The new Pope is a gamer in everyday life

The newly elected Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, appears to bring a personal touch to the papacy that includes a quiet passion for word games and cinema. According to his older brother, Pope Leo XIV is a regular player of digital puzzles such as Wordle and Words with Friends, which the pair continue to play together daily.
In an interview with NBC, John Prevost, Pope's older brother, offered a rare glimpse into the more informal side of the pontiff, revealing that just before his appointment, the future Pope had been watching Conclave, the award-winning thriller movie directed by Edward Berger. The film, which gained attention for its dramatisation of the papal election process, is said to have resonated with many cardinals during this week's real-life conclave.
Reminiscing about his conversation with the newly elected Pope right before the official conclave, John Prevost said, "First we do Wordle because this is a regular thing, ok. Then we do Words With Friends. It's something to keep his mind off life in the real world."
"He had just finished watching the movie Conclave. So he knew how to behave," Prevost added playfully.
Conclave, which stars Ralph Fiennes, explores the secretive process of choosing a new pope following the death of a beloved predecessor. Though fictional, its depiction of intrigue and ceremony appears to have sparked interest among the viewers which includes senior members of the Church, including those involved in this week's historic vote, according to a recent report by Politico.
The election of Pope Leo XIV marked a historic moment for the Catholic Church, with Prevost becoming the first American to ascend to the role. His low profile and missionary background surprised many Vatican observers. While Pope Leo XIV has yet to speak publicly about his own habits, the image of a pontiff unwinding with mobile games and films suggests a Vatican leader with an accessible, contemporary outlook which is a rather contrasting look to the traditionally austere image associated with the role.
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