Leo from Chicago: A Documentary on Pope Leo's Life and Heritage

The Story Behind Leo from Chicago

The documentary *Leo from Chicago* contains a complete examination of Robert Francis Prevost's identity and his heritage through the unique views of people he was around. These include Louis and John, who are his brothers.

During an interview in Florida, Louis Prevost (Robert's older brother) looked back fondly on his brother as having been easy to be around growing up. Louis shared stories and experiences about their family from childhood that no one has shared before; thus it helped paint a clearer picture of what childhood and family life was like between them.

Leo from Chicago: The Documentary

Likewise, John (the brother in the middle) provides both a reflection and a nostalgic look at the boys' upbringing, including their parents and Robert's love of cars. John notes that Robert had a calling from an early age when he would "celebrate" Mass in the basement of their home, using the cardboard box (where the priest would keep his vestments) that was used by their mother to iron clothes, to create an altar with his mother.

The First American Pope of Peruvian Heritage

As the first American Pope, of Peruvian heritage, with much pastoral experience in Peru and great service on staff at the Roman Curia is being remembered by his brothers and sisters for his natural gifts that he displayed throughout his life (especially in the areas of reconciliation and diplomacy). Robert demonstrated this ability even at a very young age when he and his friend, Louis, rode their bikes together into a difficult area of Chicago but were able to convert what could have become a "hostile mob" into friends.

This film illustrates the stories told by classmates and fellow Augustinians from the Midwest Augustinians in Chicago, along with classmates from the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova, relating to their experience with "Father Bob," who was inspired by his love and friendship with Jesus Christ and known for his faith and his sense of humor.

Friendships Beyond Denominational Lines

Additionally, there is a strong friendship between Robert and Lutheran pastor, John Snider. Robert met John while he was doing an internship at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis in 1980 as part of his pastoral care program. John reminisced about many experiences they shared with each other, such as having theological discussions at dinner, laughing while watching The Blues Brothers, and going snowmobiling together.

Another acquaintance, Mary Donar-Reale, a fellow student from Villanova, reminisces about their shared experiences and the treasured memento she continues to possess to this day.

A Love for Chicago's Sports and Culture

The narrative also shows both how having a strong commitment to the South Side through the Chicago White Sox resonates for Prevost and also that his mother had a strong loyalty to the North Side through the Chicago Cubs is part of the story that they will tell. During the documentary, they visited again at Rate Field, where he had attended game 1 of the 2005 World Series.

More than 30 interviews conducted during filming capture an engaging and thoughtful look at Pope Francis' youth and spiritual journey both inside and outside the USA. The Prevost family home in Dolton is included as part of this collection of stories about Pope Francis' childhood and includes neighbors, teachers, the Augustinian Fathers and his childhood; from some of his favorite places to eat including Aurelio's Pizza!

The documentary was created through a partnership between the Vatican Dicastery for Communication, the Archdiocese of Chicago, and the Apostolado El Sembrador Nueva Evangelización (ESNE).