“We used to tease him he’d be Pope”

Before he became Pope Leo XIV, he was just Robert to his older brothers, Louis and John Prevost. Now, the newly elected Pope, son of French-Italian Louis Marius Prevost and Spanish-descended Mildred Martinez, is making history as the first American Pope.  

In a sweet moment, his siblings are eager to tell the world more about who he is. Days before the conclave, John had a sibling feeling of what was coming. “Last Saturday, at church, one of the priests told me that the odds in Las Vegas were 18 to 1 in favor of my brother,” John told The New York Times.

“He had no doubts. He was sure it would be him.” But when John called to tell Robert, the future Pope dismissed it: “It’s not going to happen, don’t even think about it.” Still, John asked him what name he’d pick – just in case.

That “just in case” turned real, and John was watching when the Habemus Papam announcement was made. “I was in shock,” he recalled from his porch in New Lenox, Illinois.

© ABC News

The brothers shared childhood memories, including Robert’s early devotion to becoming a priest – playing “priest” instead of “cops and robbers,” according to Louis. “We used to tease him by saying that one day he would be Pope,” Louis told ABC News. “The neighbors said the same thing. 60 years later, here we are.”

Louis found out about his brother’s election while lying down sick. “My wife called me to tell me that white smoke was coming out of the chapel… I was grateful to still be lying in bed because I could have fallen off,” he joked. “I got out of bed and started dancing like an idiot.”

© Vatican Pool – Corbis

Both brothers said Robert always shared Pope Francis’ values, especially his concern for the marginalized. “I am sure he will continue Pope Francis’ legacy,” John said. 

© ABC NEWS

“Don’t expect radical positions, but you won’t see him remain silent either.” He added, “I know he is very concerned about the situation of immigrants. I am very clear about that. How far will he go with that? I don’t know. But I am sure he will not sit idly by.” Describing Leo XIV as humble, John continued: “He’s not into luxuries. He’s not going out to dinner for a 19-course meal.” And for the record, he’s a White Sox fan, not a Cubs fan.

From missionary work in Peru to Vatican leadership, Leo XIV’s journey has been global. But to his brothers, he’s still Rob – funny, focused, and full of heart.