Inside the Family of Pope Leo XIV: Who Are His Brothers, and Do They Speak Creole?

Pope Leo XIV (center) with his brothers Louis (left) and John (right) during a family gathering in Chicago. Image Source (People Magazine)

In the hours after Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected Pope Leo XIV, the world was eager to understand not just the new pope himself, but the people who shaped him—especially his brothers. As interest surged across the internet, Google Trends recorded a massive spike in searches for terms like “Pope Leo Creole,” “Pope Leo’s brothers,” and even, curiously, “Is the new pope from O Block?” This blend of curiosity, cultural speculation, and viral intrigue has cast a spotlight on the Prevost family in a way no conclave has before.

The Brothers Behind the Robes

Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost Jr., was raised in Dolton, Illinois, a working-class suburb south of Chicago. He is one of several siblings, including at least two brothers who, though not public figures in the same sense, have been gently pulled into the media whirlwind following their brother’s election.

His brothers are reportedly proud of his rise to the papacy but have maintained a relatively private life. They grew up in a devout Catholic household that instilled a strong sense of service, spirituality, and humility. While Robert pursued the priesthood and missionary work in Peru, his siblings followed more traditional paths, steering away from the Church’s public hierarchy.

None of Pope Leo’s brothers are known to have held religious office or served in any formal capacity within the Church. However, they remain supportive of his calling, often attending key religious milestones and celebrating major spiritual events with the family.

Do They Speak Creole?

Perhaps the most viral question trending right now is whether Pope Leo and his brothers speak Haitian or Dominican Creole. The inquiry stems from recent revelations and speculation about their maternal ancestry. Census records indicate that their grandparents on their mother’s side had roots in New Orleans and possibly Haiti or the Dominican Republic. A closer look reveals that their family may have historically identified as Creole or mixed-race, with their heritage tied to the Caribbean and Louisiana Creole traditions.

Despite this lineage, there is no credible evidence that the Prevost brothers speak Haitian Creole. In fact, the family was raised identifying as white, and racial or cultural heritage was not part of their upbringing, according to interviews given by Pope Leo’s siblings. Spanish, French, and Italian are far more likely to be spoken by Robert Prevost himself, who spent years in Peru and later served at the Vatican.

So, while the family may carry Creole ancestry, the language itself was not part of their household or identity growing up.

Any Scandals?

So far, there are no public scandals involving the Prevost brothers. They have led relatively quiet lives outside of the Vatican’s influence. If anything, the sudden limelight has revealed how unprepared some corners of the internet are to distinguish viral fiction from fact. For example, the trending search “Is the new pope from O Block” likely stems from visual misinterpretations of Pope Leo’s youthful photos, urban myths, and the blending of cultural archetypes in viral spaces.

Married? Children?

Yes, unlike their celibate brother, Pope Leo’s siblings are believed to be married with children. They have lived outside the Church’s celibacy requirements and maintain regular lay Catholic lives. They are reportedly close-knit and proud of their brother’s achievements, but content to remain behind the scenes.

The Verdict: A Pope With Roots as Complex as His Calling

The public’s fascination with Pope Leo XIV and his family speaks to a broader cultural moment: one of curiosity about hidden ancestry, religious leadership, and the meaning of identity in a global age. Whether or not he speaks Creole (he doesn’t), or whether his brothers are ordained (they’re not), the Prevost family presents a modern Catholic narrative—one rooted in devotion, shaped by migration, and propelled to the heart of the Vatican.

Stay tuned as we continue to trace the unfolding story of Pope Leo XIV, his past, and what it means for the future of the Church.