Ojai priest’s special reunion with Pope Leo in Rome

OJAI, Calif. (KEYT) — Villanova Prep in Ojai has a special connection to Pope Leo XIV.

Fr. Barnaby Johns welcomed him to campus in 2011, long before he became Pope.

During Fr. Johns’ recent three-week trip to Rome, he met with Pope Leo again while attending the 188th General Chapter, where members of the Augustinian Order reflect on their past and plan for the future.

“It was a remarkable experience for me to be there, particularly at this time when we had these two encounters with Pope Leo. He came to celebrate the opening Mass for our chapter,” said Fr. Barnaby Johns.

They also had the chance to sing “Happy Birthday” the day after Pope Leo’s 70th birthday.

“It was very delightful to be there,” he added.

Fr. Barnaby called it a meaningful experience and said he believes Pope Leo is a bridge builder in a divided world — someone who will play a key role in bringing people together.

Pope Leo was born in Chicago and attended Villanova University in Pennsylvania.

For more information about Villanova Prep and its connection with Pope Leo visit https:villanovaprep.org