Brother of Pope Leo XIV sent him a moving message upon learning of his historic election and told him what awaits him.

The election of Robert Prevost as the new Pope Leo XIV on May 8 marked a milestone in the history of the Catholic Church.

Following his election, John Prevost, his brother, spoke to American media hours after the announcement, which he says made him feel proud and excited.

“It's historic, and I honestly can't tell you how I feel because it's still not sinking in,” John confessed, moved. “I've been inundated with calls and messages. But I can tell you that I'm very proud. Excited.”

For John, his brother's vocation didn't come as a surprise. "From a young age, he knew he was going to be a priest. He didn't doubt it, he didn't even think about it. That's what he was going to do. And here we are," he said. His story paints a picture of a determined man, guided from a young age by a deep faith and a sense of mission.

Robert Prevost—now Pope Leo XIV—dedicated much of his life to serving in Peru, where he was a missionary and later archbishop. “He spent many years as a missionary in Peru. That's where his heart is: with the poor, the oppressed, the ignored,” John said. That experience profoundly shaped his pastoral character, focused on closeness to the most vulnerable.

Prevost's election has generated hope among those seeking a more open, more humane Church. "We need a welcoming Church, and I believe he is someone who can achieve that," said his brother. "He is a hardworking, spiritual, and caring person. He puts himself first."

Although the weight of the papacy is just beginning, John believes his brother is already in deep reflection: “He’s probably thinking , ‘What am I going to do now?’ And then, praying. Looking for how to do the right thing for the Church.”

John also believes his pontificate will represent a continuation of Francis' legacy. " I think you'll see a continuation of Pope Francis . I think he's concerned about people, their souls, their spirituality, and how best to help people."

As the world watches Pope Leo XIV's first steps, his family in Chicago celebrates with humility and hope.

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