Villanova University Celebrates as Alumnus Becomes Pope Leo XIV
Pope Leo XIV’s appointment as the 267th leader of the Catholic Church has brought a unique sense of pride and excitement to Villanova University, as the new pope is not just an Augustinian friar but also an alumnus of the institution. This historic event marks the first time an American-born leader has been elected as the head of the Catholic Church, adding a special significance for the Villanova community and the Order of St. Augustine.
The proclamation “Habemus Papam”—”We have a Pope”—holds an extra layer of meaning to the Villanova community and the Order of St. Augustine.
In a bustling Chicago restaurant, Villanova University President, Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, ’75 CLAS, was caught by surprise as he learned that Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a fellow Villanovan, had been elected as Pope Leo XIV. Father Donohue was dining with alumni when the announcement was made, and his reaction was one of disbelief and joy.
Villanova University President the Rev. Peter M. Donohue embraces Robert Prevost—now Pope Leo XIV—after awarding him an honorary Doctor of Humanities, honoris causa, in 2014. Father Donohue was at a restaurant in the Pope’s hometown of Chicago when he heard the announcement.
“I practically fell off the chair,” Father Donohue shared with TIME Magazine, as messages flooded his phone. The news was particularly thrilling not just because of the historical significance but also due to the personal connection. Cardinal Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, is a graduate of Villanova and a personal friend of Father Donohue.
“It is difficult to put into words what a joy this is for our Church, the Augustinians and Villanova,” Father Donohue reflected. “And knowing him personally, I can attest to his faith, humility and wisdom, which will make him an outstanding leader for the global Church.”
In Rome, the Rev. Arthur Purcaro, OSA, STD, ’72 CLAS, Villanova’s assistant vice president for Mission and Ministry, was starting a sabbatical. He planned to celebrate a private Mass with Cardinal Prevost and possibly the late Pope Francis. However, the passing of Pope Francis turned their plans into a Requiem Mass.
Days away from being announced as Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Prevost spent time with longtime friend the Rev. Arthur Purcaro, Villanova’s assistant vice president of Mission and Ministry.
“The thrill, the emotion, the hope this choice inspires in me, is that each one of us—loyal to our Augustinian values of Truth, Unity and Charity—can make a real difference,” Father Purcaro expressed. His sentiments were shared by others in the community, including the Rev. Robert Hagan, OSA, JD, ’87 CLAS, who described the moment as akin to a family member stepping up to the balcony.
Father Hagan, in an interview with CNN, remarked, “To see him walk to that balcony was like seeing a family member step up there.”
An early morning train ride from Milan bought Professor of Law Michael Moreland enough time to witness the introduction of Pope Leo XIV from just a few hundred feet away in St. Peter’s Square.
Michael Moreland, JD, PhD, a Villanova Law professor, managed to arrive in St. Peter’s Square just in time to witness the historic announcement. He recounted the palpable excitement in the square and the awe of seeing the new pope, a fellow Villanovan, introduced to the world.
“He had a beautiful presence about him,” Moreland stated. “It was a powerful moment, being there with the universal Church.”
Chair of Catholic Legal Studies Patrick Brennan was minutes from going live on FOX 29 to discuss the end of the conclave when he learned the new Pope was Villanova alumnus Robert Prevost.
Patrick Brennan, JD, Chair of Catholic Legal Studies at Villanova, experienced a whirlwind day as he rushed to a TV studio to discuss the new pope. His planned commentary was overtaken by the significance of the announcement, given the pope’s connection to Villanova.
“I still can’t believe it,” Brennan shared on air. “There is nothing like this in Villanova’s history.”
Kevin Hughes, chair of Theology and Religious Studies, takes a moment to himself to watch Pope Leo XIV ‘s introduction after celebrating the surprising announcement with colleagues.
On Villanova’s campus, the news was met with spontaneous celebrations. The bells of St. Thomas of Villanova Church echoed across the campus, while students and faculty alike shared in the joy of the moment.
Caroline Pirtle and faculty advisor Frank Klassner capture images for a virtual reality tour of St. Peter’s Basilica. Caroline spent the semester interning in the Vatican and witnessed the announcement of Pope Leo on the plane ride home.
Caroline Pirtle ’26 CLAS, who had been interning at the Vatican, received the news mid-flight. Her excitement was shared by her fellow passengers, marking the culmination of a semester steeped in the realities of Vatican life.
As Villanova continues to revel in the pride of this historic moment, the community celebrates not just the appointment of a new pope, but the enduring connection between their institution and its distinguished alumnus, Pope Leo XIV.
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