VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY NEWS
One Year Later: Reflecting on the Election of Pope Leo XIV
May 8, 2025, will forever be etched in the hearts and minds of the Villanova community. On this day, Pope Leo XIV was named the leader of the global Catholic Church. One year later, we pause to reflect on what this historic moment has meant for the world, the Church and, in a singular way, Villanova.
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VILLANOVA IN THE NEWS
Associated Press
A Year in, What’s on Pope Leo XIV’s to-do List? And What has he Done so Far?
May 8, 2026 - He already has named Archbishop Ronald Hicks to replace retiring Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, but that appointment “didn’t ideologically code dramatically one way or the other ... in keeping with Leo’s overall kind of approach to a lot of these decisions,” said Michael Moreland, professor of law and religion at Leo’s alma mater, Villanova University.
The New York Times
Leo XIV Is the First Pope From the U.S. He’s Making That an Asset.
May 6, 2026 - Leo was elected not so much for his American pedigree as for his global experience... "I think in many ways, he's not a U.S. pope," said Jaisy A. Joseph, a theology professor at Villanova University in Pennsylvania, Leo's alma mater.
Associated Press
Dear Readers: Yes, Pen Pal Programs Still Exist in a Digital World
May 5, 2026 - At Villanova University, professor Kamran Javadizadeh requires students to send letters to each other as part of a literature class called "Letters, Texts, Twitter" that examines different forms of epistolary communication in literature.
CNN
Interstellar Comet Came From a Much Different Solar System Than Ours
May 1, 2026 - The comet, named 3I/ATLAS, gained global attention when researchers first discovered it zipping through our solar system in July... "We're very clearly only seeing the top of the iceberg when it comes to studying these interstellar comets," said planetary astronomer Dr. Theodore Kareta, an assistant professor of astrophysics and planetary science at Villanova University near Philadelphia.
Associated Press
High Oil Prices Due to the Iran War Weigh on Everything From the Gas Pump to Consumer Goods
April 30, 2026 - Steep diesel prices are making it more expensive to haul everyday goods. Diesel is now at an average of nearly $5.50 a gallon, up from $3.76 before the war, AAA says... "Diesel's the one that you want to watch out for for prices of consumer goods," said Peter Zaleski, professor of economics at Villanova University.
Forbes
AI Can Improve Pay-for-Performance, if Leaders Ask the Right Questions
April 23, 2026 - "Artificial intelligence offers distinct opportunities to boost pay-for-performance programs, but chasing the AI hype could also trigger unintended consequences." Corinne Post is the Fred J. Springer Endowed Chair in Business Leadership and professor of management at Villanova School of Business.
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