Villanova Legend Jay Wright Pays Tribute to Pope Francis

Former Villanova Men’s Basketball head coach and Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame member Jay Wright took to social media on Monday, April 21 following the passing of Pope Francis I, paying tribute to the former head of the Roman Catholic Church.

Wright’s social media message said “Rest in Peace POPE FRANCIS . One of the greatest days of our lives meeting Pope Francis ! We will all be forever blessed by his grace and love !”

Wright visited the Vatican in April 2018 along with Villanova University President Father Peter M. Donohue and members of the University’s Council and Board of Trustees. The visit took place just days after Wright and the Wildcats won the third national championship in program history; Wright presented Pope Francis with a basketball signed by members of his team.

The Pope’s official address to the Villanova delegation credited the University for their commitment to Augustinian values.

“As an heir to the great Augustinian tradition of learning inspired by the pursuit of divine wisdom, your University was founded to preserve and pass on the richness of the Catholic tradition to new generations of students, who, like the young Augustine, seek true meaning and value in true life,” the statement read. “In fidelity to this vision, the University, as a community of research and study, must also address the complex ethical and cultural challenges raised by the epochal changes affecting our world today.”