Fr. Denis Wilde, an Augustinian priest who is the associate director of Priests for Life, yesterday recalled a young seminarian he knew in the 1970s at Villanova University as “a humble man who was not into himself, but into the Lord, Jesus Christ.”
That seminarian became Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pope to lead the Catholic Church.
As a student at Villanova, Robert Prevost was one of the founders of the pro-life organization Villanovans for Life that is still active some 50 years later. Pope Leo’s previous statements about the sanctity of life make it clear he has not changed his mind about the need to protect the unborn from abortion.
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In a broadcast interview with Priests for Life Executive Director Janet Morana, Fr. Wilde said he was watching the news from Rome when he thought he heard the name “Prevost” announced as the new pope.
“I went into another area and one person was already down on his knees, thanking God,” Fr. Wilde said. “I’m still trying to let this sink in because it’s such a towering, wonderful thing that has taken place.”
Priests for Life National Director Frank Pavone said he is encouraged by Pope Leo’s pro-life passion. In a video to his followers, Pavone said he had written a prayer for the new pontiff’s success, in which he asked God to “Give to the new Pope the joy of proclaiming the Gospel of Life, And of reflecting your truth and love.”
Pavone said “we will learn more about the new pope in the days and weeks to come, and at Priests for Life, we will be praying for him.”
