Pope Leo XIV: A Peacemaker’s Journey from Illinois to the Vatican

The future Pope Leo XIV, hailing from a humble background, paved his path to leadership with a dedication to peace, surprising his family at his ascension.

As a child in Dolton, Illinois, Robert Francis Prevost, known as Rob, would often embody the essence of a priest rather than a stereotypical figure of childhood fantasy. His eldest brother, Louis Prevost, reminisced fondly about their youth, recounting, “We teased him a lot about, ‘Na na na, you’re gonna be the pope.’” Now, with Rob Prevost officially taking on the monumental role of Pope Leo XIV, Louis finds the reality quite astonishing.

Reflecting on their formative years in Chicago, Louis, who now resides in Port Charlotte, Florida, emphasized that even as young boys, Rob was always a peacemaker, a trait that seemed to predict his future in the Church. “It’s hard to fathom my brother is the pope,” Louis expressed, shaking his head at the irony of their rough-and-tumble past.

The family grew tight-knit, with Louis, Rob, and their brother John navigating both the spirited challenges of brotherhood and their Catholic education at St. Mary of the Assumption. Their father, a school superintendent, and mother, a librarian, imbued a strong sense of community and education in the household.

Louis, maintaining his conservative values, suggests that while his brother will emulate some aspects of Pope Francis’ leadership, he might lean more conservatively regarding church doctrine. Their discussions about faith and war reveal differing views; while Louis holds a more assertive stance, Rob’s pacifism was a source of sibling disagreement. “You come at me, guess what? You’re going to feel the wrath,” he stated, contrasting Rob’s gentler approach.

Having only recently spoken with the pope before the conclave, Louis now contemplates the change in their communication dynamic. “I don’t think you can just call the pope,” he remarked jokingly, likening it to contacting a head of state. He humorously added that he doesn’t foresee Pope Leo XIV rolling up to his Florida home in the Popemobile.

Despite the shift in their relationship, Louis expresses confidence in his brother’s new role, declaring, “He’ll do a bang-up job.” As the world looks forward to the leadership of Pope Leo XIV, his family reflects on a remarkable journey shaped by compassion and commitment to peace.