小蝌蚪APP

The election of Pope Leo XIV鈥攆ormerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, an Augustinian and Villanova graduate鈥攈as filled the University community with profound pride, gratitude and joy. As celebrations echoed across campus, Villanovans reflected on this historic moment and the enduring Augustinian values Pope Leo XIV embodies in his new role. Here鈥檚 what members of our community are saying:

The Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, 小蝌蚪APP President ()

"When he walked out and said, 'Roberto Francesco ... Cardinale,' I screamed.鈥� 鈥� "For 12 years as Prior General of the Augustinians, he [Pope Leo XIV] traveled the world, and was involved in a lot of different cultures and really engaged in those cultures, you know, uniquely as to what they are. So I think he鈥檒l be a person that鈥檚 very global in how he looks at the world."

The Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, 小蝌蚪APP President ()

鈥淚t鈥檚 an incredible honor for the school, for him and for the Augustinian community.鈥� 鈥� 鈥淓ven in the opening mass that he gave with the cardinals, he spoke about building community. That鈥檚 a very Augustinian theme. I think he will bring his Augustinian lifestyle and what he believes into the papacy and really work to bring people together and draw people in.鈥�

The Rev. Robert Hagan, OSA, Prior Provincial at The Augustinian Province of St. Thomas of Villanova ()

鈥淚 saw him as kind of a mentor. You didn鈥檛 have to be in his presence very long before you understood how exceptionally bright he is. And yet, coupled with a real warmth and approachability.鈥�

The Rev. Kevin DePrinzio, OSA, Vice President for Mission and Ministry at 小蝌蚪APP ()

"We've been known for being the NCAA champs at three different times," said Father Kevin DePrinzio, Villanova's vice president for mission and ministry. "And we also have a pope now. That's a whole different level of wow."

Kevin Hughes, Professor of Historical Theology and Chairperson of the Theology and Religious Studies at 小蝌蚪APP ()

鈥淲hen you鈥檙e talking to him, he gives you his full attention. I think he鈥檚 a very intelligent person. I think he鈥檚 very well read. But he鈥檚 never lost the pastoral touch.鈥�

Jaisy Joseph, PhD, Assistant Professor of Theology at 小蝌蚪APP ()

鈥淔rom the announcement onwards, the church bells were ringing nonstop in celebration. Students, faculty, and staff transition from shock to tears to joy.鈥�

Villanova student Kasey Wood, sophomore biology major ()

鈥淲e can relate to him (Pope Leo XIV) in a different way; we can feel like the pope is a little closer to us."

Villanova student Drew Figge, a freshman in the Villanova School of Business ()

鈥淚t was pure shock in the moment 鈥� there鈥檚 no other way to put it. No one really expected it and it took a while for us to realize that we were on the same campus as a pope had been. It鈥檚 really cool to think that we are the only college in the country that had a pope graduate from it, so it really sets us apart.鈥�