Robert F. Prevost: The American-Born Pope Leo XIV
Driven by childhood ambitions, he harbored dreams of assuming the role of a priest. - Driven by childhood dreams, he harbored ambitions of becoming a priest.
With a heart for the clergy since childhood, Robert F. Prevost (69), now known as Pope Leo XIV, has made history as the first American-born Pope. His older brother, John, shared stories with US broadcasting giants CBS and ABC, revealing young Robert's dreams of becoming a priest. Even neighbors in their hometown claimed he'd be the first American Pope.
Little Robert's Ministry Beginnings
Determined and devout, Robert F. Prevost cultivated his calling early on. As John fondly recalls, "He wanted to play priest, so he took our mother's ironing board, laid a tablecloth over it, and we had to go to mass." His commitment to faith went beyond a child's game, as he knew prayers in multiple languages and prayed frequently.
John expressed confidence in his brother's leadership, comparing Pope Leo XIV to Pope Francis: "He didn't want to be a bishop or a cardinal, but that's what was asked of him. I think we're going to see a second Pope Francis. He will take matters into his own hands. He's young for a Pope and he's active. He will be out and about and speak his mind."
Upon hearing of his brother's election, John felt a mix of emotions: "I feel 'shock, disbelief, and a whole lot of pride'," he shared. Planning to travel to Rome for Vatican celebrations, he initially missed the papal election call but was thrilled when told about the white smoke from the chapel.
"There's No Smoke Without Fire"
The eldest brother, Louis, corroborated the news from his home in Florida. "My wife called and told me that white smoke was coming out of the chapel," he said. Tune into the live broadcast, and there it was, his baby brother's name being announced as the new pope. Louis lauded his brother as "down-to-earth, humorous, and very intelligent." Emphasizing his work as a missionary in Peru and his encounters with diverse people, he added, "We always teased him that he would one day become Pope. The neighbors said the same thing. And today, over sixty years later, it's finally happened."
- Pope
- Robert F. Prevost
- Brother
- Catholic Church
- The Vatican
Inside Look:
Robert F. Prevost, born September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, comes from a multicultural background of French, Italian, and Hispanic descent. Dedicated to his faith, Prevost was appointed as Cardinal by Pope Francis in 2024 and served various roles within the Church, including Diaconate of Saint Monica, the Order of Bishops, and active participation in important Church events and Vatican dicasteries[1][2].
As the first American Pope, Prevost brings a unique perspective to the global Catholic community under the name Pope Leo XIV[1][2]. His election marks a new chapter for the Church, emphasizing his extensive experience in Church governance and synodal processes[1].
- Robert F. Prevost, now known as Pope Leo XIV, made history as the first American-born Pope.
- Pope Leo XIV's older brother, John, shared stories with US broadcasting giants CBS and ABC, revealing young Robert's hopes of becoming a priest.
- Determined and devout, Pope Leon XIV's commitment to faith was evident from a young age, as he knew prayers in multiple languages and prayed frequently.
- Upon hearing of his brother's election, John felt a mix of emotions, expressing a sense of pride and shock.
- John Prevost plans to travel to Rome for Vatican celebrations, highlighting his confidence in Pope Leo XIV's active leadership and his likeness to Pope Francis.
- The Vatican, under the leadership of Pope Leo XIV, is set to embark on a new chapter with the first American-born Pope at its helm.
