Meet Pope Leo XIV: The First American Pope Who Loves Word Games

In a historic turn of events, Cardinal Robert Prevost has been elected as the first American pope in history, taking on the papal name Pope Leo XIV. This exciting development, announced just recently, has already captured the attention of Catholics and curious onlookers alike. Yet, what’s fascinating is how this new pope shares some surprisingly relatable interests with many Americans, including a fondness for Wordle—a popular puzzle game that has swept across the nation.

A Unique Background

Born and raised in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV spent significant years of his ministry in Peru. However, his roots in the Windy City mean that he might just have more in common with his fellow Americans than one would expect. His brother, John Prevost, revealed in an interview that the new pope enjoys playing both Wordle and Words With Friends. “He had just finished watching the movie Conclave,” John shared with NBC Chicago, referring to the recent film that depicts a fictional papal election. John noted, “I wanted to take his mind off of (the actual conclave) and laugh about something, because this is now an awesome responsibility.”

Such insights into the pope’s personality remind us that even those in the highest positions within the Catholic Church have leisure interests that resonate with everyday people. After all, everyone can relate to enjoying a game or two—especially one that teases the brain!

Brotherly Bonds Amidst New Responsibility

John Prevost’s reflections on his conversations with his brother before the conclave highlight a familial connection that often seems lost in discussions surrounding such significant roles. They chatted about the engaging aspects of Wordle and Words With Friends, bridging their everyday lives with the weight of the papacy. “And this is a regular thing,” John mentioned, emphasizing the normalcy they maintain despite the monumental changes in Cardinal Prevost’s life.

This relationship provides a glimpse into the personal side of a figure who is often seen through a highly formal lens. It’s a reminder that even a pope enjoys winding down over games that challenge mental acuity.

Baseball Allegiances and Chicago Pride

While discussing the new pontiff, John also set the record straight about Pope Leo XIV’s baseball allegiance. Despite attempts by the Chicago Cubs to claim him as a fan via social media, John confirmed that his brother hails from the South Side of Chicago and is, in fact, a die-hard White Sox supporter. “Congratulations to Chicago’s own Pope Leo XIV,” the Chicago White Sox tweeted, celebrating their new fan in the Vatican.

Chicago’s diverse culture and sports loyalties make this connection even more exciting. It’s refreshing to realize that the new pope’s ties to the Windy City provide a unique cultural context to his leadership.

A New Perspective for Word Game Enthusiasts

As you gear up for your next round of Wordle, consider this delightful twist: perhaps Pope Leo XIV is puzzling over the same double letters and yellow tiles that you are. The convergence of such a high-profile position with relatable pastimes serves as a light-hearted reminder of our shared human experience.

In the end, Pope Leo XIV’s love for games and family emphasizes a more relatable narrative surrounding the papacy. His interests extend beyond the ecclesiastical duties, proving that even the highest of leaders can have everyday joys.

So, the next time you find yourself scoring a win in Wordle, remember that the newly-elected pope might be exercising his mental muscles in the same way—connected by both faith and a love for words.

For more captivating stories about the intersection of faith, culture, and personal interests, check out our posts on the Catholic Church and papal history. Dive deeper into how leadership and personal interests blend to shape influential figures by exploring our coverage on influential leaders.