Key Points – Pope Married Couple

• Pope Leo XIV once known as “Father Bob” married a suburban Chicago couple
• The couple found out during a camping trip and burst into tears
• Robert Prevost flew from Peru in 2014 just to officiate their wedding
• Heather’s late father arranged the surprise before passing away
• The pope left immediately after the ceremony to resume missionary work
• The couple has been flooded with calls and media attention since
• Husband jokes he missed his chance to have cocktails with the pope

Surprise Call Turns Camping Trip Into Holy Shock

Heather Schmit-Jaroch and her husband Dominic were enjoying a quiet camping trip in the Midwest when her phone wouldn’t stop buzzing, writes People. She thought her sister was just calling with everyday news. But after several missed calls, Heather finally picked up.

And the words stunned her: “We got a pope—and it’s Father Bob!”

Dominic stood nearby, and as soon as he heard those words, both burst into tears.

Father Bob Wasn’t Just a Priest—He Was Family

Back in July 2014, Heather and Dominic tied the knot at St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel in Chicago. Their wedding officiant? None other than Robert Prevost, now known to the world as Pope Leo XIV.

The couple had no idea he would show up. Heather’s father, Ed Schmit, had secretly arranged it. Prevost flew in from Peru that morning, walked through the chapel doors shortly before the ceremony, and stunned everyone.

From Peru to the Papacy: A Quick Stop to Marry Friends

Robert Prevost didn’t stick around. After performing the wedding for 75 friends and family members, he left Chicago and returned immediately to his missionary work in South America.

Heather remembers the moment like it was yesterday. “My dad said he had a surprise for me about who was going to marry us. Then Father Bob walked in.”

The moment hit deep. Especially now, knowing he would one day lead the Catholic Church.

Emotions Run High as News Spreads

Since the Vatican announced his election, Heather and Dominic’s phones haven’t stopped ringing.
Relatives, friends, and even distant family have reached out to share the excitement.

Dominic said he’s received messages from people they haven’t spoken to in years. “It’s been overwhelming,” he admitted. “My aunt called saying, ‘You’re famous!’ I just said, ‘No, the pope is!’ ”

A Once-in-a-Million Wedding Memory

The couple knew they had a special story. But they never expected the world to know it too. Dominic laughed about the missed opportunity to party with the future pope.

“Maybe I could’ve had a couple of cocktails with him at the reception,” he joked. “That’s my only regret.”

Heather said each time they talk about it, the emotions return. “It’s happy tears. I just wish my dad was here to see this. They were close friends.”

A Sacred Moment Sealed in History

What began as a touching wedding story has now become part of church history. Few people can say they were married by a pope. Fewer still had no idea until ten years later.

Their story has captured the attention of media outlets and Catholics worldwide. What once felt like a private memory now shines under a global spotlight.

From Local Chapel to Vatican Headlines

As Pope Leo XIV begins his journey leading the Church, Dominic and Heather carry a one-of-a-kind connection. Not just to the man in the Vatican, but to the memory of a surprise wedding that came straight from the heart.

One call changed their day. One man changed their marriage. And now, their story changes how we see the man called Father Bob.