PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla — For the first time in history, the Vatican has chosen an American to lead the Catholic Church. Robert Prevost is now Pope Leo XIV, and his older brother lives right here in Port Charlotte.
Fox 4 Charlotte County Community Correspondent, Alex Orenczuk got a chance to talk with Louis Prevost, who shared a childhood story about the time he realized his little brother was special.
Listen to Louis' story about the future pope coming face to face with gang members:
Louis said he and his younger brother were riding their bikes in Chicago in an area they probably should have stayed away from when they had a dangerous encounter.
"It was kind of a seedy area and there had been a lot of crime there. And we got accosted by young gang bangers," Prevost said.
That's when the future pontiff stepped up in the face of danger.
"Rob got off his bike, walked up to them, said a few words and the knives went away. We kind of became friends. And he said, I said, how did you do that?" Prevost said.
The young Robert's response left an impression on his older brother.
"I just talked to him and it's, I don't know, is it a miracle? I don't know. Here we were about to get wiped out and he goes up, says a few words and these guys put their stuff away and so I knew, whoa, you know, that's a gift. Cause I'd have gone to war with them at some point, but he's there making peace and it worked and it's, wow, that's really cool," Prevost said.
Louis, who remains close with his brother, says that's just how the pontiff has always been, and he's seen his brother's kindness continue throughout his life.
"So he's been like that all the time. He's just got away with people, whether it's in the States, in Chicago, in Peru, in China, in Africa, wherever he's gone, people just gravitate towards him and like him. I wish I was like that," Prevost said.
Louis believes these qualities are why his brother will do a great job leading the Catholic Church.
As Pope Leo XIV grew up in Chicago, a city known for its loyal sports fans, Louis said he wasn't sure his brother supports the Bears.
“No, no, I know he was a White Sox fan,” he said. “I don't know about the Bears. I'm a Bears fan, but him? I honestly don't know.”
Louis added that these days, the Pope’s sports interests seem to lie overseas.
“He’s a bigger soccer fan now. Since he’s spent so much time in Peru and Italy, when he calls sometimes [he says] I’m watching a soccer game, and I’m like soccer? What? So I know he’s into soccer.”
While the pontiff’s exact NFL preferences remain a mystery, Louis says his character is what truly defines him. Louis described his brother as empathetic from a young age and deeply committed to his missionary work across the globe — traits he believes will make Pope Leo XIV a strong spiritual leader.
“He’s a man of the people,” Louis said. “He’s been with the people all around the world. He’ll do a really good job of being pope and all that entails.”
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