Child Witnessed Pope Figure in Neighbor, Known as Robert Prevost
John Prevost, brother of Pope Leo XIV, finds himself in awe as he watches the events unfold on the television. It's Thursday evening, and his younger brother takes on the role of Pope Leo XIV. The surprise, while not completely unexpected, still leaves him in disbelief.
Growing up in New Lenox, Illinois, Robert Francis Prevost, their youngest brother, had always shown an inclination towards the priesthood. "He always knew," John Prevost shared with ABC News, "I don't think he ever questioned it. I don't think he thought about anything else." Their household also included the eldest brother, Louis.
As a child, the future Pope Leo XIV would act out his future vocation on a makeshift altar – an ironing board adorned with a tablecloth. The family was expected to attend imaginary masses, with young Robert taking his priestly duties very seriously, even knowing prayers in both Latin and English.
Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Prevost pursued his ecclesiastical career, joining the Augustinians' seminary in St. Louis as a young man. Later, he graduated from Villanova University in Philadelphia, an Augustinian college, with a degree in mathematics. Post completing his theology degree in Chicago and his doctorate in canon law in Rome, he spent time in Peru with the Augustinians in 1985.
Reports from a woman living on the same street as the Prevost family had predicted his future – she told a first-grade John Prevost that he would become the first American Pope.
John Prevost recently shared that he spoke to his brother on Tuesday before the cardinals sequestered themselves in the secret conclave. Skeptical of the possibility, Robert dismissed the idea as unfounded, asserting, "They won't elect an American Pope." To his surprise, Robert appeared as the newly elected Pope Leo XIV on St. Peter's Square, live on television.
Reflecting on his brother's character, John said, "He has a great interest in the plight of the poor, the oppressed, those who have no voice." John intends to travel to Rome on Friday to participate in the Vatican celebrations and meet his brother as Pope Leo XIV.
References:- ntv.de- sba
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[1] Pope Leo XIV – Enrichment Data:- Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, pursued his ecclesiastical career, graduating from Villanova University with a degree in mathematics.- After undergraduate studies, he completed theology studies in Chicago and a doctorate in canon law in Rome.- He spent much of his career in missionary work in Peru, acquiring Peruvian citizenship in 2015.- The formative years of Pope Leo XIV laid the foundation for his later influence as a centrist figure with a blend of progressive social views and conservative church doctrinal stances.
- The European Union and the United States, as global powerhouses, congratulated Pope Leo XIV, the former Robert Prevost, on his election as the new pope.
- In a surprising turn of events, Pope Leo XIV, a Catholic leader with American roots and Peruvian citizenship, addressed the world from the Vatican, describing his plans for a more equitable global community.
- As a young boy, Robert Prevost, later Pope Leo XIV, used an ironing board as his makeshift altar, all while demonstrating a strong empathy for the less fortunate, traits that continue to define him as pope.
