Did Pope Leo XIV live in Delco? Pope's Philly connection is more than Villanova
And, yes, the head of the Catholic Church has roots in Delco.
Delco is the local nickname for Delaware County, Pennsylvania, a proud and sometimes rowdy suburban patch just west of Philadelphia.
While the younger Prevost grew up in Chicago, his path to the papacy took a turn when he landed at Villanova University in the 1970s.
There, tucked inside Radnor Township on Philadelphia's Main Line, Pope Leo XIV earned his mathematics degree in 1977 and, more importantly, joined the Order of St. Augustine, the religious community that runs Villanova.
That means Delco had a role in shaping a future pope.
Known for its strong Philly-area accent, no-nonsense attitude, and an undying love for Wawa, Delco is a community where dive bars, neighborhood rivalries, and fiercely loyal sports fans are as much a part of life as the historic sites and elite academic institutions like Villanova.
HBO's hit show 'Mare of Easttown' showcased Delco's charm and grit. And Delco also gave rise to the likes of Tina Fey and Jim Croce, both of Upper Darby.
When Pope Leo XIV stepped onto the balcony at St. Peter's Basilica and addressed the world for the first time, Delco saw a pope who once walked their streets, sat in their classrooms, and went to their church.
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Did Pope Leo XIV live in Delco? What to know about Philly burb
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