community revels in this historic milestone, the legacy of Pope Leo XIV is being closely tied to the core values instilled by Villanova’s Augustinian principles. The excitement is palpable as everyone looks forward to how this alumnus will impact the world stage.
Alan Blinder and Christopher Maag contributed reporting. Sarah Mervosh covers educational news for The Times, particularly K-12 schools.
Isabella Quatela, a senior and soon-to-be graduate, shared her excitement: “As soon as we heard ‘Prevost,’ everyone started cheering.” The campus, located in the suburbs of Philadelphia, celebrated with ringing church bells and jubilant toasts among faculty members.
Villanova, a notable Catholic university, is rooted in the Augustinian tradition emphasizing community and service. Prevost studied mathematics and philosophy there, earning his degree in 1977, and has maintained strong ties to his alma mater, returning to meet students and receiving an honorary doctorate in 2014.
Father Peter M. Donohue, the university president, noted Prevost’s deep commitment to Villanova. He expressed a sense of loss regarding a missed opportunity for the former cardinal to speak at commencement, acknowledging the busy schedule now ahead for Pope Leo XIV.
On Thursday, while attending a Villanova alumni event in Chicago, Father Donohue was inundated with congratulatory messages, including from rival Notre Dame university’s president. He expressed confidence that Prevost would embody a humble and community-oriented papacy, reflecting his pastoral character shown during his tenure as a cardinal.
On the Villanova campus, personal stories of connection to the new pope proliferated; friends of Quatela shared cherished photos from dinners with him, while humanities professor Anna Moreland reminisced about a past lunch with Prevost, raising champagne to celebrate the momentous occasion.
As the community revels in this historic milestone, the legacy of Pope Leo XIV is being closely tied to the core values instilled by Villanova’s Augustinian principles. The excitement is palpable as everyone looks forward to how this alumnus will impact the world stage.
Alan Blinder and Christopher Maag contributed reporting. Sarah Mervosh covers educational news for The Times, particularly K-12 schools.
