New Pope Nicknamed 'Bob' at His Previous American University
Rewritten Article:
VILLANOVA, Pennsylvania
The tranquil premises of Villanova University are brimming with excitement after the selection of Robert Prevost, a former student, to the supreme seat of the Catholic Church.
Known affectionately as "Father Bob," he studied mathematics on these very grounds, before making his way up the Vatican's lofty halls.
Nestled in the verdant suburbs of Philadelphia, the townsfolk, faculty, and students erupted in cheers, as Cardinal Prevost was crowned Pope Leo XIV on a thunderous Thursday.
Picture: AFP
More than just a first American pope, he is the first from the Augustinian congregation, whose principles underpin the essence of life at Villanova.
Hearing rumblings from open dormitory doors nearby, 19-year-old Amelia Weiss, a biochemistry major, couldn't help but overhear the jubilant cries.
"Suddenly, I hear people yelling," she recounted, "Everyone was just so elated!"
Mathematics enthusiasts, she claims, were particularly thrilled, seemingly floating on a cloud of nine.
Chicago-born Prevost graduated from Villanova in 1977, becoming the first US college alumnus rooted in the Augustinian tradition.
"When they called his name and he appeared from that balcony, we were truly stunned. It was an overwhelming wave of surprise, joy, and tears – people were shouting!" exclaimed Reverend Robert Hagan, a campus chaplain.
"And you know, to think that, just like you said, he's Bob," he continued.
At Villanova, established in 1842 by Irish Catholics, the works of St. Augustine serve as mandatory reading for all students, regardless of their field of study.
The 4th-century Roman philosopher and theologian, who hailed from Africa, inspired the Order of St. Augustine. The university's mission emphasizes promoting "truth, unity, and love" on campus.
History student Will Kelly was taken aback by the "surreal" election of Leo, and he cherished the required reading.
"Even if the text was 1600 years old, there's still a level of relevance to it," Kelly said.
Augustinian scripture expert and assistant professor Jaisy Joseph expresses hope that Leo XIV, or "Bob" as she calls him, will apply his Villanova wisdom as pope.
She believes that the university – and Augustinian belief – fosters a sense of camaraderie, where people support each other in their spiritual journeys.
"We grapple with truth together, shoulder-to-shoulder," she said.
Joseph mentioned that every Villanova student is familiar with one phrase: "become what you are not yet."
Enrichment Data:Robert Francis Prevost, now known as Pope Leo XIV, is a crucial figure in the Catholic Church with close ties to Villanova University. Born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1955, Prevost graduated from Villanova University in 1977[2][3]. After completing undergraduate studies, he embarked on further theological education, earning a Master of Divinity degree from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago in 1982[3]. He was ordained a priest the same year[3].
Prevost's connection to Villanova University transcends academics, as it also reflects his commitment to the Augustinian Order, an institution rooted in Villanova. He joined the Order of St. Augustine in 1977 and became a prominent figure within the Order, serving as prior general from 2001 to 2014[2][3]. His election as Pope Leo XIV signifies a historical achievement, since he is both the first American pope and the first Augustinian to sit on the papal throne[2][5].
Prevost's career trajectory involves key roles in Peru, where he was involved with Augustinian missions, and later as bishop of Chiclayo. He was elevated to Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in January 2025, before his election as pope[3]. His leadership style is characterized by modesty, a gentle demeanor, prudence, and warmth, which is anticipated to guide his papacy[2].
- In the spirit of Villanova University, where the principles of Augustinian congregation are deeply ingrained, Amelia Weiss, a biochemistry major, shares the enthusiasm of fellow mathematics enthusiasts, hoping that the new Pope Leo XIV, formerly Robert Prevost, will apply his knowledge gained during his education-and-self-development years at the university in his role as pope.
- Augustinian scripture expert and assistant professor Jaisy Joseph expresses hope that Pope Leo XIV, or "Bob" as she calls him, will carry the wisdom he acquired during his undergraduate studies at Villanova University into his papal duties, believing that the university's focus on learning and growth will continue to guide him in his spiritual leadership.
