Robert Francis Prevost, a cardinal from Chicago, was previously a relatively unobtrusive figure.
However, in May 8, the world was shocked when the 69-year old came out from the holy conclave as the new head of the Catholic church (now known by the name Pope Leo XIV).
The workers Pope?
Although his name had been mentioned as a possible successor to Pope Francis by some insiders, many thought others were more likely to be picked. However Leo XIV’s election was not the only bombshell — his choice of name has now ushered even more interest.
The last pope to wear the name of Leo since Vatican II was Leo XIII who served from 1878 to 1903 and was called “the social pope” because he defended the right of workers and stood for the rights of the poor. Others say that Leo XIV chose his name in order to continue that legacy — embracing bridge building and solidarity.
Although the Vatican has been careful not to reveal the stance of the new pope on the important political questions, the hints are already appearing. He has retweeted tweets that attacked Donald Trump, condemned vice president JD Vance for his interpretation of Christianity, and released strong statements in his first sermon about “violations of human dignity” and the society’s fixation on “technology, money, success, power [or] pleasure”.
A retired school principal
Now, one of his closest people himself, his own brother, is speaking out.
John Prevost, who is Pope Leo’s older brother, and retired Catholic school principal, recently spoke to The New York Times, offering rare personal insights into the man now empowered to lead the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics.
“I don’t think we’ll see extremes either way,” John said, referring to Leo as a centrist.
However there is one sensitive and pressing issue which is both global and in his country of origin, the U.S. that might just be a catalyst for the Pope to speak out strongly.
I know he’s not satisfied with what he is doing with the immigration issue. I can tell you for sure. How much he’ll take it is anyone’s guess but his not going to stand around and watch. I doubt he’ll be the one who will keep quiet.
Hobbies
That opinion resonates with Pope Francis’ own comments, where the Pope himself in 2016 made a sharp jab at then candidate Trump over his border wall: A person who only thinks about building walls, wherever they may be and not building bridges is not Christian. This is not the gospel.”
Francis also denounced Trump’s plans for mass deportation saying they are an attack on the “dignity of many men and women”.
As for Leo XIV, his first mass as pontiff sent a clear message that he intends to act. He highlighted the role of faith and missionary works, exposing human rights abuses and global inequality.
When he’s not dealing with some of the world’s most pressing moral crises? Well, following John’s words, he’s got a few more unexpected hobbies as well, like watching the film Conclave during his free time.
A regular guy
“He’s just a regular guy,” shared John, also adding that while Leo is serious about his faith he still makes time to enjoy life. The two are close and talk about movies and theology.
Pope Leo XIV, who graduated in 1977 from Villanova University, is also a big sports fan. He cheered for Chicago White Sox in 2005 World Series and loves playing tennis but he hasn’t been playing much of late. He also backs the Peruvian soccer team, Alianza Lima.
As people wait to find out how Pope Leo XIV will lead the Church, one thing is now becoming apparent: underneath the formality of the robes and the antiquity of the rituals is a man who believes very deeply …and a family that knows he’s ready to speak when it counts the most.
As the politicking warms up, great differences in immigration, and a changing global church, the ultimate question is left hanging — how far is this American-born pope willing to go? And are world leaders and especially those in Washington prepared for what he may say next?
