John Prevost, an older brother of Pope Leo XIV, was interviewed recently by NBC Chicago in honor of his brother's first 100 days as pope.
Prevost, joined by his pastor, Fr. Ray Flores, O.S.A. from St. Jude’s parish in New Lenox, Illinois, revealed many things about the first pope from the United States.
Here's five that Aleteia especially loved.
1. John tells Pope Leo most of the prayer requests he receives
"I get letters [asking for the pope's prayers] almost daily," said Prevost. "Most I can, I do let my brother know that these people called, so he can pray."
Being inundated with prayer requests and being recognized on the street "can be overwhelming," he admitted.
2. Pope Leo has kept up his pre-papacy habits
The two speak "every day," he told NBC Chicago, and they still play the games Wordle and Words with Friends together.
Pope Leo has also maintained his exercise habits, said John. While at Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo has been making use of the swimming pool and tennis court.
He also plans on making regular trips to Castel Gandolfo, said John, as he finds it a nice break from the hectic day-to-day life in the Vatican.
3. There's a bit of playful brotherly snark going on
Pope Leo may be the youngest of the three Prevost boys, but he is not a pushover — especially now as the leader of a flock of a billion Catholics.
That being said, John isn't about to let his brother off easy. When Pope Leo answers John's phone calls, the elder Prevost sometimes quips "Is this His Holiness?"
Pope Leo, with ever the quick wit, replies, "Yes, my child, how can I help you?" to his older brother.
John also asks his brother what he's been up to. But rather than ask outright, John has some gentle banter at his brother's newfound fame.
"Now I usually ask him, 'Who famous have you met?' to find out who has come to see him, because he is always in audience," said John.
4. The pope has a favorite candy
Pope Leo's favorite candy? Peeps.
“That’s his favorite candy on Earth," said John.
John, and other members of the Prevost family, plan on bringing Pope Leo his favorite treats when they visit Rome this October.
John also revealed that Pope Leo's favorite pizza topping is pepperoni, and that he did indeed eat the pizza that was brought to him from Chicago by a pilgrim.
5. Pope Leo will be coming back to Chicago for one specific reason — but hopefully not for a while
"The only thing we know for sure is he’s going to be here for my funeral,” Prevost told NBC Chicago.
Whether or not Pope Leo will be back in his hometown before that remains to be seen.
Watch the full interview here:
Did any of these surprise you?
