Leo XIV's brother recalls feeling of 'disbelief' over his sibling becoming pope
3 minute readPublished: Friday, May 9, 2025 at 7:03 am
Brother of New Pope Leo XIV Recalls Shock and Pride at His Sibling's Ascension
**New Lenox, Illinois** - The world was stunned when white smoke signaled the election of a new Pope, and for John Prevost of New Lenox, Illinois, the moment was even more surreal. As he watched the announcement on television, he experienced a wave of "disbelief" as his brother, Cardinal Robert Prevost, was revealed as the new pontiff, taking the name Leo XIV.
In an interview with the Associated Press, John Prevost recounted the whirlwind of emotions, from initial shock to overwhelming pride. He described his brother, the first U.S. born Pope, as a man deeply concerned for the marginalized, hinting at a papacy that will echo the compassionate approach of Pope Francis.
John Prevost shared anecdotes of his brother's childhood, highlighting his academic prowess and love for games like tag, Monopoly, and Risk. He revealed that Robert, the youngest of three boys, had always been destined for the priesthood, a path predicted by a neighbor when he was just six years old.
The brothers, who now speak daily, have a close relationship, discussing everything from politics and religion to the daily Wordle. John Prevost acknowledged the challenges ahead, wondering how their communication will evolve now that his brother is leading the Catholic Church. He also noted that the new Pope was not interested in being part of the interview.
The new Pope, a 69-year-old member of the Augustinian religious order, spent his career ministering in Peru. John Prevost anticipates his brother will lead with a balanced approach, staying "right down the middle" on the political spectrum.
Keywords: Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost, John Prevost, new pope, first American pope, Catholic Church, Illinois, New Lenox, Cardinal Prevost, Pope Francis, Augustinian, Vatican, religion, interview, brother, family, Chicago, missionary, Peru, Wordle