Meet Pope Leo XIV, a Villanova graduate, who expresses himself using symbolic and devout religious references.

Amidst a serene ambiance of quietude, Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti addressed a vast crowd of emotional onlookers in St. Peter’s Square. He presented the newest pontiff to both Catholics and non-believers, painting a scene of profound solemnity.

Robert Francis Prevost, also known as American Pope Leo XIV, ascended to the papal throne following the passing of Pope Francis on May 8, 2025. His election transpired after four rounds of conclave balloting involving 133 cardinals from the College of Cardinals.

While the global community delves into the nuanced facets that define Pope Leo XIV’s persona, pondering his credentials as a papal contender and the bearer of the title Vicar of Christ, a particular locale stands out. A sense of exultation envelops the modest community of approximately 10,000 residents, proud to claim the recently appointed pontiff as a native son of Chicago.

Pope Leo XIV graduated from Villanova University in 1977. (Stoyan Nenov/Reuters)

“His desire to signal to the world that he’s a Catholic who prays the way that Catholics traditionally do. Pope Francis was known for his great devotion to the blessed Virgin Mary, which is part of the reason he made the unusual decision to be buried in the church of Santa Maria Maggiore.”

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

“Choosing to pray the Hail Mary was a signal of continuity and piety,” Brennan said of Pope Leo XIV.

Finally, for the namesake, Brennan says he envisions the selection was made as a symbolic gesture.

Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, was introduced to the world by Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti. (Remo Casilli/Reuters)

“He jumped over a whole century, back to the name of a pope who died in 1903 who left the Church a huge legacy of deep understanding of the place of a human person and the Catholic Church in the modern world,” Brennan said.

“I think Pope Leo XIV, by choosing that name, is attaching himself to a legacy that he can, and I believe intends to, open for a world that’s changed a great deal and needs new light and understanding of the kind he probably associates and finds in the world of Pope Leo XIII,” Brennan said.