On Friday, Oct. 10, Pope Leo XIV welcomed nearly two dozen Villanova students and faculty to a private meeting and group prayer at the Vatican.

Just two days prior, Wednesday, Oct. 8, marked five months since Pope Leo’s election: the moment when Villanova’s 1977 graduate became the University’s most acclaimed alumnus. Attending the Pope’s alma mater is one thing, but meeting him in person is the definition of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Dr. Daniel Joyce, Department Chair of Computing Sciences, led the students in the study abroad program. Joyce recalled the Pope’s genuineness in taking the time to greet every individual and speak with the group despite running behind schedule.

“He listened and reacted to what we said, joked a little and laughed,” Joyce said. “He led a group prayer. He thanked the students for the work they were doing in their internships.”

According to Associate Communication Professor Ashley Pattwell, Pope Leo spoke about the importance of “building bridges” in today’s world.

“[This] was a hopeful message for those of us studying and working in communication,” Patwell said.

Junior communication majors Morgan Bolesta and Alexandra O’Connell were among the students in attendance. Bolesta described the experience as surreal.

“When he walked into the room, I was not expecting such a calming presence,” Bolesta said. “But he truly was so nice and welcoming to our group.”

She also noted Pope Leo’s profound impact on the Villanova community.

“He is such a source of pride at Villanova, being an alum,” Bolesta said. “So it was incredible to not only meet him, but such an accomplished and well-known alum in general.”

O’Connell echoed her classmates’ feelings on the Pope’s impact on Villanova.

“It was incredibly fascinating and inspiring,” O’Connell said. “I could hardly believe I was among the few chosen to meet the Pope.”

She described feeling “a mix of nervousness, excitement and reverence.”

Another highlight of the trip was that attendees visited areas of the Vatican normally closed to the public.

Pattwell remarked that the art and architectural details were stunning. O’Connell also described the beautiful corridors lined with gold wallpaper and elaborately painted ceilings.

After their meeting concluded with a group prayer and blessing, she noted that she would always treasure the “extraordinarily rare experience” of meeting Pope Leo XIV.

“It was an experience I will cherish for the rest of my life,” O’Connell said.

Bolesta also expressed her gratitude for the opportunity.

“It definitely was a day I’ll never forget,” Bolesta said. “And I am so grateful to have had such a wonderful experience.”