The brothers of Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, have expressed their joy and pride following his historic election as the first American pope.
Alongside their reactions, they shared touching throwback and recent family photos with their now world-renowned youngest sibling.
John Prevost, one of Pope Leo’s elder brothers, told ABC News that a neighbor once predicted Robert would become the first American pope while he was still in first grade.
On May 8, that childhood prophecy came true when 69-year-old Cardinal Prevost was elected as the 267th pontiff of the Catholic Church.
Growing up as the youngest of three in Dolton, a suburb in South Chicago, Pope Leo XIV showed early signs of his calling.
“He knew right away,” John said. “He never questioned it.” As a child, Robert would play priest, using an ironing board as an altar.
John recalled telling his brother just before the conclave that he believed he would be elected pope, but Robert brushed it off, calling it “nonsense.” “He just didn’t believe it—or didn’t want to,” John said.
He added that he expects Pope Leo to continue the mission of the late Pope Francis, especially in advocating for the poor and marginalised, citing their shared experiences in South America.
Louis Prevost, the eldest brother, was in bed feeling unwell when he heard the news. His wife alerted him to the white smoke, and as he listened to the Vatican announcement and heard the name “Roberto,” he immediately knew.
“I was thankful I was already lying down, or I might have fallen over,” Louis joked, adding that he jumped out of bed and danced around in celebration.
Describing his brother as down-to-earth, brilliant, and devoted to his missionary work, Louis said Robert’s global experiences likely played a part in his selection. He recalled how, even as a child of four or five, Robert was different. While his brothers played cops and robbers, he would “play priest” and give out Necco wafers as Communion.
“We used to tease him: ‘You’re going to be pope one day.’ Even the neighbours said it,” Louis said. “Sixty-some years later, here we are.”
