Pope Leo XIVs neighbors predicted he would become first American pontiff when he was in kindergarten

Published: Friday, May 9, 2025 at 11:19 am

Chicago Neighbors Predicted: First American Pope Leo XIV's Childhood Foreshadowed Papal Role

In a remarkable twist of fate, the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, had his future foretold by his childhood neighbors in suburban Chicago. His older brother, John Prevost, revealed that as early as kindergarten, neighbors predicted Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, would one day lead the Catholic Church.

Speaking to WGN9, John Prevost recounted how two mothers living near the young Robert, even at the tender age of six, expressed their belief that he would become the first American pope. This uncanny prediction, made decades ago, has now come to fruition with the election of Cardinal Robert Prevost as the 267th pontiff.

John Prevost, who always knew his brother would become a priest, shared his expectations for Pope Leo XIV's papacy. He anticipates his brother will follow a centrist path, similar to Pope Francis, avoiding extreme political leanings. "He's not going to be real far left and he's not going to be real far right," he stated.

The election of Pope Leo XIV, a Chicago-born missionary, marks a historic moment for the Catholic Church. His brother expressed pride and excitement, acknowledging the immense responsibility that comes with the role. The world will be watching closely as Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy, and the childhood predictions of his neighbors have become a fascinating footnote in his remarkable journey.

Keywords: Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost, first American pope, Chicago, Catholic Church, papal election, John Prevost, childhood prediction, kindergarten, American pontiff, missionary, Pope Francis, papal name, suburban Chicago, WGN9, Associated Press

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