'We Celebrate This Significant Day': Villanova Reacts To New Pope, A Hometown Hero

VILLANOVA, PA — The first American to ever be named pope, Villanova University graduate Robert Francis Prevost, is being embraced as a Philly guy.

In a statement, Villanova described Prevost, who has named himself Pope Leo XIV, as someone of "humility, gentle spirit, prudence, and warmth."

“As an Augustinian Catholic institution, we celebrate this significant day for our University community and the global Church," University President Peter M. Donohue said early Thursday afternoon. "With today’s election of His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, I cannot help but reflect on what his Augustinian papacy will mean to our University community and our world...Pope Leo XIV’s leadership offers an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to our educational mission."

The 69-year-old Prevost graduated from Villanova in 1977 with a bachelor's degree in mathematics.

Outside the church, the appointment is carrying all kinds of symbolism and superstition for the Delaware Valley.

"Grease the poles," Barstool Philly's X page shared.

"He is the first pope to ever sit in traffic on the Blue Route," another said, though that is probably not true after Pope Francis's historic visit to the Philadelphia area in 2015.

"Villanova sacrificed three basketball seasons for this moment," said another.

New York Knicks fans, meanwhile, are taking the appointment as a sign from the heavens. The Knicks have an unlikely 2-0 series lead in the NBA playoffs Eastern Conference semifinals over the Boston Celtics, thanks in large part to the contributions from Villanova graduates Jalen Brunson, Mikhal Bridges, and Josh Hart.

"THE NEW POPE IS CARDINAL PREVOST FROM VILLANOVA," one fan determined. "KNICKS ARE GOING ALL THE WAY."

See related: First American Pope Ever Is A Villanova Grad: What To Know

Prevost is generally considered to be a centrist both politically and theologically, though he has expressed progressive views on on the Catholic notion of "synodality" and solidarity with the poor and marginalized. He's also embraced conservative views on various issues of church doctrine, including not allowing women to become priests. His basketball views are unknown.

Recently, he's expressed disagreement with President Trump's administration and its stance on immigration. Specifically, he responded to Vice President JD Vance's comments after Vance met with Pope Francis just before Francis's death.

"JD Vance is wrong," Prevost wrote in an op-ed. "Jesus doesn't ask us to rank our love for others."

After graduating from Villanova, Prevost returned to his native Chicago, where he obtained a master of divinity degree from the Catholic Theological Union in 1982. He was ordained as a priest the same year.