On May 8, Robert Prevost was chosen as the new pope, marking a historic occasion as he became the first American to assume the role of the Catholic Church’s leader. While this decision surprised many, it appears that Robert himself might have been quite assured of this outcome.
Taking on the papal name Pope Leo XIV, Robert discussed the possibility of his election with his brother in a phone conversation prior to the conclave.
In a recent interview, Pope Leo’s eldest brother John talked about the astonishing moment when the new pope was announced, sharing his feelings about the unexpected news.
John, who is a retired Catholic school principal residing in New Lenox, Illinois, explained that he has had little time to fully absorb what transpired, learning the news simultaneously with the rest of the world.
John recounted being on the phone and watching the events on television when his devices were bombarded with a flurry of messages, which was understandable given the circumstances.
During an interview with the Daily Herald, John stated: “It was a shocking moment. I was on the phone with my niece and we both couldn’t believe it. Then the phone, the iPad and my cellphone just went nuts.
“And Rob — that’s what we called him since he was little — knew he was going to be a priest from the time he could walk.
“A neighbor once said he was going to be pope someday. How’s that for a prognostication?”
Interestingly, Pope Leo had even alluded to the possibility of being chosen the day before the conclave began, discussing potential names he might adopt with his brother.
Despite their conversation, Pope Leo opted not to heed his brother’s advice regarding the selection of his papal name.
Reflecting on their exchange, John recounted: “He said, ‘What should my name be?’
“We started rattling off names just to rattle off names. I told him it shouldn’t be Leo because it will be the 13th. But he must’ve done some research to see it’s actually the 14th.”
John mentioned he had not yet attempted to get in touch with his brother, understanding that Pope Leo will be extremely busy in the coming days.
He also described the events as deeply emotional and remarked that he remains in shock, without having had the chance to process everything fully.
He added: “I haven’t had time to cry yet. I think when I’m alone and can gather my thoughts about all this it will hit me. So far, there’s been no time to react.”