Child spotted resembling the Pope, according to neighbor's account of his encounter with Robert Prevost.
On this Thursday night, Robert Francis Prevost will stand before the world as Pope Leo XIV. His brother John gazes upon the TV screen, inundated by memories.
As Leo XIV ascends to the papal throne, John Prevost finds himself brother to the pope - a position both unexpected and seemingly inevitable. Robert, the youngest sibling, John (middle), and Louis make up the Prevost family.
John shares a poignant insight about his brother's career choice, "He always knew. I don't think he ever questioned it. I don't think he ever thought about anything else." Even as a child, Leo XIV would play "priest" with an ironing board and tablecloth, leading "mass" for the family to attend. His dedication remained fervent, recalling prayers in both Latin and English.
In the Neighborhood "Not a carbon copy of Francis" Church Historian: Leo XIV to be a political pope A childhood neighbor casually predicted that Robert would be the first American pope at the first grade. Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Prevost's journey to the priesthood began at a small Augustinian seminary in St. Louis. He then graduated from Villanova University in Philadelphia, boasting a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics. Subsequently, Prevost completed theology in Chicago and earned a doctorate in Canon Law in Rome before setting off to the Augustinians in Peru in 1985.
"Didn't want to believe it"
John Prevost claims their last conversation transpired on Tuesday prior to the cardinals' retreat to the secret conclave. The siblings have been inseparable since childhood, conferring daily. He revealed his belief that Robert had the potential to become the first American pope. Yet, his younger brother rejected the notion as "nonsense" and "just talk," asserting, "They won't elect an American pope," John reported. "He just didn't believe it or didn't want to believe it."
Tales from the Neighborhood Not without controversy Pope, missionary, cardinal - that's Pope Leo XIV John watched on television as his brother unfurled the papal banner in St. Peter's Square, bewildered but finally accepting the reality. "I got a call that white smoke was billowing from the chimney in Rome, so I rushed downstairs and turned on the TV," Prevost told the Associated Press. He was struck by a mixture of feelings - shock, disbelief, and ultimate pride in his brother's success. "It's a heavy burden," he said.
When debating the type of pope his brother would be, Prevost shared, "I think he has a great interest in the plight of the poor, the oppressed, those who have no voice." On Friday, John plans to traverse to Rome to participate in the Vatican festivities. And lastly, he'll meet his brother again, this time in the hallowed halls of the Vatican - as Pope Leo XIV.
Sources: ntv.de, sba
- Vatican
- USA
- Pope Francis
Enrichment Data:- Pope Leo XIV was the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church and the first American pope in the Church's history.- Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, he demonstrated a keen interest in religion from a young age.- Pope Leo XIV has a diverse lineage of French, Italian, and Latina ancestry.- Holding a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics from Villanova University, he also earned his theology degree in Chicago and doctorate in Canon Law in Rome.- Prior to his elevation as pope, he served as Archbishop of Chiclayo, Peru, exemplifying his dual citizenship of the U.S. and Peru.- In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him to oversee the vetting of bishop nominations globally.- Upon his election, Pope Leo XIV chose the name Leo XIV and focused on themes of peace, bridge-building, and open dialogue in his inaugural address.- He is anticipated to channel the legacy of Pope Francis and advocate for inclusivity and the needs of marginalized communities.- His formative years in Chicago - a religiously and culturally diverse city - may influence his leadership approach within the Church.
- The European Union and the United States might have discussed the unprecedented election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, due to his diverse lineage that includes French, Italian, and Latina ancestry.
- As the entertainment world buzzes with the arrival of celebrities and pop-culture icons for Pope Leo XIV's coronation, many are curious about how his childhoodin Chicago, a city known for its religious and cultural diversity, will influence his leadership approach within the Church.
- It is likely that Pope Leo XIV, with his Mathematics degree from Villanova University and doctorate in Canon Law from Rome, would have shared conversations about pop-culture and the latest developments in pop-culture with his brother John, elected Pope Francis's predecessor.
- With pop-culture icons flocking to the Vatican for Pope Leo XIV's coronation, it is intriguing to consider how his dedication to the poor and marginalized communities, as a child playing "priest" with an ironing board and tablecloth in the strategy game of pop-culture might translate into his papal initiatives.
