Brother of Newly Elected Pope Leo XIV Reflects on Their Childhood and Future Papacy

Louis Prevost, brother of Pope Leo XIV, recalls their upbringing in Illinois, emphasizing his sibling's peacemaking nature and hinting at the pope's potential conservative approach to leadership, marking the transition from a playful childhood to a papal career.

As a child in suburban Chicago, Robert Francis Prevost, who has just become Pope Leo XIV, demonstrated a penchant for religious play instead of the typical childhood fantasies of cowboys or superheroes. His eldest brother, Louis Prevost, now living in Florida, vividly reflects back on their youth, remembering how family teased Rob about his future as pope, even as it shocked them all upon his actual election to lead over 1.4 billion Roman Catholics.

Recalling their upbringing in Dolton, Illinois, the three Prevost brothers—Louis, Rob, and John—were raised in a dutiful household. Their father served as a school superintendent while their mother was a librarian, showcasing a well-rounded blend of education and community service. Louis Prevost recalls his brother’s unique role as a peacemaker during their bickering childhood, humorously noting the contrast between the past antics of throwing Rob down the stairs and his current ascension to the papacy.

Living on the Gulf Coast of Florida since 2020, Louis Prevost speculates on Pope Leo XIV's potential leadership style. While hinting at a resemblance to Pope Francis, Louis suggests that his brother might adopt a more conservative approach to church governance, diverging from some of their differing opinions—especially on topics like war and conflict.

Sharing the bond of a close family, Louis admits how the conversations shared by him and Rob have now shifted significantly; he contemplates the improbability of picking up the phone to call the pope. Still, he maintains confidence in his brother's capabilities. “He’ll do a bang-up job,” asserted Louis Prevost, affirming his belief in Pope Leo's destined leadership at the Vatican.