Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born head of the Roman Catholic Church, is in a bind. His older brother, Lou Prevost, caused an uproar with inflammatory Facebook posts attacking Democrats and promoting the American far right. Their new leader, Pope Leo XIV, 69, was just elected to replace the late Pope Francis who had served only three years. His family dynamics are drawing unprecedented public scrutiny as he launches his initial leadership initiatives.
His remarkable talents for the universal head of the Augustinians won elevation of pope Leo XIV. Before ascending to the papacy, he served as a bishop of a diocese in Peru. In September 2023, Pope Francis made him a cardinal. This role catapulted him into one of the most powerful positions in the Church and as head of the Vatican’s office that oversees the selection of new bishops around the globe. In his inaugural address, he doubled down on Pope Francis’s instructions to reach out and welcome all. He then called for a church that “constructs bridges.”
Pope Leo XIV is not wasting time rolling out initiatives in his new position. He is unabashedly taking on politically sacred tenets of former President Trump and his Republican apologists. He openly endorses a 2018 declaration from another religious leader. That statement, of course, is a rebuke to the Trump administration’s abhorrent practice of family separation at the U.S.-Mexico border. His openness in addressing politically sensitive issues has even spurred discussions among his family. Through it all, they are navigating the intersection of faith and politics as a team.
Pope Leo XIV’s family background is noteworthy. He was raised on the South Side of Chicago with his two brothers Lou and John. Now 71, John is the principal of a Catholic elementary school. From a long line of Catholic education themselves with both parents and brothers going to Catholic school, the family knew the importance of a solid foundation. While Pope Leo XIV is known for his support of inclusive policies, Lou Prevost’s recent Facebook activity has raised eyebrows.
At 73 years old and residing in Port Charlotte, Florida, Lou Prevost has made headlines for sharing posts critical of Democrats and showcasing a strong alignment with far-right ideologies. Even as this debate continues in cyberspace, Facebook’s users have been responding to Lou’s posts with anger. As you can see, people are rightfully confused and disappointed. As one user put it, “What the f*ck is the matter with you people,” and another, “You’re a sick disgrace to human beings. Shame on you.”
Lou Prevost is not naive, nor is he particularly dogmatic. Weirdly, he claims that his politics diverge from those of his brother. He said, “I don’t think there’s going to be a huge political fight about it.” He was careful to note that his own beliefs should not color Vatican II’s Pope Leo XIV’s position as pontiff. Lou focused on following the rules that have already been made, putting it plainly, “here’s the rules that have been created – let’s follow them.”
Despite these assertions, there is speculation about how Lou’s views might affect perceptions of Pope Leo XIV during this pivotal time for the Church. The contrast between the pontiff’s lessons of inclusion and anti-gay, anti-immigration, far-right-wing-ideology messages from his brother is a compelling story for onlookers.
Pope Leo XIV shepherds during a time of extreme political division. His lack of self-realization about the pernicious effect of his sub330 familial relationships on his papacy remains an open question. And yet, here he is, on the cusp of his pontificate, guiding the Catholic Church through these contentious waters. It’s the support or dissent of his inner circle that will be key to his success.