As Pope Leo XIV settles into his role leading the world's Roman Catholics, his eldest brother Louis Prevost reminisces about their upbringing in Illinois, revealing insights into their family dynamics and Pope Leo's potential approach to the papacy.
From Boyhood to the Vatican: The Journey of Pope Leo XIV
From Boyhood to the Vatican: The Journey of Pope Leo XIV
A glimpse into the early life of Pope Leo XIV through the eyes of his brother, reflecting on their childhood and the expectations of his papacy.
As Pope Leo XIV takes on his duties as the head of the Roman Catholic Church, his eldest brother, Louis Prevost, provides a personal look back at their childhood in Dolton, Illinois. Growing up just south of Chicago, Louis, Robert (the future Pope), and their brother John frequently attended mass and school at St. Mary of the Assumption. Louis recalls their teasing over Robert’s playful priest role, which now resonates with irony as Robert is elevated to pontiff.
Reflecting on their robust sibling rivalry, Louis expressed disbelief at his brother's rise to such a significant role: “My brother’s the pope… Yikes.” The family dynamic appeared to nurture qualities of peacemaking in Robert, a trait that often contrasted with the more combative demeanor of Louis, who served in the Navy during the time of Robert’s priestly ordination in Rome in 1982.
While Louis describes himself as a conservative individual with differing views on various issues—including conflict—he offers his perspectives on the expected direction of Pope Leo XIV's papacy. He suggests that his brother may adopt a position less liberal than that of his predecessor, Pope Francis, indicating the potential for a more traditionalist approach to church teachings.
In light of their diverging paths, Louis shared insights into his personal life in Florida and reflected on the challenges of maintaining family connections with his brother now occupying the papal throne. He humorously doubts whether he could easily converse with Pope Leo XIV, likening the call to reaching out to a world leader. With a mix of pride and anticipation, Louis remains confident in his brother’s leadership, declaring, “He’ll do a bang-up job,” as he looks forward to the future of the Church under the new pontiff.
