Brothers of Pope Leo journey to Rome for a family get-together following his groundbreaking election
Chicago's Leo XIV Makes History: An Unprecedented Sibling Reunion in Rome
After shattering boundaries as the first yankee Pope, Pope Leo XIV is gearing up for an emotional gathering with his kinfolk in Rome. His brother, John Prevost, hailing from New Lenox, Illinois, will be joining Leo to celebrate this groundbreaking event for both the Catholic Church and the Windy City.
Elected following the 2025 papal conclave on a Thursday, Pope Leo marked a major milestone - becoming the very first American-born pope in the Church's 2000-year history.
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The whirlwind trip to the Eternal City will be John's fifth venture to Italy, two of which he shared with his brother, now the global head honcho of the Catholic Church. John shared that he gave Pope Leo a call to discuss the family visit.
"I told him we were coming. He said, 'Oh, okay,'" John revealed to NBC Chicago.
John reflected on the mix of pride and anxiety tied to his brother's historic achievement, acknowledging that their parents would be "over the moon" about Leo's position.
"That's the thing...look at the 'first' that we are here. First from the United States, first from Chicago," John expressed. He went on to emphasize the enormous responsibility his brother faces and the scrutiny the world will place on his every move.
Plans for the visit are still up in the air, but John mentioned they expect to dine with the Pope and tour some special locations in Rome during their stay from Saturday to Tuesday. John confirmed he doesn't plan to stick around for Leo's installation ceremony.
The family visit serves as a poignant reminder of the human side of this historical religious milestone, demonstrating the mix of personal joy and global significance that accompanies Leo's epoch-making election. Although it's a rare and significant event accompanying a papal transition, family dynamics are bound to evolve as Leo takes on the mantle of global leadership.
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- John Prevost, Pope Leo XIV's brother, is preparing for his fifth trip to Italy, where he'll be joining his sibling for a historic reunion in Rome.
- In conversation with NBC Chicago, John shared that they plan to tour special locations in Rome during their stay from Saturday to Tuesday and dine together, raising the question if the discussion of sports would also be on the agenda in the city where the capital of the Catholic Church stands.
