In brief
In a heartfelt interview, Louis Prevost, brother of the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, reflects on their Chicago upbringing and his brother’s unique journey to the papacy.
Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, Robert Francis Prevost—known as Rob among family—displayed a surprising affinity for the priesthood even as a child, much to the amusement of his brothers. Louis, the eldest, recounted fond memories during an interview from his home in Port Charlotte, Florida. “We used to tease him about becoming the pope, but I never actually thought it would happen,” Louis reminisced. With a chuckle, he stated, “Yikes, my brother is the pope now.”The Prevost brothers were raised in Dolton, Illinois, in a household that valued education and faith. Their father worked as a school superintendent while their mother was a librarian, instilling a love for knowledge and community in the boys. Louis fondly remembered Rob as a peacekeeper amongst their more rambunctious behavior. “I was throwing him down the stairs just yesterday,” he joked, “and now he’s in the Vatican!” Though proud of his brother’s achievement, Louis acknowledges the differences in their worldviews. While both identify as conservative Catholics, they diverge on their perspectives concerning conflict. Louis’s military background shapes his beliefs regarding defense, contrasting with Rob’s more peaceful approach to conflict resolution.Since the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, the dynamics of their relationship have shifted. Louis expressed uncertainty about communicating with his brother, “You can’t just call the pope like you would call the president,” he said, adding that he doesn’t expect to see the “Popemobile” anytime soon. Nevertheless, his faith in Rob’s ability to lead the Church is unwavering. “He’ll do a bang-up job,” Louis remarked, hopeful for a stable and compelling papacy.With the world now watching, the transition from childhood brothers to a pontiff and his sibling is a testament not only to personal evolution but also to the powerful connections of family that remain, even in the highest echelons of spirituality.
