The brother of Pope Leo XIV expresses his opinion on Trump’s plans
Robert Francis Prevost was a relatively unknown cardinal from Chicago only a few weeks ago. However, the 69-year-old shocked everyone on May 8 when he emerged as Pope Leo XIV, the new head of the Catholic Church, from the papal conclave.
Although his name had been suggested by certain insiders as a potential Pope Francis successor, many thought others had a better chance of being selected. Leo XIV’s election was unexpected, but his name choice has raised even more questions. Leo XIII, who was known as “the social pope” for his support of the poor and workers’ rights, was the last pope to carry the name Leo.
He was in office from 1878 until 1903. According to others, Leo XIV’s choice of name indicates his desire to continue that tradition by emphasizing solidarity and bridge-building.
The clues are beginning to appear, even though the Vatican has been cautious about disclosing the future pope’s position on significant political topics. In his first sermon, he made forceful statements against “violations of human dignity” and society’s fixation with “technology, money, success, power [or] pleasure.” He has also disapproved of Vice President JD Vance’s view of Christianity and retweeted tweets that criticize Donald Trump.
His own brother, who is among his closest friends, is now speaking out. In a recent interview with The New York Times, Pope Leo’s older brother, John Prevost, a retired Catholic school administrator, shared unique personal insights about the man currently in charge of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics. John stated, “I don’t think we’ll see extremes either way,” characterizing Leo as a centrist.
However, the Pope might be persuaded to make a strong statement about a single delicate and urgent problem, both internationally and in his native United States.
I am aware that he is unhappy with the current state of immigration. I’m positive of that. One can only speculate as to how far he will take it, but he won’t just sit back. He won’t be the silent one, in my opinion.
Pope Francis, who made a scathing remark about then-candidate Trump’s proposed border wall in 2016, echoes this opinion when he says, “A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not of building bridges, is not Christian.” The gospel is not this.
Francis further denounced Trump’s intentions for mass deportations, calling them an assault on the “dignity of many men and women.” Regarding Leo XIV, it was evident from his first mass as pope that he plans to act. He called against worldwide inequalities and violations of human rights while highlighting the value of faith and missionary activity.
And when he’s not addressing some of the most pressing ethical issues in the world? John claims to have a few surprising pastimes as well, such as viewing the movie Conclave when he has free time.
John said, “He’s just a regular guy,” adding that even while Leo takes his faith seriously, he still finds time to have fun. The two stay close and talk about anything from theology to movies. Pope Leo XIV is a huge sports aficionado and a 1977 graduate of Villanova University.
Though he hasn’t had much time recently, he likes to play tennis and supported the Chicago White Sox during the 2005 World Series. He also backs Alianza Lima, a soccer team from Peru.
One thing is becoming evident as the world awaits the specifics of Pope Leo XIV’s leadership of the Church: beneath the ceremonial robes and antiquated customs lies a man with strong beliefs, and his family knows he’s prepared to stand up when it counts most.
The true issue yet stands: how far is an American-born pope willing to go in light of growing political tensions, sharp immigration divisions, and a changing global Church? And are international leaders prepared for his next words, particularly those in Washington?