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Villanova Alumnus Robert Francis Prevost Elected Pope Leo XIV With Philadelphia Ties, University Leaders React

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Updated May 10, 2025, 07:14 PM

Villanova University is celebrating the election of its alumnus Robert Francis Prevost as the new pope, who has taken the papal name Leo XIV. The university's president, Peter Donohue, expressed surprise and pride at this development, noting his personal friendship with Prevost. Father Arthur Purcaro, Villanova's assistant vice president of mission and ministry, reflected on his relationship with Pope Leo XIV. The new pope has strong ties to the Philadelphia area through his studies at Villanova, where he was a student in the 1970s. The university community has expressed immense pride and enthusiasm following his election, highlighting the connection between the institution and the newly elected pontiff.

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#Villanova University #Robert Francis Prevost #Leo XIV #Peter Donohue #Arthur Purcaro #Villanova #Philadelphia

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Pope Leo XIV boasts a strong Philadelphia-area connection through his studies at Villanova. Take a listen as we talk group chat memes and the immense sense of pride that has swept the university. 📸: Getty Images https://t.co/rYsHjVtRHa https://t.co/VQh3U4ofFY

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Inside Villanova in the 1970s, when the future Pope Leo XIV arrived on campus https://t.co/7BZvY5dQbT

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Father Arthur Purcaro, the assistant vice president of mission and ministry with Villanova University, spoke with @GioBenitez and @InesdLC, reflecting on his relationship with newly elected Pope Leo XIV. https://t.co/RyVNsEXTPV https://t.co/gIwxUVF8Im