John also told CBS Chicago that his younger brother enjoyed driving as a teenager but always seemed destined for the priesthood, often pretending to be a priest as a child.
John Prevost spoke to CBS Chicago about his brother’s hobbies and what he believes Pope Leo XIV will be like as the new leader of the Catholic Church.
Like millions around the world, the Prevost family watched the historic moment unfold live on television, only realizing the news was real when they heard their family name called from the balcony.
John said: “[My niece] screamed, and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, is this actually happening?’” Reflecting on the moment, he added: “There was a lot of shock, disbelief, and pride. It was like, ‘Is this real? What do we do now?’ because this is such an enormous responsibility.”
John noted that Pope Leo XIV shares similar values with Pope Francis, particularly a commitment to supporting the underprivileged and marginalized communities.
“People will be watching him more closely now, and maybe even us too, as his family,” John said.
