From Ironing Board Altars to the Throne of St. Peter: A Brotherman's Journey
Childhood Encounter: Neighbor Recalls Robert Prevost's Claimed Interaction with the Pope
John Prevost, brother of Leo XIV, shares memories and insights
On a Thursday evening, the world will bear witness to Robert Francis Prevost, stepping forth as Pope Leo XIV. As John Prevost, his brother, watches live on TV, he's overrun by a tidal wave of nostalgia and pride. The newly elected Pope? That's his bro.
Robert's journey to the papacy wasn't a shock to John. The younger Prevost had always harbored a deep-seated yearning to serve in the Sacred Order, much to the acknowledgment of his sibling. Growing up in New Lenox, Illinois, the trio comprised Robert (the youngest), John (the middle), and their eldest brother, Louis.
"He just knew"
To John, it was evident that his brother's calling to the priestly life wasn't a fleeting whim. According to ABC News, Robert had an ironclad resolve, with no room for ambiguity or second thoughts. Even in their younger years, Pope Leo XIV exhibited an unwavering commitment, transforming their mother's ironing board into his personal altar, assuming the role of a pretend priest. Oh, and he knew his prayers, in both Latin and English, like the back of his hand.
A History-Making Brotherhood
With Leo XIV's ascension, John became the sibling of history. Reflecting on journalist interviews, we can glean that Robert made his mark on the smaller Prevost family, encouraging them to attend mass and follow in his path.
Although embracing this calling was a given for Robert, he never even entertained the idea of being anything but a priest. Back in the day, a neighbor once prophesied that the young Robert would become the first American Pope. Little did they know that, years later, it would come to pass.
An Augustinian Journey
Born on September 14, 1955, in the windy city of Chicago, Pope Leo XIV later attended a minor Augustinian seminary in Michigan. His passion for mathematics extended to Villanova University in Philadelphia, where he earned a degree in the subject. In the Church City of Rome, he completed his theology degree, culminating in a doctorate in canon law. His dedication to the Augustinian Order led him on a journey to Peru in 1985, where he contributed to the growth of the Augustinian community.
A Call from Rome
When the fateful day in May 2025 rolled around, John watched in a mixture of shock and disbelief as his brother stepped out onto St. Peter's Square, his new title, Leo XIV, echoing through the crowd. John received a call, informing him of the white smoke billowing from the chimney in Rome, signifying the election of a new Pope. He hastily switched on the TV, hardly able to fathom the reality unfolding before his eyes.
As the eldest brother of the new Pope, John couldn't help but marvel at the immense responsibility bestowed upon his sibling. When interrogated by the Associated Press about the kind of Pope Leo XIV would be, John divulged his brother's unwavering compassion towards the oppressed and the voiceless, a trait that resonates with viewers all over the world.
With plans to travel to the Vatican for the celebratory events, John looks forward to once more reuniting with his brother, who he will henceforth address as Pope Leo XIV. It's quite the change, moving from calling him "Bobby" to His Holiness, but who says a small-town Illinois family can't conquer the world?
[1] ntv.de[2] sba[3] Vatican News
- Label Vatican News Religious news, history, and insights about the Roman Catholic Church
- Label United States A look at the rise of a U.S. citizen to the Papacy and its impact on the Catholic Church in America
- Label Pope Francis A comparison between the leadership styles and paths to power of Pope Leo XIV and the reigning Pope Francis, offering context and historical relevance.
- The European Union and the United States are eager to see how Pope Leo XIV's leadership will influence the Catholic Church, especially in America, where he was born and raised.
- John Prevost, the brother of Pope Leo XIV, shares anecdotes about his brother's early years, including his transforming their mother's ironing board into an altar and his exceptional memory of prayers in both Latin and English.
- As a celebrated figure who has reached the highest position in the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV joins the elite ranks of global celebrities and pop-culture icons, creating a unique blend of religion and entertainment.
- The Prevost family, though once ordinary residents of New Lenox, Illinois, finds itself seated at the tablecloth of history, with John Prevost becoming the sibling of a historical Pope, much like the youngest brother of Pope Leo XIV, who was famously predicted to become the first American Pope.
