US immigration policy Pope will not stay silent on injustices, says brother

Despite the pronouncements of veteran Vatican-watchers, the rash of profiles and the raking over of old statements, very few people seem to know exactly where Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost - now known as Pope Leo XIV - stands on the big issues of the day.

- Sam Jones

But one person who has a better idea than most is the new pontiff's elder brother, John Prevost.

In a recent interview with the New York Times (NYT), the 71-year-old retired teacher noted his brother's emotional and ideological proximity to his friend, Pope Francis, and said he shared his predecessor's concerns about the US's immigration policy.

Prevost described his brother as middle of the road, adding: "I don't think we'll see extremes either way." He also said the new pope would not hesitate to speak out against injustices. "I don't think he'll stay quiet for too long if he has something to say.

"I know he's not happy with what's going on with immigration. I know that for a fact. How far he'll go with it is anyone's guess, but he won't just sit back. I don't think he'll be the silent one."

Pope Francis made no secret of his opposition to Donald Trump's border and mass deportations plans, and also took issue with the US vice-president, JD Vance's, interpretation of church teaching on responsibilities to others.