Is Pope Leo a Villanova alum? How Holy Father is tied to Villanova’s Rome trip

At Big East Media Day in New York earlier this month, Villanova’s Kevin Willard and Denise Dillon fielded questions about their teams’ outlooks for the upcoming men’s and women’s basketball seasons from the podium inside the Marriott Marquis.

The topics ranged from roster construction and the Protect College Sports Act to whether the Big East is positioned for a stronger NCAA Tournament showing this season. But one question both Villanova head coaches faced centered on a far different subject.

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It involved one of the world’s most influential figures: Pope Leo. The Holy Father entered the conversation with Villanova’s programs less than a month away from facing Notre Dame in Rome, just miles from the Vatican and near one of the university’s most famous alumni.

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That opportunity comes Nov. 1 for the Wildcats and Fighting Irish, as both programs will participate in the Eternal City Tip-Off at Rome’s Palazzo dello Sport on the eve of the traditional opening date of the 2026-27 men’s and women’s college basketball seasons.

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Whether the Pope will attend to watch his alma mater remains known. However, USA TODAY Sports has learned that those making the trip to Rome will have an audience with him on Saturday as part of their purchased travel package.

That said, Dillon, knowing the power of Pope Leo — look at the run the Chicago White Sox went on this season and the type of season the Chicago Bears are currently having — is hoping for some good luck from Leo as her team takes on Hannah Hidalgo and the 13th-ranked Fighting Irish.

“With Pope Leo being there, we’ll rely on the power of the Pope as we go into that competition,” Dillon said.

Here’s what to know:

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Is the Pope a Villanova alum?

Yes, Pope Leo — formerly known as Robert Francis Prevost before…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/pope-leo-villanova-alum-holy-100443420.html

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Publish date : 2026-10-31 10:04:00

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