On Sunday, Sep. 7, the Office of Mission and Ministry hosted the conversation, “Pope Leo, My Friend: Stories From Peru & Beyond” led by Father Art Purcaro, O.S.A. and Father Kevin DePrinzio, O.S.A., Ph.D. This event was a part of the weekly “Sunday in St. Rita’s” series, at which students are invited to engage in fellowship and faith-based dialogue.
The presentation was led by two Villanova Augustinian friars who have known Pope Leo XIV long before he became the leader of the Catholic Church. To them, Pope Leo XIV was known as “Bob Prevost,” their brother, and a Villanovan.
“Where were you on May 8th?” Father Kevin DePrinzio, O.S.A., Ph.D asked the crowd. “In that moment, our lives as part of the Villanova community and members of the church changed. We now have a direct line to the pope.”
Father Art Purcaro shared that he has known Pope Leo XIV for decades. The two priests worked in Peru together. Having shared similar upbringings of attending seminary high schools and Villanova, their paths did not ultimately cross until they served Peruvian communities together in the ‘80s. Father Purcaro shared how himself and Pope Leo XIV share the roles of being both community and bridge builders, embodying veritas, unitas and caritas as Villanova alumnus, and value the importance of sharing service with others.
“He saw the great need of the people of God [in Peru],” Father Art said.
Father Art described how at the time he and Pope Leo XIV were serving in Peru, 85% of the adults were illiterate. There were no hospitals, running water, limited electricity, and scarce transportation options. Both men would travel horseback often. Yet, Father Purcaro described that his friend had a calling to live and learn with the Peruvians.
“I saw Bob once a week at their house,” Father Art said. “We would also get together three different times for a week once a year. We got to know each other better and better.”
Throughout his time in Peru, Pope Leo XIV would establish formation programs and diocesan teams to create Catholic communities throughout the country. He immersed himself in the culture and lived amongst the people of Trujillo. Pope Leo XIV and Father Art continued to foster their friendship as their years in Peru went by.
“See that cardboard picture of him?” Father Art said. “That’s not like him at all. He is a human being.”
Decades later, Father Art remains in contact with his friend. He emphasized the message to the audience that Pope Leo XIV is human, just like everyone present in the West Lounge. He shared that Pope Leo XIV is the youngest of three boys, was raised in a Catholic family who regularly went to mass, is reserved, is very friendly in small gatherings, asks a lot of questions and has an ironic sense of humor. He even enjoys Chicago deep-dished pizza and Italian gelato.
“The cardinals in the conclave saw something in him. But before that, the Augustinians Friars saw something in him,” Father Kevin.
Father Art and Father Kevin shared that despite their friend Bob not being a natural extrovert, the Augustinian Friars knew he had a gift of seeing God in himself and others and valuing prayer. They recalled a moment years prior when the thought, “this guy might be the pope” crossed their minds.
Under Pope Francis’s leadership, Pope Leo XIV would return back to Peru as a bishop during a time of political strife for the country. A few years later, Pope Francis promoted him to positions in Rome serving as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. Father Art Purcaro shared that he believed that Pope Francis truly favored Bob Prevost in his ministry.
“You never know what God is up to,” Father Kevin said. “All of those little moments were stepping stones to become who he is today.”
Following Pope Francis’ death in May 2025, Pope Leo XIV was named the 267th pope.
The announcement of Pope Leo XIV’s appointment comes with a personal story from Father Art.
Father Art shared with the audience that just before the conclave began, he arrived in Rome to celebrate his 50th anniversary of being ordained a priest. He arranged to celebrate this occasion with his friend, Bob, and the two were scheduled to partake in Mass together. However, plans changed as Pope Francis passed away, and the conclave began.
Shortly after Pope Leo XIV was announced, Father Art returned to Rome. He explained how he was shocked when his friend, the new pope, showed up to his house unannounced to celebrate Mass.
“You wanted Mass with the pope, didn’t you?” Father Art recalled Pope Leo XIV saying.
The friars concluded the dialogue by describing the role that Villanovans should play in supporting their fellow alum as he embarks on his new journey as a church world leader.
“We are his family,” Father Art said. “The responsibility he has deserves our support and our prayer. He needs us. We are in this together. It’s about being close to Christ together. We are all called to be more holy.”
