Louis Prevost, the eldest brother of Pope Leo XIV, has faced scrutiny over his political social media posts following his brother’s historic election as the first American pope. The 73-year-old Florida resident acknowledged making derogatory comments about Democrats online and expressed regret about the timing of his posts in relation to his brother’s papal election.
In a May 12 interview on “Piers Morgan Uncensored,” Prevost addressed criticism he received regarding his social media activity. He confirmed that he had posted content critical of Democrats, stating “I posted it and I wouldn’t have posted it if I didn’t kind of believe it.” However, he indicated he had no advance knowledge of his brother’s impending papal election and has since moderated his online presence.
Prevost explained that he has been restraining himself from making further political statements to avoid creating unnecessary controversy for his brother. He noted that he identifies as a supporter of the “Make America Great Again” movement and maintains his political beliefs, but recognized the need to avoid generating negative publicity for the new pontiff.
The social media controversy did not prevent Prevost from participating in significant papal events and political meetings. He attended Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural Mass on May 18, sitting beside Second Lady Usha Vance during the ceremony. The following day, he joined Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio when the U.S. delegation met with the newly elected pope.
President Donald Trump publicly praised Prevost during a May 20 meeting with House Republicans on Capitol Hill, describing him as a major supporter of his political movement. Trump expressed enthusiasm about meeting with the pope’s brother, indicating his intention to welcome him to the White House for a personal meeting.
The promised White House meeting occurred on May 20, when President Trump and Vice President Vance met with Prevost and his wife Deborah in the Oval Office. The meeting was documented in photographs shared by Trump’s special assistant Margo Martin, showing the couples together in the presidential office.
Prevost, a Navy veteran, resides in Port Charlotte, Florida with his wife Deborah. He is the eldest of three brothers, with middle brother John living in the Chicago area and maintaining closer regular contact with the pope. The brothers traditionally communicate weekly through conference calls, though Prevost has expressed uncertainty about whether this routine will continue given his brother’s new papal responsibilities.
The eldest Prevost brother has shared memories of his brother’s early religious inclinations, describing how the future pope would set up makeshift altars as a child using an ironing board and household items. He recalled his brother conducting pretend masses using Necco wafers as communion hosts, behavior that seemed unusual at the time but now appears prophetic given his brother’s ultimate calling to the papacy.
Prevost has described his brother as having a spiritual presence from an early age, noting that there was something distinctive about his demeanor even as a young child. He suggested that his brother possessed qualities that set him apart from other children, which the family now recognizes as early signs of his religious vocation.
The social media controversy highlights the unique challenges facing the families of high-profile religious leaders in the digital age. Media outlets discovered Prevost’s political posts after his brother’s election, leading to questions about how family members’ public statements might reflect on or complicate the pope’s position.
During the papal election process, Prevost indicated he had suspected his brother might be chosen, describing the selection as both expected and shocking. He noted that being the first American pope presented initial challenges, along with his brother’s relatively young age of 69, but emphasized his brother’s extensive international experience in previous church positions.
The controversy surrounding Prevost’s social media activity represents one of the first challenges involving the new pope’s family members. His acknowledgment of the posts and subsequent efforts to moderate his online presence demonstrate the delicate balance required when a family member assumes such a prominent global religious position.
Prevost has expressed both pride in his brother’s achievement and concern about how their relationship might change. He has questioned whether he will maintain the same level of access to his brother now that he serves as the leader of the global Catholic Church, while also worrying about the impact his own public statements might have on his brother’s papacy.