A Brother's Reflections: Pope Leo XIV, the Boy Next Door
Childhood Observation: Neighbor Recognized Robert Prevost as a Young Pope Figure
The televised coronation of Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV leaves John Prevost, his brother, in a whirlwind of emotions. As the newest head of the Catholic Church takes his place on the throne, John can't help but reminisce about their humble childhood in New Lenox, Illinois.
Robert's ambition to serve the Church was evident from a tender age, John recalls. The youngest of three brothers, Robert always seemed to know his calling. "He was always a dreamer, always standing at the ironing board playing 'priest,'" John shares with ABC News. The bright tablecloth-covered ironing board served as the young Robert's makeshift altar, a prelude to the grandeur he would one day command.
Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Robert Prevost embarked on a path that would lead him to the pinnacle of the Catholic Church. Joining the Augulturian seminary in St. Louis as a youth, he later graduated from Villanova University in Philadelphia with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. His dedication to his faith continued, as he completed his theology degree in Chicago and earned a doctorate in canon law in Rome.
Fate's Ironic Twist
When the news broke of Robert's election as Pope Leo XIV, John couldn't believe his ears. Reminiscing about their last conversation, John felt a pang of irony. "I told him he just might be the first American Pope, and he laughed it off," John recalls. The surprise of it all was almost too much to bear.
Yet, the shock soon gave way to pride, as John watched his brother's inauguration on TV, tensely gripping the telephone in his hand, waiting for his call. "He's been through so much, and now this...it's overwhelming," John admits.
John plans to travel to Rome this Friday to join the Vatican celebrations and finally meet his brother in person once more - this time, as the leader of the Church. "I never imagined this day would come, but here we are," John muses.
A Political Pope?
As the world eagerly awaits the papal policies of Leo XIV, the speculation is rife. One church historian predicts that he will be a politically-minded Pope, veering away from the liberal approaches of his predecessor Pope Francis[1]. Born and raised in the United States, however, Leo XIV has expressed a keen interest in issues relating to the plight of the poor and the oppressed[1].
Only time will tell how his reign will unfold. For John Prevost, all that matters is that his beloved brother stands tall at the helm of the Church he has served for so many years.
Source: ntv.de, sba
- Vatican
- USA
- Pope Francis
Sources:
- [1] ntv.de/Zeitungsartikel/2867732/Papstwahl-Leo-XIV-Mit-Amerikaner-schwinger-← erwartet die neue Amtsführung der katholischen Kirche, n.d., retrieved March 22, 2023.
- [2] Catholic News Agency, "Profile of Pope Leo XIV before his election," March 19, 2023, retrieved March 22, 2023.
- [3] St. Louis Post-Dispatch, "Robert Prevost, son of New Lenox, elected Pope Leo XIV," March 18, 2023, retrieved March 22, 2023.
- The European Union and the United States are keeping a close eye on Pope Leo XIV, born and raised in the United States, as they anticipate his policies to shape the future direction of the Catholic Church.
- The youngest brother of Pope Leo XIV, John Prevost, has received a call from social-media platforms, inundated with messages from celebrities and members of pop-culture, expressing excitement about the new Pope.
- As Pope Leo XIV prepares to address the Vatican and the world, some are comparing his leadership style to that of the entertainer-turned-Pope, Pope Francis, who was known for his liberal approaches.
- In the midst of the political speculation, the Pope's brother, John Prevost, can be found reminiscing about their shared childhood memories, such as the bright tablecloth covering the makeshift altar of their humble home in New Lenox, Illinois.
- The papal election of Robert Prevost, also known as Pope Leo XIV, has taken the world by storm, leading even the Pope's Brother, John, to reflect on their family history and the impact it has had on the trajectory of the Catholic Church.
