QU Announces Grandfather of Pope Leo XIV is QU Alumnus
Pope Leo XIV (born Robert Francis Prevost) is a native of Chicago and the first Roman Pontiff born in the United States, but his family’s journey also runs through Quincy, Illinois – and Quincy University.
“Multiple press reports have asserted in the past few days that Pope Leo XIV’s paternal grandfather attended Quincy University, then known as St. Francis Solanus College, in the early twentieth century,” said Brian McGee, PhD, QU president. “Quincy University now confirms the accuracy of these reports, following a review of university records and of various birth and other documents made available to the public by journalists and genealogists.”
Many sources state that an Italian immigrant, Salvatore Giuseppe Riggitano, came to the United States in 1903 and moved to his sister’s home on Quincy’s Maine Street in 1904. Riggitano used the name “John Riggitano” upon arriving in Quincy. He registered for classes at St. Francis Solanus College in 1904 and was a part-time or full-time day student at the College through the 1906-1907 academic year. Then, as now, the College was the only Catholic institution of higher education in the Quincy region.
“It’s a remarkable piece of history to discover that the grandfather of Pope Leo XIV once called Quincy home,” said Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. “This brings a sense of connection and joy to our diocese, and it’s a beautiful reminder of how even the quietest of lives can echo across generations in extraordinary ways, even all the way to the Chair of St. Peter. Our diocese is honored to be a small part of the Holy Father’s family story.”
In the St. Francis Solanus College student roster of 1904, Riggitano was listed as coming from Italy, but he was described as a resident of Illinois in the student rosters of 1905 and 1906.
The pope’s paternal grandfather was 28 years old when he registered at St. Francis Solanus College, and reports suggest Riggitano already had the benefit of an excellent education in Italy. There is no evidence he earned a degree or diploma from the College. It is likely that he took courses intended to develop specific competencies or skills, including courses in the College’s commercial department. These commercial courses were the foundation for what today is QU’s Oakley School of Business.
While some details of his family and professional life are not fully understood, Riggitano eventually began using the name John R. Prevost. Riggitano took teaching positions at other institutions in Quincy, and after leaving Quincy, Riggitano (or Prevost) appears to have spent the rest of his life as a self-employed language instructor primarily working in Chicago.
The younger of his two sons, Louis M. Prevost, was born in Chicago in 1920 and served in the U.S. military during World War II. Like his wife, Mildred, Louis graduated from DePaul University.
Robert, the youngest son of Louis and Mildred, became a priest and Augustinian friar with degrees from two American Catholic institutions, Villanova University and Catholic Theological Union. That son, Robert Prevost, is now Pope Leo XIV.
“Pope Leo XIV’s family history is of great interest to many Americans because his family story and spiritual journey resonate with their own,” said McGee. “One part of that story is the role played by Catholic higher education in the formation of the Holy Father and of his father, mother and paternal grandfather. At Quincy University, we are honored that the rich American heritage of Pope Leo XIV includes his grandfather’s years at this Catholic and Franciscan institution.”
St. Francis Solanus College had multiple name changes after Riggitano left Quincy. The current institutional name, Quincy University, was adopted in 1993.
In 1904, when Riggitano first enrolled at St. Francis Solanus College, the institution had under 250 students, many of whom were younger than 18. Riggitano would have been one of the oldest students during his three years at the College. At that time, the College had 16 core faculty and a handful of other teachers, most of whom were Franciscan friars of the Province of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which was part of the Order of Friars Minor. Today, Quincy University has about 1,200 students and has continuing Franciscan sponsorship under the auspices of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Fr. Anselm Mueller, OFM, served as the president of St. Francis Solanus College during Riggitano’s time as a student. A beloved disciplinarian, Fr. Mueller was the longest-serving president in Quincy University history, holding the position for 37 years.
Founded in 1860 by Franciscan friars, Quincy University is a small Catholic university emphasizing the sciences, liberal arts and the professions. Quincy University offers undergraduate, graduate and adult education programs integrating practical experience and Franciscan values. Faculty and advisors work with students to design customized success plans to help them graduate on time, find their passion and prepare them for life. QU is a member of NCAA Division II for intercollegiate athletics. For more information, please visit www.quincy.edu or contact the Office of Community Relations at (217) 228-5275 or communityrelations@quincy.edu. Quincy University. Success by Design.
