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Much has been shared about Pope Leo XIV’s early life, particularly his childhood in Dolton, a suburb of Chicago. His eldest brother, Louis Prevost, recently reflected on the unique qualities that set Robert F. Prevost apart from an early age.
“If I was more cognizant at the time and paid closer attention when he was a newborn in the crib maybe he had a halo around his head,” joked Louis Prevost. “But (seriously) from a very early age when he was up and walking around and started talking and just continuing to develop, he was different.”
Louis is the eldest of three brothers. The middle brother, John, 71, is a retired educator living in New Lenox, Illinois. Louis described how young Robert would celebrate pretend Mass using an ironing board as an altar and Necco wafers as hosts for Communion. "At the time, to me, it was like, ‘This is dumb.’ But looking back on it... now I understand."
Robert Prevost joined the Augustinian order at 13 and continued his theological studies through Villanova University. He entered the novitiate of the Order of St. Augustine in 1977 and became ordained as a priest in 1982.
The path that led him to become Pope Leo XIV has touched many lives according to Louis Prevost: “Even our non-Catholic friends and neighbors... they’re like, ‘I may not be Catholic, but ask your brother to pray for me and bless us.'"
A poignant example shared by Louis involved a Navy friend who died of cancer. The friend's family requested prayers from Cardinal Prevost before his papal election: “Of course,” Cardinal Prevost said.
Louis also recounted how his wife Deborah's mother initially viewed Catholicism negatively but came to appreciate Robert’s influence before her death: "Let’s put it this way," said Louis; "on her deathbed she called for Rob."
Simone Orendain reports for OSV News from Chicago.
Updated on June 11, 2025
