‘I Was Stunned’: Watching From Illinois, Pope’s Brother Reflects on History
A Historic Moment From Suburban Chicago
Imagine sipping your morning coffee in suburban Illinois only to discover that your brother has just become the Pope. Sounds like a movie, right? Well, for John Prevost of New Lenox, this wasn’t a dream or a Hollywood script — it was real life. His younger brother, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, is now Pope Leo XIV, and history has been made with the election of the first American pontiff.
The Odds and the Unexpected Rise of Pope Leo XIV
Las Vegas Predictions and a Brother’s Doubt
John knew the odds — 18 to 1 in Las Vegas. A priest casually mentioned them at church. But like most of us when we hear wild predictions, he brushed it off.
Loading...
“Not Going to Happen”: Rob’s Humble Denial
When John called his brother before the conclave, he got a laugh and a humble “no way.” That moment is now etched in history because, surprise — it did happen.
Who is John Prevost?
A Retired Educator with a Historic Connection
John Prevost, 71, isn’t just “the pope’s brother.” He’s a retired school principal, a lifelong educator, and a grounded Midwesterner who still mows his own lawn and chats with neighbors like it’s any other day — even if the world is now watching his every word.
The Making of an American Pope
From Dolton to the Vatican
Pope Leo XIV grew up in Dolton, Illinois — a working-class suburb where faith and family came first. His journey from the South Side to St. Peter’s Basilica is nothing short of incredible.
The Role of the Augustinians
Leo joined the Augustinian order, which shaped his worldview and spiritual mission. This brotherhood was key to his service in Peru and elsewhere — always championing education and justice.
Loading...
Family Background: The Roots of the Provost
A Family Devoted to Faith and Service
Their father, Louis, was a superintendent; their mother, Mildred, a parish librarian. The values of service, humility, and faith ran deep — now echoing from Vatican balconies.
Siblings United by Values
John, Robert (now Leo), and another brother living in Florida shared a strong moral compass. Family dinners weren’t just meals — they were life lessons.
Pope Leo’s Character: Middle of the Road, But Bold
Balancing Tradition and Progress
“He’s middle of the road,” John says. That means he’s not looking to shake the Vatican with controversy — but he’s also no pushover.
A Heart for the Marginalized
Leo’s been a voice for the disenfranchised long before the white robes. He cares deeply about those ignored or mistreated, and his track record proves it.
The Bond Between the Prevost Brothers
Nightly Calls Turned Silence
They usually spoke daily. Since the conclave? Not a peep. But John knows his brother — and knows he’s carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders now.
Loading...
Staying at Home in New Lenox
Just last summer, the future pope crashed at John’s house. No fanfare, just two brothers catching up. That image — from lawn chairs to papal thrones — is enough to make anyone blink twice.
The Shock and Media Frenzy in Illinois
News Vans and Endless Calls
Thursday became a blur. Phones rang nonstop. The quiet streets of New Lenox became a media circus. Everyone wanted to hear from “the brother of the pope.”
Reactions from the Community and Church
From St. Mary’s to Global Spotlight
Their old parish, St. Mary of the Assumption, is buzzing. Parishioners remember “Rob” as a quiet, devout student — now he’s spiritual leader to over a billion Catholics.
Reflections on Pope Francis’ Influence
A Shared Vision of Compassion
Leo and Francis weren’t just colleagues — they were friends. That friendship will likely inspire Leo’s papacy, filled with kindness, humility, and reform.
Immigration and Global Responsibility
Pope Leo’s Expected Stand
John says his brother isn’t happy with how immigration is handled. Expect strong words — and possibly stronger action — from a pope who believes borders shouldn’t block compassion.
Loading...
Will the American Identity Influence the Papacy?
Cultural Insights and Global Dialogue
Being American doesn’t mean abandoning tradition — but it does mean Leo brings a fresh perspective. He understands democracy, diversity, and the power of dialogue.
The Personal Side of the Pontiff
Not a Fan of Cubs – A White Sox Supporter
Let’s settle this: despite media claims, Pope Leo XIV is NOT a Cubs fan. He’s loyal to the White Sox — sorry, Wrigleyville.
Dreams of the Parents Come True
“Cloud 9”: Remembering Louis and Mildred Prevost
“They would be on Cloud 9,” John says of their parents. It’s the kind of pride you can’t measure — a dream they never dared to dream coming true.
Loading...
Looking Ahead: What Comes Next for Pope Leo XIV
Will He Ever Really Rest?
John wonders how his brother will unwind. With the weight of the Church on his back, can he ever truly “clock out”? It’s the question many are asking.
Conclusion: A Global Role with Hometown Roots
From the quiet corners of Illinois to the grandeur of Rome, Pope Leo XIV’s story reminds us that greatness often starts in ordinary places. His brother’s pride, their shared memories, and the humble beginnings of a global leader speak volumes. The world watches now, but it’s the people back home who knew him first — and best.
Keywords:
Robert Prevost, Pope Leo, Pope Leo XIV, Robert Francis Prevost, Villanova University, Leo XIV, Pope Leo XIII, Cardinal Robert Prevost, how old is the new pope, American Pope, Augustinian Order, Habemus Papam, Pope Leo 14, Robert Prevost views, what does the Pope do, XIV, where is the new Pope from, Prevost, who's the new Pope, Villanova, Pope Leo the 14th, Leo XIII, the new Pope 2025, the Pope, new Pope name, Augustinian, Robert Francis Prevost new Pope Leo XIV, Peru, first American Pope, Pope Robert Prevost, new Pope age, Pope Leo 13, who was the first Pope, Catholic Church Pope Leo XIV, who is the Pope, is the new Pope conservative, new.pope, Pope Benedict XVI, Pope Francis real name, new Pope Leo, Leo the 14th, Dolton Illinois, Popes, Pope Leo XIV political views, Chicago Pope, Bob Prevost, how old was Pope Francis when he was elected, Papa Leon XIV, St Augustine, Leo, first Pope, John Prevost, Cardinal Prevost, what nationality is the new Pope, Pope salary, Robert Provost, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, Augustine Order, Rerum Novarum, Robert Francis Prevost Pope Leo XIV, Prevost Cardinal, Robert Francis, Ordo Amoris, where is Villanova University, Holland Michigan, Pope Francis, Robert Prevost Cardinal, who is new Pope, Robert Prevost liberal, Pope Prevost, Francis Prevost, White Sox, Pope.leo, Chicago, Pope new, Pope names, Pope Leo 14th, Robert Prevost Pope, St Leo, has there ever been an American Pope, is Robert Prevost conservative, Robert Francis Prevost views, who is the new Pope?, Pope Leo 2025, JD Vance, is the new Pope liberal, Cardinal, Vatican City, Papa Leon, when was Pope Francis elected, Robert Francis Pope, Pope Leo XIV views, The Vatican, Pope 2025, Pope elected, Pope Leo XVI, who is Robert Prevost, Pope Robert, Robert Prevost politics, new Pope?, Robert F Prevost, Pontiff, Pope Leo new Pope, Cardinal Provost, Pope Leo the 13th, News, Pope Leo I, Robert Prevost age, where was the new Pope born, Pope chosen, new Pope candidates, Benedict XVI, Trump, Pope Francis Papal Conclave, Prevost Pope, who is new Pope elected 2025, who is the new Pope 2025 Catholic, Pope announcement, Pope live, Chicago Tribune, Robert Prevost Trump, Pope selection, is the new Pope conservative or liberal, who is Pope, Robert Prevost liberal or conservative, who is Pope Leo, new American Pope, Black Pope, Cardinal Robert Francis, Robert Prevost conservative, new Pope live, Pope Robert Francis, Robert Prevost ethnicity, Robert F. Prevost, where is Robert Prevost from, who is Pope Leo XIV, Pope Leo XIV Robert Prevost, Cardinal Robert Provost, new Pope selected, Cardinal Prevost Pope, how is the Pope elected, new Pope Robert Prevost, Robert Francis Provost, Pope odds, Leo XIV Pope, Leo 13, bew Pope, Leo the 13th, Augustinians, Order of St Augustine, Robert Prevost LGBT, new Pope from Chicago, Pope selected, Pope Leo IV, new Popes name, Pope Leon, Cardinal Robert Prevost new Pope, Robert Francis Prevost conservative or liberal, Habemus Papa, new Pope chosen, new Pope American, Robert Prevost parents, Robert Francis Prevost politics, new Pope political views, Pope Trump, new Pope Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV speech, new Pope Chicago, Robert Provost Pope, Cardinal Robert Prevost conservative or liberal, Provost Pope, Cardinal Robert, Robert Prevost beliefs, new Papa, has a new Pope been elected, Pope Leo X, how old is Robert Prevost, Cardinal Robert Prevost liberal or conservative, new Pope announced, Cardinal Robert Prevost Pope, Cardinal Prevost conservative or liberal, American Cardinals, is the new Pope progressive, whose the new Pope, what is Pope Leo XIV known for, 2005 World Series, who is the Pope now, Robert Prevost Twitter, News today, Leo Pope, Pope Chicago, Cardinal Robert F. Prevost, is new Pope conservative, Pope American, Polymarket, Trump Pope, Pope Leo the 14, who.is the new Pope, Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost, Pope Provost, Robert Pope, Pop Leo, Pope News Today, Robert Prevost political views, Pope Robert Francis Prevost, Pope from Chicago, who is Cardinal Robert Prevost, Villanova Pope, Pope Villanova, Cardinal.Robert Prevost, live Pope, name of new Pope, new Pope., who is Robert Francis Prevost, Pope., News Pope, American Pope candidates, new Pope Villanova, new Pope conservative, new Pope beliefs, Vatican News Live, Pope name, Robert Prevost views on LGBTQ, Robert Francis Prevost beliefs, ew Pope, Rome, who is our new Pope, is Pope Leo conservative or liberal, new Pope Leo XIV, Polymarket Pope, Cardinal Robert Prevost Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal.Prevost, Chicago Cardinal, US Pope, St Peter's Basilica, Robert Prevost Villanova, Pope Leo the Great, Pope Francis age, new Pope Robert, Cardinal Prevost Chicago, Peruvian, when will they announce the new Pope, current Pope, Robert Francis Prevost liberal or conservative, Catholic Pope, American Cardinal Pope, Cardinal Francis Prevost, Habemus Papam!, Pope Robert Provost, who was elected Pope, is Robert Prevost liberal, new Popoe, new Pope speech, Robert Prevost family, Pope Leo speech, Robert Francis Prevost,, Cardinal from Chicago, ABCNews, Pope Leo X1V, new Pope politics, new Pops, about the new Pope, Robert Francis Previst, first American Pope in history, Robert Francis Prevost parents, who is the bew Pope, Pope Leo Villanova, who the new Pope, Robert Prevost Chicago, name of new Pope 2025, AP, who is Cardinal Prevost, we have a Pope, St Peter, Robert Prevost LGBTQ, Papacy, Cardinal Robert Prevost conservative, Jimmy Kimmel, new Pope news, American Cardinal Robert Prevost, American Cardinal, Robert Prevost high school, new Pope 2025 selected, Roberto Prevost, Pope history, who is the nee Pope, Order of St. Augustine, Catholic, Leon XIV Papa, Popes in order, Robert Prevost new Pope, Pope Leo XIV beliefs, Robert Francis Prevost Trump, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost views, when will the Pope be announced, Cardinals, 2025 Pope, who is the new.Pope, Pope Leo Chicago, Papa 2025, Leo 13th, who is rhe new Pope, Robert Prevost JD Vance, new Pope liberal or conservative, U.S. Cardinal Robert Prevost, new Pope Prevost, whonis the new Pope, Robert Francis Prevost LGBT, Catholic News, Saint Augustine, Villanova Basketball, has the new Pope been chosen, St. Mary of the Assumption Church Chicago, Robert Frances Prevost, Pope speech, Trump Truth Social, Leo the Great, whi is the new Pope, is there a new Pope 2025, Trump on new Pope, who was the new Pope, Order of Saint Augustine, Pope Leo Trump, Catholic Theological Union, Papa Leo, Pope announced, Robert Prevost of the US, Robert Provost Cardinal, Robert Prevost nationality, Robert Prevost Peru, Cardenal Robert Prevost, who is the new Pooe, is new Pope conservative or liberal, live conclave coverage, new Pope is American, newest Pope, Robert Francis Cardinal, last American Pope, new Pope 2025 candidates, Robert Francis Prevost liberal, who was the Pope before Francis, live news, Robert Francis Prevost political views, did they pick a new Pope yet, Fox News Pope, a new Pope, Pope picked, Papal candidates 2025, Robert Prevost progressive, was a new Pope elected, Robert Francis Prevost ethnicity, Robert Francis Prevost age, Pope updates, Pope Leo XIV ethnicity, new Pope Robert Francis, when do they announce the new Pope, whos new Pope, Saint Peter, live stream Pope, new Pope 2025 age, history of Popes, Robert Prevost stances, Cardinals Catholic, when is the new Pope announced, Robert Francis new Pope, Pope.Leo XIV, Holy See, who.is the new Pope 2025, Cardenal Prevost, live new Pope, Pope Leos, new Pope announcement, Robert new Pope, who is new Pope?, Pope Leo beliefs, Pope Leo 1, how old is the new Pope?, how long was the conclave for Pope Francis, how long was Pope Francis conclave, is Robert Francis Prevost conservative, who is Robert Provost, ABC, Catholic Church, Francis, St Peter's Square, who is the new, Robert Provost new Pope, picture of new Pope, new Pope Trump, St Mary of the Assumption Chicago, Prevost Robert, elected Pope, have they elected a new Pope, Robert Francis Prevost Pope, Cardinal Robert F Prevost, David Muir, Robert Francis Prevost next Pope, Cardinal of Chicago, Pope Leo political views, Pope 2025 news, when do we find out who the new Pope is, Donald Trump Pope, previous Popes, Pope Leo XIV parents, CNN new Pope, Pope Francis Prevost, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevos, Pope decision, American Robert Prevost, Pope Leo name, Pope?, USA Pope, St. Leo, Pope Francis name, Cardinal Robert Prevost politics, Pope announcement live, new Pope named, new Pope is, Leo XVI, Path, who is the new Pope of the Catholic Church, Robert.Prevost, Trump live, Pope choices, who new Pope, Pope Leo XIV politics, Robert Prevost and Trump, Robert Francis Prevost conservative, Pope named, an American Pope, new Catholic Pope, who was Pope Leo XIII, new Pope's name, new Pope from, Robert Francis Prevost OSA, Prevost views, when was the last Pope elected, Robert Francis Prevost high school, Robert Prevost., Cardinal Robert Prevost age, odds for next Pope, ABC News Pope, who si the new Pope, American, Cardinal Robert Prevost beliefs, Cardinal Prevost LGBT, new Pope from USA, NBC News Live, when will the Pope come out, new.pope 2025, Peruvian Pope, new Pope Robert Provost, ABC live, Leo X, Pope Leo XIV birthday, new Pope biography, Chicago News, American.Pope, Pope Leone, Cardenal Robert Francis Prevost, who is new Pope 2025, Robert Francis Prevost family, Vatican Pope, is Cardinal Robert Prevost conservative, who is Pope now, is Robert Francis Prevost conservative or liberal, Trump.Pope, Cardinal from Chicago Pope, Robert Francis Prevost stances, Pope Leo from Chicago, Prevost Trump, Pope election live, when will the new Pope come out, is Pope Leo progressive, is new Pope liberal or conservative, Robert Prevost ideology, Prevost nationality, American Pope candidate, Robert Francis Prevost., Papa Leo XIV, Robert Francis Prevost Martínez, how is the new Pope, Robert Prevost gay, where is Robert Francis Prevost from, who did Trump want to be Pope, Robert Prevost,, American Pope Leo, Robert Francis Prevost political party, about Robert Prevost, Pope Leo XIV family, is Robert Francis Prevost liberal, Pope.Francis, Dolton, Pope Leo history, the new Pop, new Pope conservative or liberal, has an American ever been Pope, Pope Leo XIV movie, first US Pope, is Robert Prevost progressive, US Cardinals, Robert Prevost college, has there ever been a Pope from the United States, Robert Francis Prevost Villanova, Robert Cardinal, new Pope who, has a Pope been elected, is the new Pope a conservative, is Robert Prevost liberal or conservative, Pope XIV, who is Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, St. Augustine, Robert Prevost background, Leo Prevost, who did Trump want as Pope, Obama, the new Pope name, who are the Pope candidates, Leo 14th Pope, Pope Leo politics, Pope Leo conservative, Trump on Pope, Pope live updates, Pope Leo conservative or liberal, live news Pope, the next Pope, new Pope stances, Trump new Pope, who is Leo XIV, new Pope from America, new Pope 2025 name, new elected Pope, who is the new American Pope, Robert Francis Prevost LGBTQ, whos the new Pope?, Pope Leo XIV., Chicago Pope candidate, Prevost new Pope, American Pope?, Robert Francis Prevost 69 US, is Robert Francis Prevost liberal or conservative, Pope Leo Prevost, Robert Prevost bio, Catholic Social Teaching, Robert Francis Prevost Chicago, Roberto Francisco Pope, American new Pope, New York Times Pope, Robert Prevost languages, Pietro Parolin politics, Robert Prevost on Trump, new Pope coverage, Robert Francis Prevost nationality, Cardinal Prevost politics, Robert Prevost stance, why Leo XIV, BBC live, what time will the new Pope be announced, Cardinal Prevost liberal, Robert Francis Prevost progressive, new Pope where is he from, Francis Pope, Cardinal Prevost Trump, latest Pope Leo, who is tge new Pope, Cardinal Robert Prevost,, Cardinal Robert Prevost Trump, Cardinal Chicago, Pope Leo XIV liberal or conservative, Papal name, Pope announcement today, Robert Prevost scandal, Prevost cardinale, Pope betting, is the new Pope a liberal, who is our new Pope 2025, who in, Leo meaning, Robert Prevost positions, the American Pope, Pope.Leo 14, who is yhe new Pope, who was Leo XIV, Augustinian Popes, Robert Prevost biography, Cardinal Prevost liberal or conservative, Robert Prevost Latin Mass, all Popes, Robert Francis Prevost new Pope, Robert Prevost views LGBTQ, Robert Prevost gay marriage, is the new Pope from Chicago, Robert Prevost history, USA, has there ever been an American Pope?, new Papa Vatican, BBC Pope, newly elected Pope, Francis Prevost views, who is the new Popw, is Prevost liberal, 2025 new Pope, what ethnicity is the new Pope, Da Bears, where was new Pope born, Robert Prevost Gaza, Popes name, Pope now, Leo XIV., Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost political views, American Pope elected, Pope Prevost views, Robert Prevost born, Bishop Robert Prevost, Pope Leo today, how many Cardinals vote for Pope, American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, Robert Prevost Pope name, where did the new Pope go to college, Dicastery for Bishops, Pope from USA, Augustinian Pope, Prevost conservative, is the new Pope elected, is new Pope progressive, Robert Prevost Cubs, who is the American Cardinal, Obert Francis Prevost, when did the conclave start 2025, Cardinal Prevost beliefs, Pope Leo XIV Villanova, whos the new Pope 2025, candidates for Pope 2025, Robert Prevost allegations, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost beliefs, what state is the new Pope from, about new Pope, Pope Francis net worth, Prevost origin, Robert Francis Prevosy, Robert Francis Prevost ideology, Prevost politics, Robert Prevost siblings, Pope Prevost age, new Pope 2025 American, American Cardinal from Chicago, is the new Pope conservative?, is Robert Francis Prevost progressive, Saint Leo University, Robert Prevost from, Robert Prevost languages spoken, NBC Pope, Cardinal Francis, Robert Prevost Donald Trump, Pope Leo LGBTQ, St Peters Square, Prevost Villanova, Robert Prevost Cardinal age, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost liberal or conservative, new Pope 2025 Robert Prevost, Pope News live, is there a Pope, Robert Fancis Prevost, Popes new name, Pope Leo XIV nationality, whose the Pope, Pope Leo XIV stances, Robert Prevost odds, new Pope Twitter, America Pope, whos the Pope right now, is Pope Leo XIV progressive, NBC News now, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost,, where did Robert Prevost go to high school, Pope.Leo XIII, who is Robert Prevost?, who was Leo XIII, Pope is American, whois the new Pope, Pope memes, new Pope LGBT, Urbi et Orbi, is the new Pope progressive or conservative, Prevost ethnicity, when will the new Pope be revealed, who.is the Pope, Ireland, St. Mary of the Assumption Church on the far South Side of Chicago, Robert Francis Prevost Peru, is the Pope American, Robert Prevost values, Pope USA, who did Trump want for Pope, Leo new Pope, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost conservative or liberal, new Poper, Robert Prevost political party, Robert Prevost views on Trump, Catholicism, new Pope 2025 Robert, has the new Pope been announced, Pope from America, who is the Pope?