Internet users found it amusing that someone once focused on differential equations is now the leader of 1.3 billion Catholics. Comments like “Math major possible career paths: quant, programmer, grad student… pope” reflect the playful surprise.
Leo XIV’s family saw it coming. “You’re going to be pope someday, you’re too holy!” joked his brother Louis about the Pope’s childhood nickname, “goody two shoes.”
Now, far from his suburban Illinois roots, Pope Leo enters a life of Vatican grandeur. During his inauguration, he will receive the pallium and the $520,000 Fisherman’s Ring, engraved with his name and St. Peter. He also wears a custom pectoral cross containing relics of St. Augustine, St. Monica, and St. Thomas of Villanova, gifted by his Augustinian order.
As one online user quipped, “Just found out the new pope studied math at undergrad in case you’re wondering how tough the job market is for technical roles right now.”
