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"I told my brother he was weird" - Pope Leo's elder sibling opens up on growing up with the pontiff

posted by Shreya Ghosh
Friday 5/16/2025 at 3:20AM EDT
  • Pope Leo XIV at Vatican (Source: Instagram/@pontifex)
    Pope Leo XIV at Vatican (Source: Instagram/@pontifex)

    Pope Leo XIV was often considered different during his childhood. Born Robert Francis Prevost, he was elected as the new pope on May 8, 2025, after the unfortunate demise of Pope Francis this year on April 21.

    In an exclusive conversation with People, the newest pontiff's brother, Louis Prevost, 74, reflected on Robert's childhood. 

    Recalling those days, Louis confessed, saying to his younger sibling,

    "I told my brother he was weird."

    Pope Leo's brother got personal and talked about their joyous childhood

    While opening up about living with his two brothers, recounting their boyhood years, and staying outside Chicago, he also shared that the pope "always wanted to play priest," even in his younger days.

    Louis further continued,

    "Nobody else in our 'hood played priest, but Robert did.

    Pope Leo XIV's parents have been supportive of his son's dreams since the beginning. Describing their encouragement for Robert during his early years, Louis also added,

    "And our parents always supported his wishes in that area. Mom let him use our ironing board to put a sheet over, and crackers we had for communion. My brother enjoyed this."

    While people sometimes joked about Robert, no criticism could affect his devotion to his faith. Interestingly, some even predicted that the young boy would become a pontiff in his future.

    Louis further shared with the outlet,

    "Even as a young kid in the second grade a nun told him, 'You will be pope some day,'"

    The elder Prevost brother also mentioned that some of their friends' mothers had even speculated that Robert might grow up to become the Pope one day. Recounting those conversations, he chimed in,

    "They all thought my brother would grow up to be the pope."

     

     

    Robert’s unwavering dedication to his faith ultimately validated the predictions made about him. At the age of 69, he has been selected as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Additionally, he is also the first American-born pope in the church's history.

    Pope Leo XIV's family was elated but not shocked to know the grand news of their family member being hailed as the new pope of the Catholic Church. The pontiff's elder sibling continued during his interview,

    "It hasn't fully sunk in even after a few days that my little brother is now the pope."

    Explaining how the news impacted their lives, he also stated,

    "In fact, it’s mind-boggling. Our family life has changed forever. It has been nonstop media buzz."

    The navy veteran shared the nicest words for his brother, acknowledging,

    "My brother is down to earth, a nice guy, a wonderful human being who has traveled the world and met leaders from everywhere. He can talk to people from the bottom of society to those at the top."

    He also appreciated Pope Leo XIV for being equally at ease with everyone, both presidents and the common public.

     

     

    Louis stated,

    "He can smooth over the conservatives who were uncomfortable with Pope Francis and help put divisions aside. He will help make all Catholics happy and build up the church instead of tearing it down."

    Pope Leo XIV's brother opened up about their parents

    Louis talked about his parents, sharing that his father, Louis, was an educator and his mother, Mildred, was a librarian. He added,

    "Our parents also believed in public service and were educators."

    Reminiscing about his childhood, he further shared,

    "We went with dad to events at school and were raised in a home that respected elders. We were taught that and not to judge people, not be prejudiced against anyone. We learned all of this when we were small children."

    He also lauded his parents for being "so supportive" and how their reassurance was a "big plus."

    TOPICS: Pope Leo, pontiff, sibling