Pope Leo XIV didn’t play doctor or firefighter as a kid, he wanted to be a priest: “The ironing board was the altar”

History was made in the Vatican City this week when 69-year-old Cardinal Robert Prevost became the first person from the United States to be elected Pope.

The Chicago native was proclaimed the new pontiff on Thursday evening after a two day Conclave (and four rounds of voting) was held to determine a successor for Pope Francis who passed away at the end of April.

Prevost selected the name Pope Leo XIV and his first message from St. Peter’s Basilica on Friday morning focused on global harmony and a request for global peace : “May my greeting of peace reach the whole Earth”.

‘Destined to be Pope’

Following the news, Prevost’s brother, John spoke to ABC news and claimed that the news would have been a massive source of joy and pride for their parents, if they were still alive.

Elder brother John also added that the new role carries plenty of responsibility.

“I’m concerned,” Prevost told the Good Morning America show, adding: “It is quite a responsibility that he’s going to face now because he’s got the task of trying to bring the world’s Catholics together. I think we’re splitting apart quickly. Maybe he can do something to bring it back. People are leaving the church. There are factions in the church. ... I think he’s got to face those things and somehow talk about it and bring people together to talk about it, to get worldwide opinion.”

Robert Prevost (Pope Leo XIV) grew up the youngest of three brothers in South Chicago.

He always wanted to be a priest, his older brother, John Prevost, told ABC News, adding, “he knew right away. I don’t think he’s ever questioned it. I don’t think he’s ever thought of anything else,” John Prevost said.

As a child, Pope Leo XIV “played priest,” John Prevost said. “The ironing board was the altar” and concluded adding that his brother is: “a regular, run-of-the-mill person,” he said.

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