Louis Prevost, Pope Leo’s younger brother, recalls with a touch of irony, “Jeez, it was like just yesterday, I was throwing him down the stairs. And now he’s pope!”. This was clearly meant as a playful comment rather than an actual accusation, Louis speaks fondly about his brother, describing him as humble, kind, and deeply devoted to his faith. Yet today, that kid named Robert has become Pope Leo XIV, spiritual leader of the Catholic Church and, for many progressive Americans, a quiet yet eloquent response to Trumpism.
In an interview with The New York Times, Prevost admitted he was shocked by his brother’s election to the papacy. He joked about their tumultuous childhood, but also highlighted the profound differences that now separate them politically and ideologically. Although he believes Leo XIV will be more conservative than his predecessor Francis, he acknowledges that his brother will never fully embrace the ideals of the American right, to which he himself remains deeply attached.
Indeed, while the new Pope shares posts denouncing Trump-era immigration policies–at one point even comparing the suffering of refugees to the Passion of Christ–Louis maintains a lively and often controversial presence on social media, filled with anti-vaccine memes, pro-Trump content, and posts questioning the legitimacy of the 2020 U.S. election.
His feed includes harsh attacks on the Democratic Party, which he describes as “overrun by communists,” as well as calls for American isolationism, portraying Europe as a socialist drift best left to its own fate. In one particularly extreme message, he even invoked Wild West-style punishments for Democrats, including shootings and lynchings, revealing a radical rhetoric starkly at odds with his brother’s message of peace.
Louis has openly praised figures like Vice President J.D. Vance, whom he considers a future leader, and has often expressed nostalgia for a pre-woke America before the rise of today’s values around civil rights, inclusivity, respectful language, and social justice. His words paint a troubling picture of a culture war at home, urging his followers to “keep their powder dry,” and warning of an impending conflict “in our streets and neighborhoods.”
Yet, despite the incendiary posts and political tirades, signs of brotherly affection do emerge. In July 2023, when Robert was named a cardinal by Pope Francis, Louis shared a rare tender moment: he wrote that waking up to such news on his birthday had felt like an unexpected gift.
Since the papal election went viral, Louis has not posted any new content. In his interview with the Times, however, he said he is confident his distinguished brother will do “a tremendous job.”
