81st D-Day Anniversary: US Navy Veteran’s Son Becomes First American Pope in History
On the 81st anniversary of D-Day, the legacy of a Navy veteran is celebrated as his son becomes America's first Pope.
The 81st anniversary of D-Day has brought renewed attention to a remarkable connection between the Vatican and the U.S. military, as the Pentagon highlighted this week. Pope Leo XIV’s father, Louis Marius Prevost, played a crucial role as a Navy officer during the pivotal Normandy landings of 1944. Born in Chicago in 1920, Prevost joined the Navy in November 1943. Within just a few months, he became the executive officer aboard a tank landing ship participating in Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion that marked a turning point in World War II.
On June 6, 1944, Louis Prevost was among the thousands of American servicemen who stormed the beaches of Nazi-occupied France. His leadership as an officer on a landing craft contributed directly to the success of the operation, which remains one of the most significant military undertakings in history. Later that summer, in August 1944, Prevost continued his service by commanding an infantry landing craft during Operation Dragoon, the Allied campaign to liberate southern France.
After the war, Prevost returned to Illinois, dedicating his career to education and public service. He served as superintendent of Brookwood School District 167 and later as principal of Mount Carmel Elementary School, shaping the lives of countless students in the Chicago area. In addition to his work in education, Prevost was a devoted catechist, sharing Christian doctrine and fostering faith within his community.
In 1949, Louis Prevost married Mildred Agnes Martinez, and their family would leave a profound legacy. Among their three sons was Robert Francis Prevost, who, on May 8, 2025, made history as the first American-born Pope when he was elected Pope Leo XIV. This milestone has been celebrated in both the United States and around the world as a testament to the enduring bonds between faith and service.
Pope Leo XIV’s deep ties to Chicago remain evident today. Earlier this week, he signed a baseball at the Vatican, reflecting his lifelong support for the Chicago White Sox. In recognition, the White Sox have installed a commemorative graphic near the seat he occupied during the team's 2005 World Series run, honoring both his papacy and his local roots.
Although Louis Marius Prevost passed away in 1997, his dedication to service—both military and civic—lives on through his son’s historic leadership. As veterans and citizens worldwide commemorate D-Day, the story of the Prevost family stands as a powerful reminder of the connections between personal sacrifice, community values, and global faith.
