Pope Leo @ One: Augustinian, Pastoral, Prophetic
Villanova University hosted a panel discussion, “Pope Leo @ One: Augustinian, Pastoral, Prophetic,” on Tuesday, April 28, from 5-6:30 p.m. in the Villanova Room of the Connelly Center. Marking the first anniversary of Pope Leo XIV’s election, the event explored the early direction of his papacy through the lens of Villanova’s Augustinian Catholic tradition, with a focus on pastoral leadership, prophetic witness and engagement with the global Church.
Hosted by Villanova’s Office for Mission and Ministry, the panel featured experts and thought leaders discussing Pope Leo XIV’s influences, emerging priorities and the path ahead. The discussion was facilitated by Tia Noelle Pratt, PhD, special assistant to the Vice President for Mission & Ministry and director of Mission Engagement and Strategic Initiatives for Mission and Ministry. The Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, Villanova University President, offered opening remarks.
Featured panelists:
- Robert Cardinal McElroy, Archbishop of Washington, who participated in the May 2025 conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV
- Justin McLellan, Vatican Correspondent, National Catholic Reporter
- The Rev. John Lydon, OSA, PhD, Director, Villanova University’s Mother Cabrini Institute on Immigration
- Jaisy A. Joseph, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Theology and Religious Studies, Villanova University
- Hannah Kalamarides ’26 COE, Villanova student and synodal fellow in Villanova University’s Office for Mission and Ministry, who participated in the Jubilee Year of the Synod in Rome in October 2025
The panelists offered diverse perspectives on Pope Leo XIV’s leadership, the global Church, and the ongoing Synod on Synodality, reflecting Villanova’s commitment to dialogue, discernment and community engagement.
