In a recent interview, the brother of Pope Leo XIV shared his thoughts on the new clergy, stating that they are “far more liberal than me,” but he feels his brother “is not awake.” Cardinal Robert Prebust, who became the first American pope last week, is seen as a potential bridge between traditional and progressive factions within the Roman Catholic Church.
His brother, Louis Prevast, known for his staunch social conservative views, pushed back against claims suggesting that Pope Leo would embody the “awakening” spirit seen during Pope Francis’s tenure. On Monday, during an interview with host Piers Morgan, he was pressed on whether he viewed his brother as a “very liberal pope.”
“No, I don’t,” Prevost stated, clarifying that while he doesn’t plan to reverse the changes made by Pope Francis, he certainly doesn’t align as a progressive leader.
Louis Prevast emphasized that, while he might be more liberal than him, he believes the Pope’s efforts with the impoverished in Peru greatly inform his position. He also acknowledged that Pope Leo has criticized former President Trump’s handling of immigration issues, yet he understands the necessity of legal protocols. “I might critique how people are being relocated,” he noted, “but the law must still be followed.”
When Morgan suggested that President Trump could clash with the Pope during a discussion, Prevost anticipated some spirited exchanges but doubted any outright explosions, contrasting it with the earlier public confrontation between Trump and Ukraine’s Zelensky.
Prevost expressed uncertainty over whether his brother could be considered “woke,” stating, “He’s probably more liberal than I am, but that’s just our dynamic.” He firmly believes certain changes, such as allowing women to be priests or sanctioning same-sex marriages, aren’t on the horizon, saying, “I just don’t see that happening.” He mentioned that due to Canon law and the Pope’s convictions, he will respect Catholic traditions, even as he may adapt some practices.
In closing, he remarked, “While he might lean towards some liberal ideas, there are still core church rules that he intends to uphold.”
