Villanova Basketball Opens Season in Rome

Villanova University will send its men's and women's basketball teams to Rome this Sunday to begin their seasons. The teams will face Notre Dame in an event organized as a Catholic university matchup. The games will be held six miles from the Vatican.

The university has deepened its ties to the city following the 2025 election of Pope Leo XIV, a Villanova graduate. The pope earned a degree in mathematics from the school in 1977. He is a member of the Augustinian order, which founded the university in 1842.

Rev. Peter Donohue, the university president, said the school has a larger presence in Rome now. He noted that people recognize the institution because it is the pope's alma mater. Donohue described the upcoming schedule as the university taking over the city. The doubleheader follows a sustainability conference held in Rome by Villanova earlier this month.

The visit coincides with increased interest in the school. Applications rose more than 10 percent during the first admissions cycle after the pope was elected. Donohue attributed the increase to the Pope Leo effect. On campus, the number of people joining the Catholic Church has also risen. Last year, 24 individuals joined the church, a higher number than the typical annual total of fewer than 10.

About 7,000 fans are expected to travel to Rome for the games. The group includes 6,000 Villanova supporters and 1,000 Notre Dame fans. Pope Leo is scheduled to hold a private audience with the teams and fans inside the Vatican on Saturday, if his health allows. He recently underwent cancer surgery. Philadelphia Archbishop Nelson Perez will also celebrate a private Mass for the group at St. Peter's Basilica.

The school has a strong history in basketball. It won the NCAA men's championship in 1985, 2016, and 2018. Three former players helped the New York Knicks win the NBA title this year. Ed Hastings, a member of the 1971 team that lost the national championship to UCLA, will speak at a panel in Rome. He will discuss sports and spirituality with a sold-out audience.

Student interest in study abroad programs to Italy has grown. Senior Mike Whaley recently returned from a trip where he served as an altar server at a private Mass. The service was led by then-Cardinal Robert Prevost, who is now Pope Leo. Whaley said he served Mass for the current pope. Senior Megan Zuzarth also visited Rome recently with her business class. She said the pope's connection makes him feel like one of the student body.