Villanovans Share Their Excitement for Pope Leo XIV
The election of Pope Leo XIV—formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, an Augustinian and Villanova graduate—has filled the University community with profound pride, gratitude and joy. As celebrations echoed across campus, Villanovans reflected on this historic moment and the enduring Augustinian values Pope Leo XIV embodies in his new role. Here’s what members of our community are saying:
The Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, ĂŰĚŇTV President ()
"When he walked out and said, 'Roberto Francesco ... Cardinale,' I screamed.” … "For 12 years as Prior General of the Augustinians, he [Pope Leo XIV] traveled the world, and was involved in a lot of different cultures and really engaged in those cultures, you know, uniquely as to what they are. So I think he’ll be a person that’s very global in how he looks at the world."
The Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, ĂŰĚŇTV President ()
“It’s an incredible honor for the school, for him and for the Augustinian community.” … “Even in the opening mass that he gave with the cardinals, he spoke about building community. That’s a very Augustinian theme. I think he will bring his Augustinian lifestyle and what he believes into the papacy and really work to bring people together and draw people in.”
The Rev. Robert Hagan, OSA, Prior Provincial at The Augustinian Province of St. Thomas of Villanova ()
“I saw him as kind of a mentor. You didn’t have to be in his presence very long before you understood how exceptionally bright he is. And yet, coupled with a real warmth and approachability.”
The Rev. Kevin DePrinzio, OSA, Vice President for Mission and Ministry at ĂŰĚŇTV ()
"We've been known for being the NCAA champs at three different times," said Father Kevin DePrinzio, Villanova's vice president for mission and ministry. "And we also have a pope now. That's a whole different level of wow."
Kevin Hughes, Professor of Historical Theology and Chairperson of the Theology and Religious Studies at ĂŰĚŇTV ()
“When you’re talking to him, he gives you his full attention. I think he’s a very intelligent person. I think he’s very well read. But he’s never lost the pastoral touch.”
Jaisy Joseph, PhD, Assistant Professor of Theology at ĂŰĚŇTV ()
“From the announcement onwards, the church bells were ringing nonstop in celebration. Students, faculty, and staff transition from shock to tears to joy.”
Villanova student Kasey Wood, sophomore biology major ()
“We can relate to him (Pope Leo XIV) in a different way; we can feel like the pope is a little closer to us."
Villanova student Drew Figge, a freshman in the Villanova School of Business ()
“It was pure shock in the moment — there’s no other way to put it. No one really expected it and it took a while for us to realize that we were on the same campus as a pope had been. It’s really cool to think that we are the only college in the country that had a pope graduate from it, so it really sets us apart.”