POPE LEO XIV performed at being a priest as a toddler and used the household’s ironing board as an altar, his brother has revealed.

Robert Prevost — as he was recognized earlier than he grew to become the primary American-born pontiff this week — additionally handed out biscuits as communion wafers.

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His brother John, 71, who nonetheless lives of their native Chicago, stated: “He needed to play priest so he put a tablecloth over our mother’s ironing board and we needed to go to Mass.”

He stated younger Robert additionally used an American biscuit known as Necco Wafers, including: “These had been the communion wafers. It was all taken very critically, it was not a joke.”

Pope Leo, 69, the 267th pontiff, was considered one of three sons born to librarian Mildred and college principal Louis.

He studied maths at Villanova College in Philadelphia, then returned to Chicago to coach as a priest. However John revealed his brother’s calling began at a a lot youthful age.

He instructed US TV present Good Morning America: “From the time he was 5 or 6 years outdated he knew this was his destiny — not that he could be Pope, however that he could be a priest.

“He had that from a really younger age, and he by no means faltered.”
His eldest brother Louis, who now lives in Florida, added: “We used to tease him on a regular basis, ‘You’re going to be the Pope at some point’.

“We knew one thing was particular about him.”

Very emotional

Whereas sustaining his American roots — he helps the Chicago White Sox baseball staff and is alleged to like deep-dish pizza — the then Robert made a life within the Peruvian metropolis of Chiclayo, the place he served as bishop from 2015 to 2023.

He additionally grew to become a Peruvian citizen, and Catholic author Austen Ivereigh stated of his elevation to the papacy: “That’s the genius of this election — each the US and South America can declare him.”

And the brand new Pope’s goddaughter, Peruvian influencer Mildred Camacho Dioses — who was named after his mom — stated her household “jumped for pleasure” when this week’s information broke.

She stated: “He’s a superb particular person and I nonetheless can’t consider he’s now the Pope. It’s made me very emotional to know that he’s the consultant of God on Earth.”

Talking from her household dwelling in Chulucanas, close to Peru’s border with Ecuador, Mildred added: “Once I heard the title Robert Prevost I rang my mother and father and my aunts and uncles.

“It’s one thing we’re nonetheless processing, as a result of we will’t consider it. He has at all times been current in my life, writing to me and sending me greetings on my birthday and different vital dates.

“I final noticed him final August, when he got here to Chulucanas and he met my daughters.

“He gave them his blessing, and blessed my dwelling and despatched greetings to my grandparents who he additionally has a detailed relationship with.”

Requested if she had a message for the brand new Pope, Mildred stated: “Godfather, we’re all so comfortable and so proud.”

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The earlier pope to take the title Leo, Pope Leo XIII, was an Italian whose baptismal title was Vincenzo Gioacchino Pecci.

He was elected in 1878 and led the Catholic Church till he died in 1903.

He’s remembered for his dedication to social justice.

The primary Pope Leo — generally known as St Leo the Nice — led the church between 440 and 461AD, and was recognized for his dedication to peace.

Whereas the brand new Pope Leo has but to say why he selected the title, it has been urged that the deep dedication to social points that the title represents is consistent with his beliefs.

Notably, his first phrases as pope had been: “Peace be with you.”

These (biscuits) had been the communion wafers. It was all taken very critically. It was not a joke

John Prevost

And Edinson Edgardo Farfan Cordova, the present bishop of Chiclayo, the place Pope Leo used to dwell and work, known as him a “shepherd amongst individuals”.

He stated: “I’m satisfied Pope Leo XIV will proceed the road of communion and closeness to the poor that marked the hold forth of Francis.”

It has additionally been revealed that the brand new Pope watched the movie Conclave earlier than collaborating in the actual factor so he “knew how one can behave”.

The award-winning Ralph Fiennes film follows a cardinal organising the conclave who investigates secrets and techniques and scandals in regards to the candidates.

John stated he requested his brother if he had watched the movie to “snicker about one thing as a result of that is now an superior accountability”.

Of his sibling’s new position main the 1.4billion-strong Catholic Church, he added: “We’re so proud.”