Childhood Dreams and Prophecies: The Journey of Pope Leo XIV
Desired ambition from early age: Pope Leo XIV aspired to become a priest since childhood - Childhood dream of priestly service inspired Pope Leo XIV's aspirations.
Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Robert Francis Prevost, had a deep-seated calling towards the priestly vocation from a young age. Instead of imagining playing soldiers or messing with dolls like other children, the future Pope was found simulating religious ceremonies and reciting prayers in both Latin and English, according to his brother John Prevost.
"From a tender age, Leo imitated being a priest using our mom's ironing board as an altar," John revealed in interviews with American broadcasters CBS and ABC. His youthful dedication to his faith was no joke, even emulating the solemnity of mass during playtime.
Predicting the Unconventional Pope
The predictions of Pope Leo XIV's future role did not begin until he had reached school age. A woman from the same neighborhood predicted that Leo would be the first American Pope. John was taken aback and doubtful at the time but was later shocked and proud as his brother's prophecy came true.
"It's a massive responsibility," John commented, expressing his reverence for his brother's new position. He plans to attend the Vatican celebrations in Rome on Friday, donning a sense of pride for his family's unconventional history in the Church.
early Life, Education, and Vocation
Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Pope Leo XIV comes from a French and Italian immigrant family. His childhood was steeped in Catholic faith, with his parents leading active roles in their church community. He pursued his education at an Augustinian minor seminary in Michigan and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from Villanova University in Pennsylvania. Driven by his passion for theology, he studied at the Catholic Theological Union of Chicago, setting the stage for his future role in the Church.
Prevost officially entered the Order of St. Augustine in 1978 and was ordained as a priest in June 1982. His missionary work in Peru, combined with his administrative roles in the Church hierarchy, shaped him into an adept religious leader. After spending over a decade ministering in South America, he returned to the U.S. and assumed roles such as the head of the Midwest Augustinians and the Prior General of the Augustinian Order. In 2014, he was appointed Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, by Pope Francis, and later became the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in 2023.
- Pope
- Brother
- Robert Francis Prevost
- Priest
- Catholic Theological Union of Chicago
- CBS
- Children
- Midwest Augustinians
- Peru
- Despite his youthful dreams aligning with the priestly vocation instead of playing like other children, Robert Francis Prevost, now known as Pope Leo XIV, never considered becoming a doctor.
- John Prevost, the brother of Pope Leo XIV, was initially skeptical about a prophecy made by a neighbor predicting that their brother would become the first American Pope, but was eventually amazed by the outcome years later.
- unprepared for the responsibility, John Prevost will attend the Vatican celebrations in Rome wearing a sense of pride for his family's unconventional history in the Church, as their brother, Robert Francis Prevost, ascended to the position of Pope Leo XIV.
- As the Pope's brother, John had opportunities to watch Robert Francis Prevost's journey, from being a priested to studying at institutions like the Catholic Theological Union of Chicago, proving his passion for theology and ultimately shaping his future role in the Church.
