Featured Image Credit: TIZIANA FABI / Contributor / Getty
A big void in the Catholic Church is about to be filled, and while the death of Pope Francis has people searching for the next Pontiff, it didn't take long for the Conclave to settle on the 69-year-old Robert Prevost as the next Pope.
Taking on the name of Pope Leo XIV, her Majesty Queen Máxima and Prime Minister Dick Schoof are expected to attend the inauguration of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV in Vatican City on Sunday 18 May.
Pope Leo XIV has already been busy looking toward the future of the Catholic Church, warning about the dangers of AI (just like his predecessor) and promising he'll have an active social media presence to hopefully modernize the church.
As we get to know the new Pope, some surprising details about his private life are coming out.
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Notably known as the first American Pope, Prevost was ordained in 1982 and moved to Peru just three years later. Prevost became an archbishop in January 2023, and within a few months, Pope Francis had made him a cardinal.
Although there's no denying Prevost has led a fascinating life, did you know Pope Leo XIV also has a surprising degree?
While at school, Robert (Bob to his friends as an adult) was known for his academic excellence, regularly appeared on the honor roll, was yearbook editor-in-chief, and was a regular in the debate society before competing in Congressional Debate.
In 1997, Prevost earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in mathematics from Villanova University near Philadelphia, which is something you might not typically associate with being a Pope.
As reported by Mail Online, Prevost is known as the 'Latin Yankee' by the Italian press, speaks five languages, and is a big fan of Edward Berger's Conclave. Responding to the news of Prevost's degree, one person on X wrote: "The Pope being a math major means that he not only believes that Jesus multiplied bread and fish - he understands exactly how he did it."
the pope being a math major means that he not only believes that Jesus multiplied bread and fish, he understands how exactly how he did it. pic.twitter.com/AXDUBJSqny
— ᐱ ᑎ ᑐ ᒋ ᕮ ᒍ (@Andr3jH) May 8, 2025
Another joked: "The new Pope has a degree in mathematics from Villanova University. This guy doesn’t just understand sin. He understands cos.”
A third concluded: "Just found out the new pope studied math at undergrad in case you're wondering how tough the job market is for technical roles right now."
You might think of a degree in philosophy or theology when you tend to think of the 'perfect' Pope, but don't worry because Prevost also completed a Master of Divinity degree at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, became a Doctor of Canon Law, and then taught canon law in seminaries during his time in Peru.
Pope Leo XIV is expected to put that big brain of his to good work, and although he won't technically get a salary, his immense wealth includes the ability to wear the $520,000 Ring of the Fisherman. Not too shabby when he's also allowed to claim around $32,00 a month in expenses.
