Pope Leo's brother Louis also has cancer, sister-in-law reveals
Louis Prevost, Pope Leo's older brother, has multiple myeloma, according to Louis' wife Deborah.
The pope, who was previously known as Robert Francis Prevost, is also currently battling cancer, as the Vatican announced in a statement on Oct. 14. After doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung, they performed tests that confirmed a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma.
While Deborah did not disclose the stage her husband's cancer is in, she shared he is currently participating in a clinical trial at a local hospital in Florida, where the couple lives.
According to the International Myeloma Foundation, multiple myeloma is a cancer of bone marrow plasma cells.
Louis' cancer was first detected in 2017, which he kept at a "very low level" with stem cell treatment and a clinical trial in 2019, according to his wife. However, three months ago, Louis' remission ended.
The Prevost brothers have been in touch amidst their cancer diagnoses, said Deborah. According to Vatican News, they have another brother, John Joseph.
"[Pope Leo] called to let us know what would be happening," she said, adding the brothers spoke last week before Louis entered his clinical trial. "We keep praying, keeping spirits up for both of them."
The brothers apparently have a close relationship, with photos of Deborah and Louis visiting with the pope shortly after his inauguration circulating online in May 2025.
In a previous interview with CBS News shortly after Pope Leo's election, Louis said that his relationship with his younger brother would remain unchanged.
"He will always be Rob," he said. "If we do get over there and do get to meet him, I'm still going to treat him like my little brother. Give him a hug, say, 'Rob, you idiot, what have you done?' Take his hat off and give him a nuggie."
The Vatican has kept details of the pope's condition under wraps, including what stage the cancer is in, if it has spread, and the next medical steps the pontiff needs to take.
Following the successful operation on his right lung, the 71-year-old pope "awoke normally and returned after a brief period of observation to his room," said the Vatican in a statement.
He is expected to remain in the hospital for about a week.
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