Bishop Thomas John Paprocki | Diocese of Springfield

Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, is recognized as the first Roman Pontiff born in the United States, hailing from Chicago. His family's history is notably tied to Quincy, Illinois, and Quincy University. Recent confirmations by Quincy University have verified reports that Pope Leo XIV’s paternal grandfather attended the institution when it was known as St. Francis Solanus College.

Brian McGee, PhD, President of Quincy University, stated: "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." He added that a review of university records and various public documents confirmed these claims.

The pope's grandfather, Salvatore Giuseppe Riggitano, an Italian immigrant who arrived in the United States in 1903 and settled on Maine Street in Quincy by 1904, registered at St. Francis Solanus College under the name “John Riggitano.” He studied there through 1907 either part-time or full-time.

Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of Springfield remarked on this historical link: "It’s a remarkable piece of history to discover that the grandfather of Pope Leo XIV once called Quincy home." The bishop noted how this connection brings joy and a sense of belonging to their diocese.

While no degree or diploma records exist for Riggitano from his time at St. Francis Solanus College, it is believed he pursued courses aimed at developing specific skills within what would become QU's Oakley School of Business.

Riggitano later assumed the name John R. Prevost and worked primarily as a language instructor in Chicago after holding teaching positions elsewhere in Quincy. His son Louis M. Prevost served during World War II and graduated from DePaul University alongside his wife Mildred.

Robert Prevost became a priest and Augustinian friar before ascending to papacy as Pope Leo XIV. Reflecting on this familial heritage, McGee commented: "Pope Leo XIV’s family history is of great interest to many Americans because his family story and spiritual journey resonate with their own."

Today known as Quincy University since its renaming in 1993, it remains under Franciscan sponsorship with about 1,200 students enrolled.