The elder brothers of Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, have expressed their joy and pride after the youngest sibling was elected the 267th pontiff. In interviews and shared family moments, they reflected on his journey from their childhood home in Dolton, Illinois, to the Vatican. John and Louis Prevost, older than Robert, recalled his early passion for the priesthood, with John recounting a neighbor’s prophecy predicting Robert’s future as the first American pope.
John shared that Robert was destined for the priesthood, a dream he never wavered from, even in first grade. He fondly remembered how his brother would “play priest” as a child, using an ironing board as an altar. John also noted their shared experiences with missions in South America, linking Robert’s values to those of Pope Francis, whom he sees as having had a similar dedication to the poor and marginalized.
Louis, the eldest of the three, was in Florida when the announcement of Robert’s election came through. Though feeling unwell, Louis was overcome with emotion when he heard his brother’s name. He described the moment as surreal and expressed immense pride in Robert, who had always been humble and committed to his calling. He recalled how, as children, neighbors would joke about Robert becoming the pope one day. “Sixty-some years later, here we are,” Louis said.
Both brothers believe Robert’s global experience, particularly his work as a missionary in Peru, played a significant role in his election. For them, it’s clear that Robert was destined for greatness from a young age, and now, as Pope Leo XIV, he has fulfilled that promise.
