Following a period of anticipation, Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti presented the new pontiff to a large crowd in St. Peter’s Square.

Robert Francis Prevost, an American, was chosen as Pope Francis’ successor on May 8, 2025, after four ballots by 133 cardinals.

As the world considers Pope Leo XIV’s qualifications, Villanova University is celebrating the selection of their alumnus.

“It’s a great day for Catholics to have a new pope,” said Patrick Brennan, chair of Catholic Legal Studies at Villanova University.

“I was surprised to learn, along with everyone else, that the new pope was a Villanova graduate.”

Pope Leo XIV graduated in 1977.

Villanova University, a private Catholic institution near Philadelphia, has approximately 6,700 undergraduates and 3,100 graduate and law students.

“He’s a local who has achieved remarkable success,” Brennan noted. “We now have an American pope.”

Pope Leo XIV is the first pope from the United States.

Despite doubts about the College of Cardinals electing an American, Brennan was “thrilled” by Prevost’s announcement.

“Those who know him consider him an excellent priest,” Brennan stated. “He’s been a valued member of the Augustinian order, and Pope Francis has entrusted him with significant responsibilities. It’s a joyous occasion.”

Prevost was appointed a cardinal in 2023.

The Augustinian order, inspired by St. Augustine, was founded in the 13th century.

“The Augustinians are less known in the U.S. than the Jesuits but are important to the American church,” Brennan explained.

Pope Francis, a Jesuit and a first, broke precedent as the first member of a religious order in centuries.

Pope Leo XIV has also made history.

“Although less prominent than the Jesuits, they do exceptional work,” Brennan commented on the Augustinians. “This will greatly encourage them in their Church endeavors.”

In 1842, the Augustinians established Villanova University in Philadelphia before moving to its current suburban location.

“During Pope Leo XIV’s time at Villanova in the 1970s, it was a small Catholic liberal arts college known for its high standards, Catholic tradition, and strong Villanova spirit,” Brennan recalled. “I was and still am amazed by the incredible enthusiasm Villanova students and alumni have for their school.”

Pope Leo XIV marked his election by leading the world in praying to the Virgin Mary.

“I believe this was one way he demonstrated his traditional devotion,” Brennan said.

“He aimed to show the world that he is a Catholic who adheres to traditional Catholic practices. Pope Francis was known for his deep devotion to the Virgin Mary, which influenced his decision to be buried in the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore.”

Pope Francis revealed his burial plans shortly after becoming Bishop of Rome in 2013.

“Choosing to pray the Hail Mary signified continuity and piety,” Brennan noted about Pope Leo XIV.

Brennan believes the choice of the name Leo was a symbolic one.

“He chose the name of a pope who died in 1903 and left a significant legacy of understanding the human person and the Catholic Church in the modern world,” Brennan explained.

“I think Pope Leo XIV, in choosing that name, is associating himself with a legacy that he can, and I believe intends to, adapt to a changed world in need of new insights, similar to those he finds in the world of Pope Leo XIII,” Brennan concluded.