All,
It’s pretty interesting—and exciting—that the new Pope is the first American Pope after 275 predecessors. I also read this morning (though not yet confirmed) that his grandparents and great-grandparents were from the Dominican Republic and have French/African Creole roots in New Orleans, making him, in many ways, a reflection of the broader American story and of humankind. Pretty cool.
Even more amazing? He’s a graduate of Villanova University in Pennsylvania—where, as it happens, my former son-in-law teaches.
That Villanova connection brought to mind a story that says a lot about how far we’ve come.
Back in 1931, my Dad—Albert Berlin—was a standout athlete in New York City, recruited by several colleges to play football, including Villanova. Their athletic director at the time was Harry Stuhldreher, one of Notre Dame’s legendary “Four Horsemen.” My Dad had been offered a spot… until the school found out he was Jewish.
I have the original letter, which is still on my wall today. In it, Stuhldreher regretfully withdraws the offer, citing overcrowding and limited scholarships. But in person, he admitted the truth: Jews were not allowed at Villanova back then. The name “Berlin” had slipped through. Once discovered, the decision came down from above: no go.
To his credit, Stuhldreher was ashamed. He helped my Dad get into NYU and stayed in touch with him for years.
Decades later, when I was with Governor Ed Rendell (a Jewish New Yorker and proud Villanova grad) receiving the Pennsylvania Exporter of the Year Award, I showed him that very letter. We both marveled at how the world had changed.
And now, here we are. A new Pope, from America, from Villanova—hopefully another sign of how far we’ve come. From exclusion to inclusion. From shame to progress. From whispered apologies to global milestones.
The arc does bend—if we help it along.
Onward! -JB
