FATHER ANSWERS QUESTIONS

   

Dear Friends,

“What a joyous time to be Catholic, Augustinian and Villanovan.”

I found myself repeating those words often—joyfully and with pride—after Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, OSA, ’77 CLAS was elected the 267th head of the Catholic Church. Now known as Pope Leo XIV, he is not only the first pope from the United States, but also a fellow Augustinian and Villanovan. What an extraordinary honor for our community.

His journey from the halls of Villanova to the heart of the Vatican is a powerful testament to the enduring impact of an education rooted in Augustinian Catholic values. It speaks to the transformative spirit that defines our University and the people it shapes.

Naturally, questions about Pope Leo have filled many of my conversations this year. But they weren’t the only ones. Villanovans—near and far—have reached out with curiosity and enthusiasm about a range of topics. I would like to share with you some of the most frequently asked questions I’ve received, along with my reflections and responses.

Sincerely,

The Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD
President