Pope Leo XIV had a message for Villanova’s Class of 2026
The Villanova alumnus and first American pope addressed graduates during Tuesday’s commencement ceremony.
Villanova University graduates received a surprise message from a famous alumnus during commencement on Tuesday. It came from Pope Leo XIV, who graduated from Villanova’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in 1977. He is the first pope from the United States and the first Augustinian friar to lead the Catholic Church.
“Graduates, it is fitting that I share with you today a message from a very special member of our Villanova community,” said the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, the university’s president. “Pope Leo XIV has asked me to share these words with you as you begin your journey beyond Villanova.”
In his message, Leo told graduates they would have “the challenge and the opportunity to make a big difference” if they carried with them the Augustinian values of “Veritas, Unitas, Caritas,” or truth, unity, and charity.
He also invoked the 250th anniversary of the United States, asking graduates to remember the country’s founding principles.
“May the graduates of 2026 always be faithful to the guiding light that has been so important for these 250 years,” Leo said. “Congratulations, and please know that I send all of you my apostolic blessing.”
The message marked a notable moment for Villanova, where the pope’s election has brought renewed attention to his time as a student at the Catholic university on the Main Line. It also came weeks after the first American pope drew international attention for saying he had “no fear” of the Trump administration and would continue speaking out against the war in Iran.