John Morales and Theresa Civantos Barber from Aleteia discussed a fascinating aspect of Pope Leo XIV — he’s the first Pope in 2,000 years to hold a degree in mathematics. While it may seem like a fun fact, Theresa emphasized how Pope Leo’s background in math could significantly shape his leadership, bringing clarity and logical structure to complex Church issues.
Pope Leo’s academic background underscores the Catholic belief that faith and reason work hand in hand. St. John Paul II famously said, “Faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth.” Theresa noted that Catholic tradition is rich with intellectual giants who were also people of faith, such as Gregor Mendel, the father of genetics, and Fr. Georges Lemaître, the priest who proposed the Big Bang Theory. Pope Leo now continues that legacy, serving as a powerful reminder that faith and science can complement, not contradict, each other.
Theresa shared a personal story about a middle school teacher who taught both math and theology, saying, “They’re both about discovering the order in the universe.” Pope Leo embodies that sentiment, combining his love for mathematics with a profound faith in God. As Theresa pointed out, this balance of logic and spirituality could be crucial as the Church navigates complex cultural issues like artificial intelligence and economic instability.
For young Catholics who love science but feel torn between their academic interests and their faith, Pope Leo is a compelling role model. Theresa hopes his papacy will inspire a renewed respect for both theology and science, encouraging a generation to see that one can love equations and the Eucharist, algorithms and the Almighty.
“May his papacy inspire a new generation of faithful who are unafraid to seek God through both the soul and the mind,” Theresa said.
Pope Leo XIV’s unique background reminds the Church and the world that Catholicism is both intellectual and spiritual, rational and mystical. And as he begins his papacy, he seems poised to lead with both his heart and his mind — a balance that may be exactly what the Church needs right now.
