In brief
Students, alumni, and faculty at Villanova University celebrate the historic election of Robert Prevost, their renowned alumnus, as Pope Leo XIV, marking a significant moment for the institution.
On May 8, 2025, Villanova University in Pennsylvania erupted with excitement as the school learned that Robert Francis Prevost, an alumnus from the 1970s, had been elected as the new pope. During a watch party on campus, students collectively cheered when they heard his name announced. “As soon as we heard ‘Prevost,’ everyone started cheering,” said Isabella Quatela, a senior preparing for graduation.In celebration, church bells rang continuously, and professors toasted with champagne, sending congratulatory messages to university leadership as they commemorated their newest notable alumnus. With a student body of approximately 10,000, Villanova stands as the nation's leading Catholic university of the Augustinian order, known for its commitment to community, truth, charity, and unity.Prevost's journey from a mathematics and philosophy undergraduate to leader of the Catholic Church is remarkable. He graduated in 1977 and stayed connected with Villanova, receiving an honorary doctor of humanities degree in 2014 and often visiting the campus. Villanova's president, the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, expressed pride in Prevost’s achievements, mentioning his loyalty to the school and reflecting on plans for commencement speeches, which may have to adapt now that he has ascended to the papacy.On the day of the announcement, Father Donohue was in Chicago, Prevost's hometown, for alumni events, with the news prompting a flood of congratulatory messages, including a note from Notre Dame's president. He praised Prevost’s humble approach during his time as a cardinal and noted his dedication to community, frequently visiting nearby Augustinian communities in Vatican City for meals and prayers.The excitement spread quickly on campus, with many students reporting personal connections to the new pope. Quatela noted that friends who had dined with Prevost in Rome were thrilled to say, “I met the pope.” Similarly, humanities professor Anna Moreland shared her own memory of having lunch with him and raised a toast to mark the historic day.Alan Blinder and Christopher Maag contributed reporting to this story. Sarah Mervosh covers education for The Times with a focus on K-12 schools.
