Brother of New Pope Leo XIV Shares Reaction to Historic Election
New Lenox, Illinois — May 9, 2025 —
John Prevost, brother of the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, recounts his reaction to the historic election. The declaration came as Cardinal Robert Prevost, of Chicago, was chosen as the 267th pope, leading the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. John expressed immense pride, sharing intimate details of his daily conversations with his brother, who is now Pope, and offering insight into the family dynamic. As pope Leo XIV embarks on his papacy, more information on his life and mission is sure to follow.
Brother of New Pope Leo XIV Shares Reaction to Historic Election
New lenox, Illinois – John prevost, brother of Cardinal Robert Prevost, the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, described the moment he learned of his brother’s ascension to the papacy as awe-inspiring. He and his niece where together when the declaration was made.
“She started shouting because it was her uncle, and I couldn’t believe this could be possible,” John Prevost told the Associated press.
Cardinal Robert Prevost, a missionary from Chicago, has become the 267th pope and the religious leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. His brother, John, expressed immense pride upon hearing the news.
“It’s a great honor,” Prevost said. “But it is indeed a pretty big obligation, and I think it will lead to bigger and better things. But I also think people will keep track of what he is doing closely.”
During the interview, John Prevost received several missed calls from his brother, the new Pope. He returned the call, and pope Leo XIV briefly spoke with his brother, requesting to remain out of the interview. John congratulated him on his election.
According to John, the brothers typically speak daily, discussing topics ranging from politics and religion to their shared enjoyment of the Wordle puzzle. He anticipates that his brother’s new role will substantially impact their interaction.”it’s already strange not to have anyone to talk to,” he admitted.
In a conversation just before the conclave began, John Prevost, according to NBC News, even asked his brother if he had watched the movie “Conclave.” Pope Leo XIV confirmed that he had.
“So he knew how to behave,” Prevost told NBC News, adding that he hoped to lighten the mood before his brother entered the weighty process. “I wanted to make his thoughts on something else, make him laugh at something, because this was a huge responsibility.”
While acknowledging a “weak feeling” that his brother might be chosen, Prevost noted that Pope Leo XIV himself seemed doubtful. “He didn’t think so,” Prevost stated. “I did it a little, because what I read and what I heard was that there were three outstanding candidates who were in the first, second and third place. The cardinal from the Philippines, the Secretary of State and him.”
Robert Prevost, 69, a member of the augustinian Order with a long history of missionary work in Peru, chose the name Leo XIV. John Prevost describes his brother as deeply concerned about the poor and marginalized.
