Pope Leo XIV waved to the crowd as he arrived to hold a Pentecost vigil in St. Peter’s Square at The Vatican on Saturday, June 8, 2025. As he passed the 100-day mark in his pontificate, his older brother, John Prevost, shared insights into the new pope’s early days in the role.
In an exclusive interview with NBC affiliate 5 Chicago, John Prevost, a 71-year-old retired school principal, expressed that his brother seems to be thriving in his new position. “He seems to be perfectly at ease,” Prevost said, noting that Leo is enjoying his responsibilities. “This is a natural,” he added, reflecting on their family dynamics.
Family Ties and Public Attention
John Prevost, who has become somewhat of a local celebrity since his brother’s election on May 8th, described the experience as both rewarding and overwhelming. “It’s non-stop,” he said. “People know who I am when they see me. They seem to think I look like him,” he admitted, acknowledging a family resemblance.
The attention has been a mix of positive and challenging experiences. “Some of it’s been kind of sad, a lot of it unexpected,” Prevost shared, mentioning the numerous prayer requests he receives. “I get letters almost daily,” he said, quoting requests for prayers for loved ones facing serious illnesses.
“Those things are sad,” he reflected.
Discovering Family Roots
The election of Pope Leo XIV has also led to revelations about the Prevost family’s history. Through research by historian Henry Louis Gates Jr. and other genealogical experts, the family discovered their Creole roots. “We knew nothing of that,” Prevost admitted, emphasizing the pope’s connection to diverse communities. “When we talk about, that this is a pope of the people, boy, is he a pope of the people!”
Despite his global responsibilities, Leo XIV maintains a close relationship with his brother. “We do the Wordle and we do the Words With Friends,” John Prevost said, illustrating their continued bond. When asked about potential visits to Chicago, John humorously noted, “The only thing we know for sure is, he’s going to be here for my funeral,” quickly clarifying that he is in good health.
Humor and Insight
The brothers’ humor was evident throughout the interview. John recounted a playful exchange with his brother about attending his funeral, to which Pope Leo XIV joked about logistical challenges. “They may have to keep the body on ice for a while,” John recalled his brother saying, “but I’ll get there.”
John also shared a story about a Chicagoan who sent the pope’s favorite pizza to Rome. “Let’s call him,” Leo suggested, leading to a memorable phone call. The recipient was astonished to hear the pope on the line, a testament to Leo’s personable nature.
Reflections on Leadership
John Prevost demonstrated a keen understanding of Vatican dynamics, noting Pope Francis’s decision to elevate his brother to cardinal bishop shortly before his death. “He’s signaling something here,” Prevost observed, highlighting the significance of his brother’s early appointment during the 2023 consistory.
“Why was my brother named first?” he pondered, recognizing the symbolic weight of such decisions.
Reflecting on his brother’s relationship with Pope Francis, John noted, “They were very good friends,” underscoring the continuity and camaraderie within the Church’s leadership.
Despite the global spotlight, John Prevost believes his parents would have been quietly proud of their son. “I don’t think you’d see my mom saying, ‘Well, my son is the pope,’” he said, describing their humble nature. Nevertheless, he expressed confidence in his brother’s leadership.
“Oh, I definitely think the Church is in good hands,” he affirmed.
As Pope Leo XIV continues his papacy, John Prevost remains optimistic about his brother’s impact. “He’s taking this very seriously,” he said, acknowledging the weight of the role. “It may not look like it when you see him enjoying himself, but this is quite a burden on his shoulders and he’s praying for the world.”
