The Brother of Pope Leo XIV Reacts: “It Still Hasn’t Sunk In”

In a rare and emotional interview, ABC News correspondent Alex Perez sat down with the brother of the newly elected Pope Leo XIV in Chicago to get an intimate glimpse into what it’s like to see a loved one ascend to the highest office in the Catholic Church. What unfolded was a heartfelt and humanizing account of disbelief, pride, and a journey that began long before white smoke filled the skies above the Vatican.

“It’s Surreal. It Hasn’t Sunk In.”

When asked how he felt, the Pope’s brother admitted that the reality hadn’t fully registered. “It’s been constant phone calls, emails, messages, interviews. I don’t think it’s really sunk in,” he said. The whirlwind of attention and media requests had left little room for reflection. However, one thing was clear — pride. “Not only is he the first Pope, but the first American Pope — and he’s from Chicago. He’s my brother. Not a lot of people can say that.”

No Expectations — Just a Miracle

Despite his overwhelming pride, the Pope’s brother confessed that he never truly expected his sibling to be elected. “I kept hearing there would never be an American Pope because of politics,” he explained. The common assumption was that the Vatican would avoid appointing someone from a global superpower like the United States, fearing the appearance of bias or influence.

But as soon as he heard his brother was among the final three candidates, the possibility suddenly became real. “Well, this could happen,” he thought to himself.

A Moment Etched in Time

The moment he found out will stay with him forever. He was reading a book when he received a text saying “white smoke” had appeared — a traditional signal indicating that a new Pope had been chosen. He rushed to turn on the television and called his niece. Together, they watched the Vatican balcony with anticipation.

“When they said the name, she screamed. I said, ‘Oh my gosh, here we go.’” From that moment, the phone hasn’t stopped ringing.

“He’s Just a Regular Guy”

When asked what kind of person Pope Leo XIV is, his brother didn’t hesitate. “He’s just a regular, run-of-the-mill guy.” Years of missionary work in South America had shaped him into someone deeply compassionate, especially toward the poor, the voiceless, and the marginalized.

“He’ll be looking out for the disenfranchised,” his brother said. “He’ll follow in the tradition of Saint Francis… pardon me, Pope Francis.”

A Legacy of Simplicity and Service

Interestingly, Pope Leo XIV met Pope Francis years ago, when the former was serving in Peru and the latter in Argentina. Their paths crossed, and their ideologies aligned. “They believed in the same issues,” his brother explained. Because of this, he doesn’t foresee a huge shift from the tone and direction set by Pope Francis.

“He might prove me wrong,” he added with a chuckle, “but I don’t see there’ll be much of a break in tradition.”

Humble Beginnings on the South Side

Despite now being a spiritual leader to over a billion Catholics, Pope Leo XIV grew up like any other kid on the South Side of Chicago. His brother remembers playing in the neighborhood and enjoying a relatively normal childhood — until his brother left after 8th grade for seminary studies in Michigan, and later, Villanova University.

“He wasn’t home a lot after that,” he recalled. “But as kids, we were just regular boys. We didn’t think about these things.”

One especially eerie memory stood out. “When he was in first grade, a neighbor said, ‘He’ll be the first American Pope.’” At the time, it was just a curious remark — now, it seems almost prophetic.