In a move highlighting unexpected political alliances, former US President Donald Trump hosted the brother of Pope Leo XIV at a private New Year's Eve celebration at his Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida. Trump publicly praised Louis Martin Prevost for his vocal backing of the 'Make America Great Again' (MAGA) movement and his loyalty.
A Presidential Welcome for the Pope's Brother
Louis Martin Prevost attended the exclusive gathering with his wife, Deborah, receiving a warm public welcome from the Republican leader. Addressing his guests, Trump singled out the Prevosts, calling them "incredible people." He specifically highlighted a photograph that circulated widely after the papal election, showing Louis Prevost in front of a house adorned with MAGA signage.
"We have a man here, a special man, he is the brother of the pope," Trump stated. "And you know why I like them? Because when the pope was selected, they showed a picture of his brother standing in front of the house with MAGA all over it. So I said, 'I love this guy.'"
Political Divide in the Papal Family
The appearance at Mar-a-Lago underscored a striking political contrast within the family of Pope Leo XIV. While the Pontiff himself has been critical of Trump on issues like migrant rights and has questioned Vice President JD Vance's interpretation of Catholic doctrine, his brother Louis is an open Trump supporter.
A resident of Florida, Louis Prevost has frequently shared pro-Trump content and criticised Democrats on social media, as reported by The Daily Beast. His online activity has also included past controversial and misogynistic posts targeting critics of Trump. Prevost has since indicated he plans to be more cautious online following his brother's elevation to the papacy.
From Chicago Childhood to the Vatican
The Prevost brothers—Louis, John, and Robert (now Pope Leo XIV)—were raised in a traditional Catholic family in Chicago. Louis has recalled that his youngest brother, Robert, showed an early vocation. "When he was six, he wanted to 'play priest,'" he remembered, noting that family and strangers often told Robert, "You're going to be pope someday."
Louis Prevost was present at the Vatican for Pope Leo XIV's inaugural Mass on May 18, where the brothers shared an emotional embrace. During the service, he was seated near Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance.
The Mar-a-Lago meeting emphasises Trump's ongoing strategy of celebrating and reinforcing support within his political base, even when such connections reach into surprising international and religious spheres. It spotlights how personal political beliefs can create notable divisions, even within one of the world's most prominent religious families.
