​At Big East Media Day in New York earlier this month, Villanova’s Kevin Willard and Denise Dillon fielded questions about their teams’ outlooks for the upcoming men’s and women’s basketball seasons from the podium inside the Marriott Marquis.The topics ranged from roster construction and the Protect College Sports Act to whether the Big East is positioned for a stronger NCAA Tournament showing this season. But one question both Villanova head coaches faced centered on a far different subject.It involved one of the world’s most influential figures: Pope Leo. The Holy Father entered the conversation with Villanova’s programs less than a month away from facing Notre Dame in Rome, just miles from the Vatican and near one of the university’s most famous alumni.BEHIND THE SCENES: An American pope, a text and a wild idea: How college basketball ended up in RomeEND OF ERA?: Villanova is leaving the Big 5, dealing another blow to a college basketball traditionThat opportunity comes Nov. 1 for the Wildcats and Fighting Irish, as both programs will participate in the Eternal City Tip-Off at Rome’s Palazzo dello Sport on the eve of the traditional opening date of the 2026-27 men’s and women’s college basketball seasons.Whether the Pope will attend to watch his alma mater remains known. However, USA TODAY Sports has learned that those making the trip to Rome will have an audience with him on Saturday as part of their purchased travel package. That said, Dillon, knowing the power of Pope Leo — look at the run the Chicago White Sox went on this season and the type of season the Chicago Bears are currently having — is hoping for some good luck from Leo as her team takes on Hannah Hidalgo and the 13th-ranked Fighting Irish.”With Pope Leo being there, we’ll rely on the power of the Pope as we go into that competition,” Dillon said.Here’s what to know: Is the Pope a Villanova alum? Yes, Pope Leo — formerly known as Robert Francis Prevost before taking his papal name — attended Villanova for his undergraduate studies and received a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics in 1977.Pope Leo is the first Augustinian Pope in the Church’s history, as he is part of the Augustinian Order of priests, also known as the Order of Saint Augustine (OSA), the same order of priests that founded and runs Villanova.He was a former classmate of Villanova President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, as well. “Nobody really expected it. We talked about it, but nobody was like, ‘Oh yeah, he’s going to get it. He’s the front runner.'” Donohue said on NBC’s “TODAY Show” in 2025 after Pope Leo’s election when asked about the shock of his former classmate and friend getting chosen to lead the Catholic church. This morning, University President the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, joined the @TODAYshow to reflect on the historic election of Pope Leo XIV—the first Augustinian Pope and a proud Villanova graduate. pic.twitter.com/a1o3e9CyPz— Villanova University (@VillanovaU) May 9, 2025When d