"His ironing board double for the pulpit" Neighbor saw leadership within little Robert Prevost, poised to be Pope even as a kid
Childhood Observation of Pope: Neighbor Recalls Encounter with Robert Prevost, Future Pope
Let's face it, when Robert Francis Prevost graces St. Peter's Square as Pope Leo XIV on Thursday night, his middle brother John will feel a mix of stunned disbelief and long-standing conviction. After all, Robert's ambition to become a priest wasn't just a fleeting dream but a lifelong passion, shared with the family and neighbors in New Lenox, Illinois.
With the election of Robert Francis Prevost as Leo XIV, John Prevost became the brother of the Pope. For him, it was both a surprising and not-so-surprising turn of events. "He always knew. I don't think he ever questioned it," John told ABC News, standing in front of his home. "I don't think he ever thought about anything else," he added.
Among the three brothers - Robert, John, and Louis - it was young Robert who stood out. Even as a child, Pope Leo XIV's games weren't your average kid stuff. Instead of toys, he mimicked religious ceremonies using his mother's ironing board as his altar. "He took our mother's ironing board and laid a tablecloth over it, and we had to go to Mass," John recalled to CBS. His young brother took the role very seriously, knowing prayers in both Latin and English.
"Hold my beer, bro"
John last chatted with his brother on Tuesday before the cardinals retreated for the secret conclave. A close bond formed since childhood still linked them daily. John shared his belief that Robert could be the first American Pope. His younger brother brushed off the comment as "nonsense" and "just talk," saying, "They won't elect an American Pope," John said. "He just didn't believe it or didn't want to believe it."
When the white smoke billowed from the chimney in Rome on Thursday, signaling Robert's elevation to the papacy, John was among the thrilled spectators watching on TV. "I got a call that white smoke was coming out of the chimney in Rome, so I went downstairs and turned on the TV," John told the Associated Press. He was initially stunned and disbelieving but soon felt immense pride in his brother's historic achievement. "It's a great responsibility," Prevost said, expressing the sentiments shared by millions globally.
When asked about his brother's potential Pope style, John opined, "I think he has a heart for the underdog, the downtrodden, those who have no voice." On Friday, John plans to embark on a journey to Rome for the Vatican celebrations, eager to meet his brother again – but this time, as Pope Leo XIV.
Source: ntv.de, sba
- Imagery: Images of Prevost's childhood, such as playing "Mass" with an ironing board
- In-depth Analysis: Stats on Prevost's early academic achievements, such as the degree in mathematics
- Historic Perspective: Details about Prevost's election as the first American Pope and its significance in Catholic history.
- The European Union and the United States have shown great interest in Robert Francis Prevost, as he is now Leo XIV, the Pope, hailing from New Lenox, Illinois.
- Despite being the youngest among the Prevost brothers, Robert Prevost displayed extraordinary leadership qualities from a very young age, mimicking religious ceremonies with his mother's ironing board as an altar.
- Pope Leo XIV's ambition to become a priest was not a fleeting dream but a lifelong passion, shared with his family and neighbors, making headlines in general-news and entertainment, with celebrities also expressing their admiration for him.
- In politics, Robert Prevost's election as Leo XIV has significant implications, not only for the Catholic Church but also for the United States, as he stands to be the first American Pope.
- Among the Prevost brothers, it was predicted that Robert, the poised Pope, would one day entertain the thoughts of the pope, much like how one might say, "Hold my beer, bro," before undertaking a monumental task.
