More than 30 surprising facts about Pope Leo XIV that Will help you to know him more.
Editorial (08/22/2025 12:10, Gaudium Press) – In honor of the first 100 days of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate, we’ve compiled over 30 fascinating facts about his personal, spiritual, and family life. Some come from his biography, others were recently shared by his brother, John Prevost, in a touching interview.
This journey helps us discover not only the shepherd of the Church but also the simple man who maintains his joy, habits, and roots.
His Brother John Speaks: A Close and Humane Pope
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He speaks daily with his brother John.
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A simple sense of humor. When his brother jokingly asks, “Is it Your Holiness?” the Pope replies: “Yes, my son, how can I help you?”
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He revived the tradition of Castel Gandolfo, the papal summer residence, where he enjoys rest and peace.
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He enjoys the pool and tennis courts, though it’s unclear if he still plays regularly.
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He misses driving. For Leo XIV, driving was a way to disconnect and relax.
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Pizza lover. His favourite is pepperoni, and he once ate a slice in public from a favorite Chicago pizzeria.
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His favourite candy is Peeps—simple treats he’s always loved.
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A fan of the Chicago White Sox. He fondly remembers attending the 2005 World Series.
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Enjoys optimistic movies with uplifting endings.
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A fan of legal thrillers, especially novels by John Grisham.
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“The family fixer.” He was trusted with tricky home repairs as a child.
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Close friendship with Pope Francis. His brother says they shared a bond of true fraternity.
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A Pope who carries the world in prayer. His brother affirms that “he bears a great burden and prays for the world.”
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A promised return to Chicago. Jokingly told his brother he’d return for his funeral—even “on ice” if needed.
Childhood, Family, and Vocation
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Born in Chicago, Illinois. Baptized Robert Francis Prevost on September 14, 1955.
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Raised in a multicultural Catholic family—French, Italian, Spanish, and Creole heritage.
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Grew up with two older brothers: Louis Martin and John Joseph.
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Dreamed of the priesthood from a young age. A neighbor once said he’d be the first American Pope.
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Became an altar server at age six.
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Raised in a deeply Marian family—daily Rosary prayers were the norm.
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Lived a joyful, ordinary childhood—baseball, bikes, and fun with neighborhood kids.
Formation and Mission
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Studied mathematics at Villanova University.
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Completed studies in philosophy, theology, and canon law at the Angelicum in Rome.
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Joined the Order of St. Augustine.
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Served as Prior General of the Augustinians for 12 years (2001–2013).
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Served as a missionary bishop in Chiclayo, Peru, for over a decade.
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Adopted Peruvian citizenship in 2015 as a sign of pastoral love and commitment.
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Appointed Cardinal in 2023 by Pope Francis.
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Elected Pope in May 2025 after only two days of voting—266th successor of Peter.
His Pontificate
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His papal motto is “In Illo uno unum” – “In the One, we are one,” inspired by St. Augustine.
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His papal coat of arms includes a white lily and a heart pierced by an arrow.
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Over 200,000 attended his inaugural Mass in St. Peter’s Square.
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First symbolic acts included praying at Pope Francis’s tomb, venerating the icon “Salus Populi Romani” and visiting our Lady of Good Counsel in Genazzano.
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First public words: “Peace be with you all!”
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His election surprised many, being a relatively new cardinal and considered an “outsider.”
Compiled by Gustavo Kralj with files from ChurchPop and ACI Prensa
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