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Agence France-Presse

The idyllic campus of Villanova University is ecstatic since the election of American Robert Prevost to the highest seat of the Catholic Church.
And for good reason.
It is where “Father Bob” studied maths decades ago, before climbing the steps of the Vatican.
In the verdant suburb of Philadelphia, locals, professors and students revelled as Cardinal Prevost was elected Pope Leo XIV on Thursday.
Not only is he the first American pope, he is the first from the Augustinian order, whose tenets are central to life at Villanova.

Student Amelia Weiss was in her dorm with the door open as others nearby watched for updates from the Vatican.
“All across the floor, I hear people start, like, yelling,” the 19-year-old biochemistry major said.
“And everyone was just kind of ecstatic,” she said, adding that the maths students in particular were “on cloud nine”.
Chicago-born Prevost graduated in 1977 from Villanova – the first American college established around the Augustinian tradition.


“When they called his name and he emerged from that balcony, we were flabbergasted. I mean, it was complete surprise, joy, tears – people were screaming,” a campus chaplain, Reverend Robert Hagan, said.
“And to think that, as you say, to us, he’s Bob,” he added.
At Villanova – founded in 1842 by Irish Catholics – the writings of Saint Augustine are required reading for all students, regardless of their field of study.
The 4th century Roman philosopher and theologian, who was born in Africa, inspired the Order of St. Augustine. The university says it seeks to promote “truth, unity and love” on campus.
“We chase a lot of the things in this world that we think are going to satisfy and fulfil us, like the internet, and power, and ambition, and sex, and all the things that get in the way of our ultimate happiness,” Hagan said.

History student Will Kelly said he was blown away by the “surreal” election of Leo, and that he loved required reading.
“Even if the text was 1600 years old, there’s still a level of relevance to that,” Kelly said.
Augustine specialist and assistant professor Jaisy Joseph said she hoped to see Leo XIV – whom she also called him “Bob” – apply his Villanova experience as pope.
She said that at the university – and according to Augustinian belief – people rely on each other in their spiritual journeys.
“We wrestle with truth together, right? Shoulder to shoulder,” she said.
Joseph said there is one phrase known to every Villanova student: “become what you are not yet.”


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United States

Villanova rejoices as alumnus, American ‘Bob’ becomes Pope Leo XIV, the first US pontiff

Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost appears at the main central loggia balcony of the St Peter’s Basilica for the first time, after the cardinals ended the conclave, in The Vatican, on Thursday. Photo: AFP

Villanova celebrates as alumnus Cardinal Prevost becomes Pope Leo XIV, marking a historic first for the US and Augustinian order. Photo: Reuters

Students sit on the lawn outside St. Thomas of Villanova Church at the campus of Villanova University. The university celebrated as alumnus Cardinal Prevost became Pope Leo XIV. Photo: AFP

Reverend Robert Hagan says Pope Leo XIV was just “Bob” to the people on campus Photo: Reuters

Faithful called to pray for Leo XIV, first US pope, by Hong Kong Catholic Church

Pope Leo, who has served as a missionary in Peru and previously led the Vatican’s powerful office of bishops, is the Roman Catholic Church’s first pope from the United States. Photo: Xinhua

Hong Kong Catholic leader Stephen Chow had joined the papal conclave to elect Pope Francis’ successor. Photo: Reuters

Pope Leo XIV vows to bring light to world’s ‘dark nights’ after historic election

Pope Leo XIV, centre, after holding mass with the cardinals in the Sistine Chapel. Photo: Vatican Media via AP

Pope Leo XIV during a mass on Friday. Photo: Vatican Media via AFP 

Pope Leo XIV waves from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican on Thursday. Photo: Vatican Media via Reuters

Faithful gather at the Vatican on Thursday. Photo: Reuters

What’s in a name? Pope Leo XIV’s choice signals commitment to social justice

Robert Prevost was elected the first American pope in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church. Photo: AP Photo

The newly elected Pope Leo XIV appears at the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican on Thursday. Photo: AP

The faithful react in St Peter’s Square after the election of Pope Leo XIV on Thursday. Photo: EPA-EFE

Pope Francis meets US Vice-President J.D. Vance during an audience at Casa Santa Marta in April. Photo: Vatican Media via TNS

US-born Pope Leo’s past criticism of Trump and Vance sparks Maga backlash

Andrea Gallardo from Texas wears an American flag after Pope Leo appeared on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. Photo: AP

US-born Robert Prevost was anointed as Pope Leo on Thursday. Photo: Reuters

Newly elected Pope Leo appears on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. Photo: Vatican Media via Reuters

People cheer Pope Leo at the Vatican. Photo: Reuters

US Vice-President J.D.Vance meets with Pope Francis on April 20, the day before Francis died. Photo: Vatican Media via Reuters

‘DA POPE!’ Leo XIV’s Chicago roots unleash spate of holy humour

The Chicago Sun Times front page showing Pope Leo XIV is seen on a newspaper rack on Friday. Photo: AP

The Wiener’s Circle, an iconic Chicago hot dog stand known for posting quirky phrases on its sign, posted on social media that its current sign translates to “He has eaten our dogs”. Photo: AP

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World

United States & Canada

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The US university, steeped in Augustinian tradition, celebrated its first papal link – Cardinal Robert Prevost


The US university, steeped in Augustinian tradition, celebrated its first papal link – Cardinal Robert Prevost.


Villanova rejoices as alumnus, American ‘Bob’ becomes Pope Leo XIV, the first US pontiff

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}The US university, steeped in Augustinian tradition, celebrated its first papal link – Cardinal Robert Prevost

The US university, steeped in Augustinian tradition, celebrated its first papal link – Cardinal Robert Prevost