Pope Leo XIV’s Brother John Prevost Speaks About Their Relationship: “My Brother Concealed a Dreadful Truth…”

In a revelation that has stunned both the faithful and the curious around the world, John Prevost, the younger brother of newly elected Pope Leo XIV, has broken his silence about the deeply personal and, at times, painful relationship he shared with his now-famous sibling. In an emotional interview broadcast earlier today, John shared a side of the new pontiff the public has never seen—one marked by hidden struggles, unspoken burdens, and a truth long buried.

“My brother concealed a dreadful truth,” John said quietly, looking down before continuing. “And he carried it for years, even from me.”

Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, has become a symbol of compassion, humility, and moral strength since ascending to the papacy. But, according to his brother, the Pope’s greatest strength came from surviving a dark chapter of their family’s past—one that he chose to keep hidden even as he rose through the ranks of the Church.

While John stopped short of revealing full details, he described a period in their childhood marked by severe hardship and loss, suggesting the future pope was forced to assume the role of protector at a young age.

“He never wanted anyone to feel pity for him,” John continued. “Even as a child, he believed his suffering had a purpose—that it would help him understand others better. But I didn’t know the full extent of it until much later.”

Viewers were left in silence as John described the Pope’s quiet acts of sacrifice throughout their youth—skipping meals to feed others, hiding his own pain to comfort his grieving mother, and even leaving behind a once-promising personal dream in order to serve the Church.

“He gave up so much more than anyone knows,” John said. “And he never spoke of it. Until now, I think only God knew what he carried.”

The Vatican has not officially commented on John Prevost’s statements, but close sources say Pope Leo XIV was aware the interview would air, and reportedly gave his brother his blessing to speak freely.

Faithful around the world have responded with admiration and renewed respect. Social media erupted with messages of support and compassion under hashtags like #LeoXIVTruth, #PrevostBrothers, and #SilentStrength.

One Catholic blogger wrote: “This doesn’t diminish our Pope—it elevates him. We now see the full weight of what shaped his empathy.”

For many, John’s heartfelt disclosure has painted a fuller, more human portrait of Pope Leo XIV—not as an unreachable figure in white robes, but as a man molded by both faith and fire, burden and belief.

And perhaps most powerfully, this moment between two brothers—one in the spotlight, the other in the shadows—has reminded the world of the hidden stories behind even the most public lives.

As John concluded, eyes full of quiet emotion:
“He never wanted recognition. But maybe now, people will understand why he loves so deeply—because he has