‘He Was Weird’: Pope Leo’s Brother Shares Insight Into His Journey

Pope Leo XIV made history last week after being chosen as the first American Pontiff elected to the papacy. His older brother recently shared some insight into his journey from their childhood.

Pope Leo, born Robert Prevost, is the youngest of three brothers—including Louis and John Prevost—with whom he grew up in the Chicago suburb of Dolton.

In a recent interview, Louis shared some childhood memories that seemed to lead to his little brother's recent milestone, and are a testament to his lifelong faith.

Louis noted that Robert was peculiar compared to other kids in his hometown. "I told my brother he was weird," he shared, adding that Robert "always wanted to 'play priest.'"

"Nobody else in our 'hood played priest, but Robert did. And our parents always supported his wishes in that area," the 74-year-old recalled. He shared that their mother would allow Robert to drape a sheet over the ironing board and use crackers for communion.

"My brother enjoyed this," Louis said. The teasing never deterred Robert. He remained steadfast in his faith, even drawing predictions from those around him. "Even as a young kid in the second grade a nun told him, 'You will be pope some day,'" Louis recounted.

Even their friends' mothers echoed the sentiment. And, indeed, Robert became the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church on Thursday, May 8, 2025, after a papal conclave that lasted two days.

Louis has high hopes for his brother's papacy, considering his down-to-earth personality, his experience traveling the world, and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

"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," he said.