New Pope, Who Is This?

The moment Pope Leo XIV was elected, his brothers found themselves in the spotlight. John Press, the 69-year-old elder sibling of the new Pope, was at home in Lennox, Illinois, when he realized he had missed multiple calls from his brother in Rome.

John was hosting Associated Press journalist Obed Lamey when he checked his iPad and saw the missed calls. “Yeah, he’s been calling for two hours,” John mentioned.

He then connected via speakerphone to the 267th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church and answered Leo’s call.

“Well, why didn’t you answer your phone?” Pope Leo quipped, showcasing an accent reminiscent of his new neighbors.

“You should know you’re on air now. This has been rolling since 11 AM,” John replied, adding a touch of humor. “This is the first I’ve heard it ringing, and we’re being filmed and recorded.”

“Now?” Leo asked, a bit confused.

“That’s the exact moment,” responded his brother.

The audio then cut out, but video footage shows John chuckling at Leo’s lighthearted comments.

Ramie, who observed the conversation, described it as a surprising yet ordinary exchange between family members.

John noted that his brother’s rise to the papacy—officially Robert Francis Prevost—was unexpected, adding some complexity to their relationship.

Despite their close bond, chatting daily and playing games online, John acknowledged that things would shift significantly due to Leo’s newfound responsibilities.

He expressed his intention to visit his brother in Rome, although the seven-hour time difference with the Windy City might complicate that.

Leo, as one of the first American popes, chose not to speak in his native tongue during his initial address. Instead, he offered some of his inaugural Mass in English at the Sistine Chapel, saying, “You have called me to carry that cross and be blessed with that mission. I know we can walk together as a church, as a community, as friends of Jesus, to share the good news and present the gospel.”