Pope Leo XIV watched ‘Conclave’ ahead of papal summit — and plays Wordle and Words With Friends, brother reveals
Share this @internewscast.com

The brother of Pope Leo XIV has revealed what the pontiff enjoys doing in his leisure time, highlighting that he frequently plays games such as Words With Friends or 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 named Robert Francis Prevost—addressing the crowd at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican, his brother John Prevost shared insights into the new Catholic leader’s simple joys.

“I haven’t had a chance to fully comprehend it. It’s completely unreal, surreal even, and it’s an incredible thing to process, but it’s also something to be incredibly proud of,” Prevost shared 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 this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Australia terror attack exposes ISIS resurgence as experts warn of global jihadist networks

Australia Incident Highlights Rising ISIS Threat as Experts Warn of Worldwide Jihadist Networks

The recent terror attack in Australia has sparked renewed warnings from intelligence…
Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine, Lela Rochon remember Whitney Houston over 'Waiting to Exhale' 30-year anniversary reunion

Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine, and Lela Rochon Reflect on Whitney Houston’s Legacy at 30th Anniversary Reunion of ‘Waiting to Exhale

LOS ANGELES — A beloved classic reaches a significant milestone as “Waiting…
WATCH: Steelers’ DK Metcalf Punches Lions Fan During Wild Altercation

WATCH: Steelers’ DK Metcalf Engages in Heated Exchange with Lions Fan

In a surprising turn of events, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf…
Today in History: December 22, French Jewish army captain unjustly convicted of treason

On This Day: December 22 – French Jewish Army Captain Wrongly Accused of Treason

Today marks Monday, December 22, 2025, the 356th day of the year,…
Yankees re-signing Paul Blackburn to one-year deal

Yankees Secure Paul Blackburn with a One-Year Contract Renewal

The Yankees are set to welcome back another familiar face from their…
'By the Grace of God': JD Vance Reminds America Who We Are

Rediscovering America’s Soul: JD Vance’s Powerful Reminder of Our Roots

When JD Vance took to the stage and declared, “We have been,…
Manhunt underway in South Africa after gunmen open fire at tavern, killing 9 and wounding 10

Massive Search Launched in South Africa Following Deadly Tavern Shooting with 9 Dead, 10 Injured

In a tragic incident early Sunday, nine individuals lost their lives and…
MFTK holds 2nd annual Spartan Showcase in Jacksonville

MFTK Hosts Thrilling Second Spartan Showcase Event in Jacksonville

High school athletes from across the southern United States gathered at the…
Fisherman survives near-fatal shark attack with own lifesaving care, instincts that kept him alive

Heroic Fisherman Defies Odds: Survives Near-Fatal Shark Attack Using Remarkable Self-Rescue Techniques

A fisherman from Hawaii is recounting his harrowing ordeal after a life-threatening…
Zohran Mamdani Criticized for ‘Staged’ Hanukkah Clip with Actor Mandy Patinkin

Zohran Mamdani Faces Backlash Over Allegedly ‘Staged’ Hanukkah Video Featuring Actor Mandy Patinkin

The recent Hanukkah video featuring Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani alongside actor Mandy Patinkin…
Rob Reiner's son Nick appears in court for first time in parents' murder case

Hollywood Scion Nick Reiner Enlists Renowned Defense Lawyer Following Shocking Arrest in Parents’ Murder Case

Defense attorney Alan Jackson has announced that he is representing Nick Reiner,…
Abdul Carter's brutal penalty wipes out pick-six in Giants' loss

Costly Penalty by Abdul Carter Nullifies Key Interception in Giants’ Defeat

Abdul Carter’s performance was noteworthy in the Giants’ recent game, yet it…