Connect with us

Villanova

Villanova Reacts to a Pope from the Main Line

Published

2 weeks ago

on

Villanova alumnus Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, later elected Pope Leo XIV. Image courtesy of Wikipedia.
Image courtesy of Wikipedia

1977 Villanova alumnus Robert Francis Prevost was elected Pope Leo XIV on Thursday, May 8, the first member of the Augustinian order and native of the United States to hold the papacy.

Considered a dark horse candidate for the Roman Catholic Church’s highest office in the days leading up to conclave, the news sent a ripple through not just the Villanova community but the Philadelphia area as a whole. Wildcats fans and Southeastern Pennsylvania residents alike were quick to point out on social media that they might have eaten at the same Wawa as the pope, to look up Villanova’s record in the Holy War rivalry with St. Joseph’s University during Prevost’s time on campus (3-1) or to celebrate what unexpectedly became the most momentous day in the university’s 183 year history.

Students gathered at St. Thomas of Villanova Church to celebrate the news, with bells ringing and the alma mater playing.

One Twitter (X) user even found a yearbook photo from Prevost’s time at Villanova, while others searched Prevost’s social media accounts for references to Wildcats basketball.

Here’s a look at the wide range of reactions to Leo XIV’s election, both reverent and humorous.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Related Topics:

Subscribe to PHL Sports Now

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.