The world was pleasantly surprised when the 133 cardinals elected Pope Leo XIV as the 267th Bishop of Rome, and no one was more stunned than his family.
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, was elected on the second day of the conclave, becoming the first American to ascend to the papacy.
His two brothers, John and Louis Prevost, have since shared their joy and disbelief at the unexpected news.
In an interview with ABC News Channel, John Prevost recalled a childhood moment that now feels prophetic.
“When he was in first grade, a woman across the street said he would be the first American pope,” John shared. “Even at that age, he knew he was going to be a priest.”
Growing up in a tight-knit family in Chicago with their parents, Louis and Mildred Prevost, the brothers never truly believed the prophecy would come to pass.
“I always heard we’d never have an American pope because of politics and the U.S. having too much world power,” John said. “People said we didn’t need that influence in the Church, too.”
But when Robert’s name emerged among the top candidates for the papacy after the previous pope’s passing, John began to think the impossible might happen.
“I talked to him on Tuesday before the conclave began,” John recalled. “He kept denying it, brushing it off, hoping it would go away. But it didn’t.”
When the iconic white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney on Thursday evening, John had no idea his brother was inside the Room of Tears, donning the red-and-white papal vestments and the Fisherman’s Ring.
“It wasn’t until I heard the name Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost that it hit me. I said, ‘Oh my gosh, here we go.’ Honestly, it still hasn’t sunk in.”
His older brother Louis was equally shocked. Speaking in a video shared by Catholic Vote, he said he was lying in bed when his wife exclaimed, “White smoke!”
“If I hadn’t been in bed, I might have collapsed,” he said.
Louis remembered their childhood with fondness.
“When we were kids, we used to raise cane, but he was always the holy one. We’d tease him, saying, ‘You’re going to be pope someday!’”
Once Robert entered the seminary, Louis said, it no longer felt like a joke — the possibility became real.
John described Pope Leo XIV as a compassionate and humble man with a deep heart for the marginalized.
“He’s always cared for the poor and those without a voice. After serving the people of Chiclayo, Peru, and becoming a lifelong member of the Order of Saint Augustine — an order focused on unity — it’s clear he’ll lead with compassion,” he said.
“I think he’ll follow in the footsteps of Pope Francis. I don’t expect a huge change in direction.”
The two men bonded years ago when Pope Francis was still Archbishop of Buenos Aires and Robert Prevost was serving in Peru.
Their connection deepened over time, and Pope Francis elevated him through the Church hierarchy, appointing him cardinal in 2024.
“I don’t think there’ll be much difference between them,” John added. “They believe in many of the same issues.”
Pope Leo XIV’s election has sparked a wave of congratulations from leaders and Catholics around the world.
Former U.S. President Barack Obama, a fellow Chicagoan, wrote: “This is a historic day for the United States, and we will pray for him as he begins the sacred work of leading the Catholic Church and setting an example for so many, regardless of faith.”
Former President Donald Trump also offered his praise, stating: “It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”
As Cardinal Prevost, he had been outspoken on global issues, voicing strong opinions on immigration and climate change, particularly in opposition to some policies of the Trump administration.
Pope Leo XIV recently celebrated his first Mass as pontiff with the College of Cardinals in the Sistine Chapel, beginning his new chapter as the spiritual leader of over a billion Catholics.