Pope Leo’s brothers travel to Rome for a meeting after his historical election

Only days after making history like the first American Pope, Illinois’s native Leo XIV, is preparing for a meeting with his brothers in Rome, where his brother John Prevost will join him to celebrate this moment unprecedented for the Catholic and Chicago Church.

Pope Leo was elected after the papal conclave of 2025 on Thursday, with Dolton’s native becoming the first Pope born in Americans in church history.

The unexpected trip to Rome marks the fifth time Predost traveled to the Italian capital. Two of these trips were with his brother, who is now the global leader of the Catholic Church.

Prevost told NBC Chicago that he informed his brother about the trip at a brief call.

“I told him that we were coming. He said, ‘Oh, ok,” PREVOST said.

PREVOST reflected on the pride linked to his brother’s historical achievement, while recognizing the challenges. He noted that his parents would be “happy and ecstatic” with the role of Pope Leo.

“That’s it … Look at the ‘first’ we’re here. First of the United States, Chicago’s first,” Predost said. “He is kind of young. Tremendous responsibility. The world will be watching all its steps.”

As for his plans during the visit, Predost said that much remains in the air.

“We are waiting to see, we should have lunch, we should go somewhere. We travel with the Pope somewhere special and let’s find it out. Because we are here only until Tuesday,” said PREVOST.

PREVOST said it does not plan to stay in Pope Leo’s installation.