‘Totally surreal’ Pope’s brother says of sibling’s election before flight to Rome

CHICAGO (WGN) — John Prevost was somewhat of a celebrity at O’Hare International Airport on Friday as travelers recognized him as a brother of the newly elected Pope Leo XIV.

“Totally surreal. It hasn’t really hit in that it’s real, that it’s really happening,” Prevost told WGN on Friday as he embarked on a journey to Rome to visit his younger brother who is now the leader of the Catholic Church. “Proud with a capital ‘P’.”

The first American pope in the 2,000-year history of the church had his humble beginnings in Dolton. Stories of his love for the Chicago White Sox,

memories from his classmates and of his visits to local establishments all painting a picture of the new church leader.

“Normal person,” John Prevost said. “People will be able to relate to the new pope.”

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The siblings’ oldest brother, Lou, also expressed elation and surprise over his brother’s election but said he’s sure he’s the right man for the job.

“If they are looking, honestly, for somebody that is well rounded, has the capacity, the ability, the experience around the world with the people, he’s their only choice,” Lou Prevost told WFLA, Nextar’s sister station in Florida.