Pope Leo Is Going Viral For His Very Unexpected University Degree

**Pope Leo XIV: The First American Pope With a Math Degree**

Robert Prevost made history on May 8 as the first American elected pope, taking the name **Pope Leo XIV** — but what’s surprising people most is his academic background: a **Bachelor of Science in Mathematics** from Villanova University.

Born and raised in Chicago, he wasn’t groomed for Vatican politics. Instead, he joined the Augustinian order, served as a missionary in Peru, and eventually became Bishop of Chiclayo. His long path of service led Pope Francis to appoint him cardinal — and now, pope.

Online reactions to his math degree have been playful:
“**He believes in miracles, but he also knows the formula!**” joked one user. Others dubbed him “**the Pope who can calculate sins with precision**.”

His unexpected journey — from solving equations to leading 1.3 billion Catholics — is a reminder that greatness often comes with surprising plot twists.