Just weeks ago, Robert Francis Prevost was an unassuming cardinal from Chicago, flying under the radar in the Catholic world.
But on May 8, the 69-year-old shocked the globe by stepping out of the papal conclave as the new leader of the Catholic Church — now known as Pope Leo XIV.
The Workers’ Pope?
While a handful of insiders had speculated about his candidacy as Pope Francis’s successor, many had believed other contenders were more likely to be chosen. But Leo XIV’s election wasn’t the only surprise — it was his choice of name that has truly captivated attention.
The last pope to adopt the name Leo was Leo XIII, who served from 1878 to 1903 and earned the title “the social pope” for his advocacy of workers’ rights and his steadfast support for the poor. Some believe that Pope Leo XIV’s name choice signals a continuation of this legacy — emphasizing unity, social justice, and solidarity with the working class.
While the Vatican has been careful not to reveal Pope Leo XIV’s stance on hot-button political issues, early signs are already emerging. The 69-year-old pontiff has reposted tweets that criticize Donald Trump, condemned Vice President JD Vance’s interpretation of Christianity, and delivered a strong sermon denouncing “violations of human dignity” and society’s dangerous obsession with “technology, money, success, power, and pleasure.”
A Retired School Principal Speaks Out
Now, one of the closest people to him — his own brother — is breaking his silence.
John Prevost, Pope Leo’s older brother and a retired Catholic school principal, recently shared rare, personal insights with The New York Times about the man now leading 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide.
“I don’t think we’ll see extremes either way,” John said, describing Leo as someone who prefers a centrist approach to issues. But there’s one hot-button topic, both globally and in the U.S., that may push the Pope to speak out more strongly.
“I know he’s not happy with what’s going on with immigration. I know that for a fact. How far he’ll go with it is anyone’s guess, but he won’t just sit back. He won’t be silent,” John added.
A Familiar Concern
This echoes the stance of Pope Francis, who in 2016 sharply criticized then-candidate Trump’s immigration policies, calling the proposed border wall “un-Christian” and an attack on human dignity.
Pope Leo XIV seems to be following in his predecessor’s footsteps. In his first mass as pontiff, Leo XIV made it clear that he intends to take action, spotlighting faith, missionary work, human rights abuses, and global inequality.
Not All Serious Business
When he’s not tackling the world’s toughest moral crises, Pope Leo XIV also enjoys some unexpected downtime. His brother John shared that Leo is a fan of watching the film Conclave in his leisure time. “He’s just a regular guy,” John said, adding that while Leo takes his faith seriously, he still enjoys life. The two brothers remain close and often discuss everything from movies to theology.
A Sports Fan at Heart
As a Villanova University graduate, Pope Leo XIV also has a passion for sports. He cheered on the Chicago White Sox during their victorious 2005 World Series and enjoys playing tennis, though he admits he doesn’t have much time for it these days. And despite his busy papal schedule, Leo remains loyal to his roots, supporting the Peruvian soccer team Alianza Lima.
As the world watches closely to see how Pope Leo XIV will guide the Church, one thing is already evident: beneath the ceremonial robes and age-old rituals lies a man with unwavering convictions — and a family who knows he won’t hesitate to speak out when it counts most.
With political tensions escalating, immigration issues at a boiling point, and a rapidly evolving global Church, the question remains: How far is this American-born pope willing to go? And, perhaps more importantly, are world leaders — particularly those in Washington — prepared for what he might say next?