Louis Prevast expressed his astonishment on Friday after seeing his younger brother, Robert Francis Prevast, on television. “Holy cow, this is nuts,” he said.
“It’s shocking, calming, amazing—how do you even explain it? I’m not sure,” he told News Nation. “I can hardly put into words the happiness, pride, joy, and love I feel for my brother.”
Louis learned that his brother is the 267th American-born Pope, a moment awaited just like everyone else’s—when white smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City.
“When he appeared, it really hit me,” Prevost remarked. “Hearing his name is one thing, but seeing Rob step out on that balcony—tears filled my eyes. He’s my brother, and now he’s the Pope.”
While he acknowledged that his brother may not lead the 1.4 billion Catholics directly, he believed Rob would still oversee significant masses.
“I struggle to explain it in spiritual terms,” he continued. “He was always special. As kids, when we played games, he wanted to pretend to be a priest. What kid does that?”
The three brothers from Chicago all went to Catholic schools. “Once he finished eighth grade, he headed straight to the seminary,” said the Pope’s brother. “It’s as if he knew what he was meant to do, and he’s quite successful at it, right?”
Prevost envisioned his younger brother as a “travel pope,” aiming to promote peace. “Maybe he’ll visit some of those countries in conflict, engaging their leaders and suggesting, ‘There’s a better way than fighting,’” he reflected.
Pope Leo XIV succeeded the late Pope Francis, who passed away last month at 88.
