The Catholic Church has made history by electing Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, who has family ties to the Gulf Coast, including a brother living in Charlotte County.
In Port Charlotte, the brother of Pope Leo XIV expressed his astonishment at the news. "Shocking, surprising, I'm almost speechless, mind-blowing, my brother was elected pope today," Louis Prevost said.
He recounted the moment he realized his brother had been chosen. "Cardinal read his name Rob ... I knew, Roberto! It's Rob, OMG, got dressed, went nuts," he said.
Reflecting on his brother's path to the papacy, he shared, "We kind of knew he was special. We teased him about being pope when he was 6 years old. Then cardinal, one in 3 chance at being pope."
He also expressed hopes for Pope Leo XIV's leadership, saying, "It's incredible. Hope others here and overseas don't turn political. Oh, he's going to mess church up. Leave nationalism out of it. Just guide the church."
A dear friend of Pope Leo XIV and former U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican, Francis Rooney , also spoke with Gulf Coast News about his excitement for the election.
