In the wake of Pope Leo XIV's historic election as the first American pontiff, an unexpected source of discord has emerged: his older brother's provocative social media activity. Louis Prevost, residing in Port Charlotte, Florida, has drawn public ire for his scathing political commentary and crude criticisms aimed at top Democratic figures, including Representative Nancy Pelosi and former President Joe Biden's supporters.
His most recent outburst featured a 1996 video of Rep. Pelosi discussing tariffs. Louis's accompanying commentary was laced with profanity, questioning the intelligence of liberal policy advocates. Other posts echo a similar sentiment, deriding Biden's approval rating and lampooning progressive ideology with a meme suggesting a mental health crisis among 'woke' individuals prior to the 1970s.
On August 30, Louis Prevost went beyond mere commentary, responding to an incident in Southern California where illegal immigrants allegedly attempted to hijack a school bus. He portrayed the situation as a domestic conflict, pitting law-abiding citizens against violent offenders and unchecked immigration, further exacerbating community tensions.
These views starkly contrast with those of his brother, Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Robert Prevost. The pope has previously expressed opposition to the Trump administration, particularly to former Vice President JD Vance's religious interpretations. His social media presence has touched on sensitive topics such as gun control, the death of George Floyd, and immigration policies.
The polarizing opinions of the Prevost brothers have not gone unnoticed. High-profile conservative figures, including former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon, have openly criticized the pope's political leanings, with some online critics resorting to derogatory labels.
Despite the political maelstrom, Louis and another brother, John, have publicly supported Pope Leo XIV's ascension. Recollections of their Illinois upbringing, shared with media outlets, paint a picture of a family that humorously anticipated Robert's rise to the papacy. John Prevost highlighted the formidable task now facing his brother: uniting Catholics worldwide and addressing global challenges.
Louis Prevost acknowledged the potential for reduced family interaction given the pope's new responsibilities but expressed confidence in his brother's ability to connect with the faithful.
The story gained further traction when conservative commentator Jack Posobiec highlighted Louis Prevost's staunch support for former President Trump, contrasting the siblings' divergent political sympathies.