Robert Francis Prevost has made history as the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church. Now known as Pope Leo XIV, the 69-year-old Chicago native has stepped into a role that, according to those close to him, always seemed like his destiny.
His brother, John Prevost, spoke with ABC News and shared stories that hinted at this remarkable future from the beginning. “I don’t know how many people will find it interesting,” said John, “but when he was in first grade, a woman across the street that we used to play with the kids, and a woman down the street said he would be the first American pope. In first grade, they said that.”
Even as a child, Pope Leo XIV felt a deep calling to the priesthood. As John recalled, his brother made the decision to enter religious life at a very young age. Consequently, his path quickly took him away from home. “After finishing eighth grade, he left right away to enter the seminary,” John explained, adding, “so he wasn’t present much during their teenage years.”
Over the years, that early sense of purpose never wavered. His commitment to the Church and his steady rise through its ranks ultimately led him to a position once considered unattainable for an American—until now.
Robert Prevost: A Life Devoted to Faith
After he entered the Augustinian seminary in Holland, Michigan, he studied there for four years. Then he continued his education at Villanova University, an Augustinian institution. “So he wasn’t home a lot. Summer vacations he was home,” said John.
John Prevost admitted he never expected his brother to become the next pope, especially after Pope Francis passed away on April 21 at the age of 88. For years, he had heard that the Church would never elect an American to lead the Roman Catholic Church. He explained that politics played a role—many believed the United States already exerted too much global influence and that an American pope would only increase that dominance. Because of this, the idea of his brother becoming pope felt far-fetched and unrealistic.
That perspective began to shift in the days leading up to the conclave. As speculation grew and reports named Robert Prevost as a potential frontrunner, John started to reconsider. Despite the growing attention, his brother remained dismissive of the idea. When they spoke shortly before the conclave convened, Robert strongly denied the rumors, insisting they weren’t true. He didn’t embrace the possibility and seemed to hope the discussion would fade away. But as events unfolded, the speculation proved accurate, and his election became a reality.
On May 8, just hours after his election, Pope Leo XIV delivered his first public remarks as the new leader of the Catholic Church. In his address, he chose to honor the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis. He recalled the emotional image of Francis giving his blessing to the city of Rome and to the entire world on Easter morning. It was a moment that had stayed with many faithful. And Pope Leo XIV reflected on its quiet strength and global impact.
He concluded with a message of hope: “Allow me to follow up on that same blessing: God loves us, God loves you all and evil will not prevail.” His remarks emphasized the enduring love of God and a firm belief that good would triumph over evil. A hopeful beginning to his historic papacy.
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