In 2001, Father Kevin DiPrinzio, Villanova University’s vice president of campus mission and ministry, was just starting out in a Midwest Augustinian order.
It was led by Father Robert Prevost, known these days as Pope Leo XIV, writes Ian Bush and Tim Jimenez for KYW Newsradio.
“My classmates and I spent a whole month over in Italy, and we spent time with him. He was our prior general, and he took us out for a pizza and beer right off of the piazza,” Father DiPrinzio recalled. “I had pizza and beer with the future pope.”
Chicago native Robert Prevost earned a degree in mathematics from Villanova University in 1977, just before he entered the priesthood. He has since kept close ties to his alma mater.
He even served for a short time on Villanova’s board of trustees when he was the provincial in the Midwest province, said Father Peter Donohue, president of Villanova.
The university president described Prevost as a “very simple and gentle individual.”
“He’s not boastful at all. He’s a very intelligent man, and he loves engaging with people,” Donohue said.
Leo will be formally installed as pope at a Mass at the Vatican on May 18.
Read more about Pope Leo XIV’s ties to Villanova University at KYW Newsradio.
