Pope Leo XIV puts on a Villanova baseball cap in support of his alma mater at a Wednesday public meeting.
Pope Leo XIV rocked a Villanova baseball cap to support his alma mater during a meeting with the National Italian American Foundation on Wednesday.
The recently named 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, who was born Robert Francis Prevost, graduated from Villanova University in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics.
Known as “Bob” during his college years, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics.
Pope Leo XIV was gifted the hat during the meeting and immediately put it on, grinning. Now, not only the first American-born pope, but he is also the first pope to model university apparel.
During the meeting, the pope welcomed the NIAF, one of the largest associations representing Italian-Americans in the United States, and praised its efforts.
Has the Pope worn your school’s hat? #Villanova @Pontifex pic.twitter.com/BEG5OaTzq8
"Your work to continue to educate young people regarding Italian culture and history, as well as providing scholarships and other charitable assistance in both countries, helps to maintain a mutually beneficial and concrete connection between the two nations,” the pope told the crowd during the event.
He related by sharing his Italian American history and roots, noting that his paternal grandfather immigrated to the U.S. from Sicily.
“A hallmark of many who emigrated to the United States from Italy was their Catholic faith, with its rich traditions of popular piety and devotions that they continued to practice in their new nation. This faith sustained them in difficult moments, even as they arrived with a sense of hope for a prosperous future in their new country,” he said to the group.
Even while addressing global Catholic matters, the pope hasn’t forgotten his Wildcat pride. Once a Villanovan, always a Villanovan.
