Pope Leo: Brother of First US Pope Shares Childhood Memories and His Reaction to the News

• A touching video of the senior brother of the first US Pope speaking about his reaction to the news has surfaced online
• In the video, he indicated that he was astonished to receive the news as much as he was delighted
• He also shared some fond memories of his younger brother and how they always told him he'd be Pope one day

Elder brother of Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, has remarked after his brother was elected in the May 8, 2025, Papal Conclave election.

Robert Prevost's selection makes him the first Pope from the United States of America (US). Following his election, his senior brother, identified as Louis, has recounted some fond memories of their childhood.

He also recounted the moment he found out his brother is the new head of the Catholic Church.

In an ABC news video sighted by YEN.com.gh, the Pontiff's brother noted that Pope Leo's selection was a big surprise to him.

"I was lying in bed when my wife called and said 'white smoke! White smoke'. So I turned the Tv on and watched it and it took almost half an hour and when the Cardinal came out and we’re all waiting and he goes and he mentioned Roberto, I knew right away.

"If I had not been in bed, standing up, I might have collapsed because it’s like totally unexpected. It’s like this is the first American Pope. He’s young, two strikes but he’s got a lot of worldwide experience in is previous pope so," he added.

Speaking of their childhood, Louis stated that he was "too holy", and they somehow guessed he would be Pope someday.

"When we were little kids, we used to I used to raise a cane with my younger brothers all the time but he was always the holy one. And we used to tease him you’re gonna be Pope someday, you’re too holy."

Watch the video of the Pope's brother speaking below:

Cardinal Turkson misses out on Pope role

Pope Leo's election marks a notable moment for Africa, as Ghana’s Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, long considered a strong contender for the papacy, was once again overlooked.

Cardinal Turkson, a prominent voice on global peace, climate justice, and economic inequality, was widely seen as a front-runner for a papacy that could reflect the growing influence of the Global South within the Church.

However, he again missed the position of Pope, breaking the hearts of many who believed he was the best for that position.

Netizens react to Pope Leo's brother's comment

Netizens who saw the video of the Pope's brother speaking about their childhood. While some were delighted over the post, others criticised him.

@animal_loverCA wrote:

"They made a good choice from the initial reports."

@Btweet2all wrote:

"Such an adorable bond, so sweet."

@HeidiCs wrote:

"He said holy cow."

@tallytherally wrote:

"So cute. Long live the Pope."

Cardinal Turkson's former schoolmate speaks about him

Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that a former schoolmate of Cardinal Peter Turkson has opened up on some qualities of the renowned Ghanaian Catholic leader.

He said they had been friends for decades and shared which characteristics made the Cardinal the best candidate for a Pope.

Netizens who saw the video of Turkson's friend speaking about his nature expressed their views in the comments section.

Source: YEN.com.gh