Pope Leo XIV watched ‘Conclave’ ahead of papal summit — and plays Wordle and Words With Friends, brother reveals
Share and Follow

The brother of Pope Leo XIV has provided insights into the activities of the new pontiff during his free time, revealing that he enjoys playing games like Words With Friends and Wordle with his friends.

On Thursday, white smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel chimney — signaling that the College of Cardinals had chosen a successor to Pope Francis.

Following Pope Leo XIV, originally known as Robert Francis Prevost, meeting with crowds at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican, his brother John Prevost shared a glimpse into the simple joys of the new leader of the Catholic Church.

John Prevost expressed his thoughts on the surreal experience, saying, “I haven’t had a moment to think about it. But it’s totally unreal, totally surreal, and it’s a tremendous, tremendous thing to take in, but it’s something to be very proud of,” during an interview with NBC Chicago.

He revealed that he had spoken to the new pontiff right before the conclave, and said the pair often play Wordle and Words with Friends together.

“It’s something to keep his mind off of life in the real world,” he said. “And then we talk about what’s going on.”

Prevost said that he had asked if his brother had watched the Hollywood blockbuster “Conclave” before the start of the papal summit to “know how to behave.”

“I said, ‘Well, are you ready for this?’” Prevost said, revealing that his brother had “just finished” watching the film.

“So it’s that kind of stuff, because I wanted to take his mind off of it, laugh about something, because this is now an awesome responsibility,” he added.

The Ralph Fiennes-led movie was released just months before Pope Francis died in April at age 88.

About 80% of cardinals who had participated in this year’s vote were appointed by Pope Francis, meaning a majority had never experienced a conclave before.

The 2024 film – directed by Edward Berger and based on a 2016 Robert Harris novel – was thoroughly researched, and some cardinals who previously experienced a conclave described the movie as an extremely accurate portrayal of the real ritual.

The Cardinals were forced to surrender their electronic devices before they were sequestered in the Sistine Chapel for two days of voting.

Elsewhere, Prevost revealed that he had a “slight feeling” his brother would become the first American pope — though Leo himself was doubtful.

“He didn’t think so,” Prevost said. “I kind of did, because what I was reading and what I was hearing that there were three outstanding candidates that were in first, second and third place. The Cardinal from the Philippines, the Secretary of State and him.”

After hearing that his brother had good odds of being the next pope, Prevost’s optimism grew, though he remained a tad skeptical.

“I don’t know how true it is, but one of the priests at Providence over there in New Lenox said to me, ‘the odds in Las Vegas are 18-to-1 that it’s going to your brother,’” Prevost said.

“I didn’t believe it, and Rob didn’t believe it. I should say, Pope Leo didn’t believe it at all, because there’s not going to be an American pope was the attitude.”

The new pontiff’s Chicago roots sparked a friendly rivalry Thursday, as the city’s two major baseball teams — the Cubs and the White Sox — playfully competed over which side could claim him as a fan.

After the official social media account for the Cubs claimed that Pope Leo was a fan, his brother was forced to set the record straight.

“They had it wrong. He’s Sox,” he told the outlet. “The radio announced Cubs, and that’s not true.”

The White Sox quickly embraced the news, writing on X, “Well, would you look at that… Congratulations to Chicago’s own Pope Leo XIV.”

“Family always knows best, and it sounds like Pope Leo XIV’s lifelong fandom falls a little closer to 35th and Shields,” the team said in a follow-up statement. “Some things are bigger than baseball, and in this case, we’re glad to have a White Sox fan represented at the Vatican.”

“A pinstripes White Sox jersey with his name on it and a hat already are on the way to Rome, and of course, the Pontiff always is welcome at his ballpark,” they added.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Inside Brittany Murphy and her husband's deaths at 'haunted' home

Unraveling the Mysteries: The Tragic Tale of Brittany Murphy, Her Husband, and Their Haunted Hollywood Home

Sixteen years after her untimely passing left Hollywood reeling, the spotlight returns…
City of Chicago budget vote: City Council passes alternative plan without corporate head tax, but Mayor Brandon Johnson can veto

Chicago City Council Approves Alternative Budget Plan Excluding Corporate Head Tax; Awaits Potential Veto from Mayor Brandon Johnson

The Chicago City Council has approved a budget plan for 2026, but…
Dave Chappelle stuns audience with Charlie Kirk comment in surprise Netflix comedy special

Dave Chappelle’s Netflix Special Shakes Up Audiences with Bold Charlie Kirk Remarks

Comedian Dave Chappelle has once again addressed the tragic assassination of conservative…
NFL news: Chicago Bears stun Green Bay Packers with improbable rally as Caleb Williams finds DJ Moore for winning score in OT

Chicago Bears’ Epic Comeback: Caleb Williams and DJ Moore Secure Overtime Victory Against Packers

In a thrilling display of resilience, the Chicago Bears secured a 22-16…
Australian state weighs ban on 'globalize the intifada' chants, masked protesters in wake of Hanukkah attack

Australia Considers Crackdown on Intifada Chants and Masked Protests Following Hanukkah Incident: What You Need to Know

In a significant move, New South Wales (NSW) in Australia is considering…
US seizes another vessel off the coast of Venezuela

Breaking News: U.S. Seizes Vessel Near Venezuela – What It Means for International Relations

The United States is actively engaged in seizing yet another oil tanker…
AG Pam Bondi has 'conflict of interest' in seeking death penalty against Luigi Mangione, defense says

Defense Claims Conflict of Interest for AG Pam Bondi in Luigi Mangione Death Penalty Case

NEW YORK — Lawyers representing Luigi Mangione, an accused murderer, are asserting…
Charlie Kirk fans pose for selfies at recreation of murder location

Controversy Erupts as Charlie Kirk Fans Turn Crime Scene into Selfie Spot

Supporters of Charlie Kirk have been capturing selfies at what seems to…