Pope Leo XIV Dons Villanova Hat in Viral Clip

At this point, everyone knows that Pope Leo XIV, the first-ever pope from the continent of North America (and the United States specifically) spent his undergraduate years at Villanova.

It remains unclear, however, what type of connection he’ll maintain with his alma mater in light of his new responsibilities. Villanova University President Father Peter M. Donohue said in an appearance on the Today Show that Leo, born Robert Prevost, traditionally pays the university a visit whenever he finds himself back in the United States: Prevost’s work as a missionary and member of the Augustinian Order saw him spend several decades in South America, including Peru.

While spending time meeting Italian-Americans in the Vatican on Wednesday, June 4 — recognizing the importance of the Catholic faith to many of those who emigrated from Italy to the United States — one of Leo’s visitors offered him a baseball cap emblazoned with the Villanova logo. The pope promptly swapped out his white zucchetto for the Wildcats’ attire to wide cheers from his audience, before changing back into his official garb.

The clip, which one can view here, promptly went viral.

Pope Leo XIV meeting Italian Americans today at the Vatican pic.twitter.com/Ho5fTbLdRh

— Catholic Arena (@CatholicArena) June 4, 2025

Always quick to think of the impact for the Wildcats’ beloved basketball team, Villanova fan and Barstool Sports personality Max Dolente promptly asked what having the pope as a fan will do for recruiting. Only time will tell.