When the white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney in May 2025, the world wasn't just meeting a new Bishop of Rome; it was meeting the first-ever American to hold the keys to St. Peter. Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago, stepped onto that famous balcony and instantly turned the Vatican into a "Chicago town."
Naturally, everyone started Googling him. Where did he go to school? Does he like deep-dish pizza? And, of course, the big one for those who love a human-interest angle: does the new pope have siblings? Family dynamics in the papacy are always fascinating. Usually, we think of popes as these solitary figures who sort of emerge from a cloud of incense, but Leo XIV—or "Rob" as his family still calls him—has a very relatable, very Midwestern family tree.
The Men Behind the Pope: Meet Leo XIV’s Brothers
To answer the burning question: yes, Pope Leo XIV has two brothers.
He isn't an only child, nor is he the "big brother" of the group. In fact, Robert Francis Prevost is the youngest of three boys. Growing up in Dolton, Illinois, the Prevost household was basically a textbook example of a mid-century Catholic upbringing. Their dad was a school superintendent and their mom was a librarian. Talk about a household that valued education, right?
The three Prevost boys took very different paths, which makes their story even more interesting:
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- Louis Prevost: The eldest of the trio. He took a more secular route, eventually serving in the military. Today, he’s enjoying life down in Florida, probably a world away from the intense spotlight now shining on his younger brother in Rome.
- John Prevost: The middle brother. John stayed closer to the family "business" of education, spending his career as a Catholic school principal. He still lives in New Lenox, Illinois.
It’s kinda wild to think about. One brother is a retired principal in the Chicago suburbs, and the other is literally the leader of 1.4 billion Catholics. John actually gave a pretty heartwarming interview right after the election, admitting he was just as shocked as everyone else. He was on the phone with his niece when the name was announced, and he said his iPad and cell phone basically "went nuts" immediately after.
How the Prevost Siblings Shaped the Papacy
Growing up as the youngest brother usually means you have to hold your own, and that might explain some of Pope Leo XIV’s reputation for being "calm but incredibly sharp."
In many ways, the new pope’s siblings represent the very people Leo XIV talks about in his homilies—ordinary, hard-working people. While Rob was off in Peru doing missionary work or running the Dicastery for Bishops in Rome, his brothers were living the "normal" life back home.
John Prevost mentioned in interviews that all three of them actually knew what they wanted to do very early on. While one brother headed for the service and another for the classroom, "Rob" apparently knew he was headed for the priesthood from the time he could basically walk.
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There’s even a funny story about a neighbor who predicted he’d be pope one day. Most kids get told they’ll be president; in a devout Chicago Catholic neighborhood, I guess the Papacy is the ultimate "local boy makes good" story.
A Contrast to Pope Francis’ Family
It’s worth noting how much this differs from his predecessor. Pope Francis, who passed away in April 2025, came from a much larger family in Argentina.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio was the eldest of five children. By the time he became Pope in 2013, only one of his siblings, his sister María Elena Bergoglio, was still alive. She became a bit of a media darling because she was so honest—she famously told reporters she had prayed her brother wouldn't be elected because she didn't want him to move so far away.
Leo XIV’s situation is a bit different. Both of his brothers are still around to see his "Leonine" era begin. While they aren't exactly moving into the Apostolic Palace with him, they provide a tether to his Illinois roots that many find refreshing.
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What This Means for the Church in 2026
The fact that the new pope has siblings who are still very much active in American life is a big deal for his public image. It makes him feel "reachable." In his first few months, Leo XIV has already leaned into this, mentioning his family in his plea for peace at the start of 2026.
He isn't just a theologian; he’s a guy with a brother who’s a retired principal and a brother who served in the military. That lived experience matters when you're drafting encyclicals on social issues or, as rumored, his upcoming document on Artificial Intelligence.
Honestly, the "Leo effect" is real. Having a living, breathing family that shops at the same grocery stores we do makes the Vatican feel a little less like a fortress and a little more like a home.
Actionable Insights for the Faithful and the Curious
If you're following the early years of Pope Leo XIV's reign, keep an eye on his travel schedule for 2026. Rumors are swirling that a "homecoming" trip to Chicago is in the works. This wouldn't just be a diplomatic visit; it would be a chance for the world to see the first American Pope back in his element with the people who knew him before the red hat.
You can stay updated on official papal family news through the Vatican Press Office or by following reliable Catholic news outlets like CNA (Catholic News Agency), which has been tracking the Prevost family's reactions since the conclave. Knowing the human side of the papacy helps bridge the gap between ancient tradition and modern life.