Pope Leo XIV's older brother, Louis Prevost, 74, has multiple myeloma and is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Florida, his wife confirmed Tuesday to CBS News.
Deborah Prevost disclosed her husband's cancer diagnosis as the pontiff recovered from surgery in Rome to remove the lower lobe of his right lung. Doctors confirmed during that procedure that Pope Leo XIV has lung cancer, specifically adenocarcinoma.
Louis Prevost was first diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2017. Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer affecting plasma cells in the bone marrow. He underwent treatment in 2019 that included stem cell treatment and participation in a clinical trial, which allowed his cancer to remain at a "very low level" for several years.
Approximately three months ago, Louis Prevost fell out of remission. He is now participating in a clinical trial at a local hospital in Florida, where he resides. Deborah Prevost did not disclose the current stage of his cancer.
The brothers spoke by telephone last week before Louis began his latest clinical trial. "He called to let us know what would be happening," Deborah Prevost said, according to CBS News.
In an interview with Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Louis Prevost requested prayers for his brother's recovery. "I am sure that he will recover completely and continue in his mission to lead the Catholic Church," he said.
Cancer has affected multiple members of the Prevost family. According to an interview with the National Catholic Reporter, the brothers' mother, Mildred, died of cancer. Another brother, John Prevost, discussed the family's history with the disease in that same outlet.
Pope Leo XIV, 71, underwent surgery Tuesday at Policlinico Gemelli hospital in Rome. The Vatican reported Wednesday that his first night following the procedure passed without complications. The pontiff's lung cancer diagnosis was confirmed through studies conducted during the surgical intervention.