Following the death of Pope Francis at age 88 on Easter Monday, the conclave elected 69-year-old Robert Francis Prevost as the new pope on Thursday. Now known as Pope Leo XIV, he is the first U.S.-born pope and the 267th pontiff, originally from Chicago, Illinois.
While he now leads the Catholic Church, his brother, John Prevost, revealed a surprisingly down-to-earth side to him. In an interview, John shared that the new pope enjoys playing Wordle and Words With Friends in his spare time to unwind. “It’s something to keep his mind off life in the real world,” he said.
The brothers also joked about red socks, the movie Conclave, and laughed to lighten the mood before the massive responsibility ahead.
Social media was stunned to learn the pope has such ordinary hobbies—and a family. One Reddit user wrote, “I just thought the Pope was a singular being.” Others were amazed: “He plays Wordle? Went to Villanova? He’s so normal!”
John added their family found out about the election on TV like everyone else. In shock and pride, he reflected on the moment: “People will be watching him—and maybe us too—closer than ever.”
He believes Pope Leo XIV will carry on Pope Francis’ mission of compassion.
