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Villanova University alumnus Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost elected as Pope Leo XIV; Pennsylvania-based Catholic institution counts first American pope among its class of 1977 graduates

May 8, 2025 The News Journal 1 min read

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May 8, 2025 (The News Journal) –

The first American-born pope, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost , has been elected to the papacy.

Pope Leo XIV is also an alumni of Villanova University 's Class of 1977.

Pope Leo XIV was selected as the new pope of the Roman Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City on May 8, 2025 , succeeding the late Pope Francis .

Villanova alumni Robert Francis Prevost OSA, graduated in the class of 1977 with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics degree.

Here's what to know about Villanova University .

Where is Villanova University ?

Villanova University is a private Catholic research university in Villanova, Pennsylvania , just 12 miles outside of Philadelphia . It was was founded by the Order of Saint Augustine in 1842 and named after Saint Thomas of Villanova . It is the oldest Catholic university in Pennsylvania and one of only two Augustinian institutions of higher learning in the U.S.

The school boasts an enrollment of 6,700 students and is widely known for being a men's basketball powerhouse. Some notable alumni include Howie Long , John Hennessy , Tim Thomas , Toby Keith , Jim Croce and even Jill Biden .

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal : Where is Villanova University ? What to know about Pope Leo XIV's alma mater

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