What does the election of His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, mean to Villanova University and the world?
In his first public remarks as Pope, he said, “I am a son of St. Augustine.” That choice of words set the tone for the first months of his pontificate, in which he has made frequent reference to St. Augustine.
It’s impossible to say, at this point, what Pope Leo XIV’s election will mean for the world. But one thing is certain: He is an Augustinian friar, and his leadership will be deeply rooted in the teachings of St. Augustine—the very same teachings that ground Villanova’s mission and identity in the Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition. That shared foundation offers a meaningful connection between the papacy and our University, and it may well lead to a broader global awareness of Villanova’s values and vision.
For the Villanova community, the election of Pope Leo has sparked a profound sense of pride among our more than 140,000 alumni worldwide. Together, we practice Veritas in pursuing truth through dialogue and our academic pursuits; Unitas in sharing our commitment to one another; and Caritas in caring for all, particularly those most often overlooked.
Every Villanovan now shares a unique legacy with His Holiness—not only as graduates of Villanova, but as individuals shaped by the same principles of Veritas, Unitas, Caritas.
There are other, more personal commonalities as well: We were all formed by an Augustinian Catholic education grounded in intellectual curiosity, community and service to others. We all studied in Villanova's classrooms, walked the campus and built lifelong friendships here. And yes, we all cheer for the Wildcats.
While some of these connections may be lighthearted, a more profound truth remains—Pope Leo XIV is one of our own. His election is a moment of celebration for Villanova, and a reminder of the enduring power of our shared values. As Villanovans, we take pride in seeing our Augustinian Catholic foundation reflected on the world stage. And I, for one, believe the world will be better for it.