An unexpected aspect of the widespread interest in the newly elected Pope Leo XIV has captured the attention of the online community. It is the religious leader’s undergraduate education, rather than his age or ethnicity.
Supporters have described the 69-year-old Pontiff, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, as a unique blend of traditional faith and modern sensibility. He significantly deviates from the typical papal image, earning the nickname ‘Latin Yankee’ from the Italian media.
With decades of experience in Latin America and Europe, he is fluent in five languages and has shown an interest in the 2024 thriller Conclave, which he reportedly viewed shortly before his own election.
An intriguing yet lesser-known facet of his background is currently gaining attention online.
Before donning white robes and delivering speeches at the Vatican, Pope Leo was an academically gifted student at Villanova University in Pennsylvania, an institution affiliated with the Augustinian order.
He earned his degree in 1977, and the reality is more astonishing than many might expect, as it is often presumed he pursued studies in philosophy or theology.
In fact, the Pope holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics.
One user remarked on X (formerly Twitter), ‘The Pope being a math major signifies that he not only believes in the miracle of Jesus multiplying bread and fish but also comprehends the mathematical principles behind it.’
Another user humorously noted, ‘Possible career paths for a math major include quant, programmer, graduate student… or pope.’
A third user quipped, ‘The new Pope hails from Chicago and possesses a math degree, illustrating that one can achieve success in life even without acing the first-round interview at Jump.’
One comment stated, ‘I just discovered that the new pope studied mathematics during his undergraduate years, which raises questions about the current job market for technical positions.’
Many find it peculiar to envision a spiritual leader who has delved into differential equations and calculus.
A user on X encapsulated the sentiment perfectly: ‘HE’S A MATH MAJOR???’
The newly appointed Pope has surprised us with more than just this announcement.
In various interviews, his siblings have frequently teased him about being a ‘goody two shoes’ during his childhood.
Louis Prevost remarked, ‘As children, we would joke with him, saying, “You’re destined to be pope one day; you’re too virtuous!”’ The online community continues to grapple with the latest apparent contradiction as Pope Leo XIV assumes the role of spiritual leader for 1.3 billion Catholics.
Soon, Pope Leo XIV will receive the valuable jewels and extensive estate associated with the papacy, which includes gold jewelry, a bulletproof popemobile, and opulent papal accommodations, among other professional perks.
His upbringing in an Illinois suburb will starkly contrast with his new life at the Vatican. During a grand mass this week, the pallium, an ecclesiastical garment in the Catholic Church, will be bestowed upon the first American Pope during his inauguration.
Subsequently, the Fisherman’s ring—arguably the most significant piece of jewelry a pope can wear—will be placed on his finger. Reports indicate that the ring, which features his papal name and an image of St. Peter casting his net, is valued at approximately $520,000.
Additionally, the pectoral crosses, which are distinctive to each pope, represent another invaluable piece of jewelry they don. Leo XIV donned a cross with a removable cover that contains the bones of saints, a gift from his religious order, the Augustinians, when he was elected as a cardinal in 2023, as he greeted the faithful on Thursday following his election.
Remnants of the bones of three significant saints associated with the order—St. Augustine, his mother St. Monica, and Archbishop St. Thomas of Villanova from the 16th century—are located on the cross.
