While students everywhere might be dismayed to learn that there is an International Day of Mathematics (on March 14), our former math teacher Holy Father actually joined in the occasion with a message to those celebrating it. He suggested that participants "consider how mathematicians can be hopeful signs to the wider world."
The day is more popularly known as Pi Day, since the numbers of March 14 (3.14) are the first numbers of Pi (𝜋).
Pope Leo's message was sent through his secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, to Professor Betül Tanbay, who is the chair of the International Day of Mathematics and was the first woman to chair the Turkish Mathematical Society.
The theme for the day, and thus the Pope's reflection, was "Mathematics and Hope."
Now, Cardinal Robert Prevost (the future pope) was alone among all the 133 cardinals in the conclave that elected him — and likely among all popes in history — as the only one with a mathematics degree (earned at Villanova University).
While the Pope might be the only Successor of Peter to have ever formally been considered a mathematician, he certainly isn't the only man of faith who sees math as related to God.
In an article for Aleteia, Mark Bauer, an American mathematician who works in quantitative finance, shared a profound reflection on how a math background can shape Pope Leo’s outlook:
How exciting it is to have a pope with a mathematics degree! At its core, mathematics is the study of how the universe really works — an exploration of logic, symmetry, and structure. It’s a discipline rooted in reason and built axiomatically, revealing beauty and order in even the most abstract ideas.
With this background, Pope Leo XIV brings a unique perspective to the papacy. His understanding of mathematical beauty and symmetry may deepen his appreciation for the divine order in creation.
The Pope has indeed often encouraged students.
Below is the Holy Father's message for the International Day:
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV was pleased to receive your thoughtful letter informing him of the International Day of Mathematics webinar to take place on 13 March 2026. He is grateful for the gracious sentiments you expressed, and he sends cordial good wishes to all taking part.
As they reflect on the theme “Mathematics and Hope” in the context of the manifold challenges facing the human family, not least the rapid technological development with all its potential for good or evil, His Holiness encourages the participants to consider how mathematicians can be hopeful signs to the wider world. In this regard, an especially fruitful area of research is the use of algorithms, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence. Such a task requires not just intellectual effort and ingenuity but an integral growth of the whole person, in order to encompass the moral dimension of these emerging technologies.
Indeed, recalling his own time as a teacher of mathematics and physics, Pope Leo XIV reminded the students gathered for the Jubilee of the World of Education: “Having a great deal of knowledge is not enough if we do not know who we are or what the meaning of life is” (Address, 30 October 2025).
He prays, therefore, that everyone involved in the present event will be attentive to the profound spiritual needs of the human heart, will seek ways of humanizing the digital sphere, shaping it as an opportunity for fraternity and creativity, and will be prophets of hope, truth and goodness in the world (cf. ibid.).
Upon those participating in this year’s International Day, the Holy Father invokes abundant divine blessings of wisdom, joy and peace.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin
Secretary of State
In the spirit of International Day of Mathematics, have a look at a fascinating series from the Vatican Observatory on the history of the Church and science. Click here.
And find out what the future Pope John Paul II did when he was struggling with math homework. Clic here.
