When Robert Francis Prevost was a little boy growing up in Dolton, a suburb of South Chicago, no one knew he would one day become Pope. Well—almost no one. His brothers remember a neighbour once saying that young Robert might become the first American Pope. That moment became real on May 8, when he was elected Pope Leo XIV at the age of 69.

His older brothers, John and Louis Prevost, were emotional and proud when they found out. They shared old and recent photos of their time with Robert, celebrating the journey of their youngest sibling—from a playful child to the leader of the Catholic Church.

John Prevost spoke to ABC News and recalled how Robert always knew he wanted to be a priest. Even as a child, he would “play priest” at home, using an ironing board as an altar. According to John, his younger brother never thought about doing anything else. His calling was clear from the start.

A few days before the conclave, Robert became a strong contender for the papacy. Still, when John spoke to him on May 6, Robert brushed off the idea, saying it was just talk and that they wouldn’t choose an American Pope. But his brother believed otherwise.

John thinks Pope Leo XIV will carry on the work of Pope Francis by focusing on the poor and the forgotten. He pointed out that both men had spent time working in South America—Robert in Peru, and Pope Francis in Argentina—which shaped their care for those in need.

Louis Prevost, the eldest brother, was at home in Florida when he heard the news. Feeling a bit under the weather, he was in bed when his wife called out that white smoke had appeared at the Vatican—signaling a new pope had been chosen.

He quickly turned on the TV. The moment he heard “Roberto” in the announcement, he knew: it was his brother. Louis said he was glad he was lying down because the shock might’ve knocked him over. Then, overjoyed, he got out of bed and started dancing around.

He described Pope Leo XIV as a down-to-earth man with a sharp mind and a great sense of humour. Louis recalled how much Robert loved his missionary work in Peru and how he’s travelled all over the world through his Vatican duties. He even joked that although he served in the Navy, Robert outdid him in travel.

Louis believes Robert’s international experience helped convince the cardinals that he was the right choice. He said their family could already see signs of Robert’s future when he was just four or five. While the other brothers played typical childhood games, Robert played “priest,” giving out Necco wafers as Holy Communion.

The family often joked he’d become the pope someday. Now, more than 60 years later, that prediction has come true—and they couldn’t be prouder.