The brother of Pope Leo XIV shared some insights into the new Pope’s life during his free time.
On Thursday, white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney, indicating that the College of Cardinals had selected a successor to Pope Francis.
Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, appeared before the public at St. Peter’s Square. His brother, John Prevost, gave a glimpse into the more down-to-earth aspects of their new Catholic leader.
“I didn’t think about it much; it feels surreal and a bit ridiculous. It’s just extraordinary, but I’m really proud,” he told NBC Chicago.
John mentioned that he had chatted with the new Pope right before the conclave and that they often play games like Wordle and Words with Friends to unwind.
“It’s a way to escape from reality,” he noted. “And we discuss what’s happening in the world.”
Prevost mentioned that they referenced Hollywood’s portrayal of a conclave, hinting that his brother had seen the blockbuster film.
“I asked him, ‘Are you ready for this?’ He had just finished watching the movie,” Prevost explained.
They used the film to lighten the mood, especially given the heavy duties that come with being Pope.
The film, led by Ralph Fiennes, was released in April, just months before Pope Francis passed away at 88.
Interestingly, around 80% of the Cardinals who participated in this year’s voting were appointed by Pope Francis, many of whom had never experienced a conclave before.
The 2024 movie, directed by Edward Berger and based on a novel by Robert Harris, was studied in detail by some Cardinals, who said it accurately depicted the rituals involved.
The Cardinals had to give up their electronic devices and were quarantined in the Sistine Chapel for a two-day voting period.
John also disclosed that his brother had a slight notion about possibly becoming the first American Pope.
“He was skeptical at first,” Prevost shared. “I heard there were three strong candidates and he was among them.”
Even when informed about his brother’s chances, Prevost remained a bit doubtful.
“A priest in Providence told me the odds in Las Vegas were 18-1 for my brother,” he recalled. “Neither Rob nor I took that seriously.”
On another note, there seems to be a friendly rivalry brewing in Chicago following the new Pope’s election. The city’s two major baseball teams, the Cubs and the White Sox, playfully debated over which club could claim him as a supporter.
After the Cubs’ social media team declared Pope Leo a fan, John had to clarify. “They got it wrong. He’s a White Sox supporter,” he said. “The radio claimed he liked the Cubs, but that’s not accurate.”
The White Sox responded smoothly, celebrating the new Pope: “We acknowledge Chicago’s very own Pope Leo XIV.”
John remarked that the family has always known his brother’s true allegiances. “Some things are bigger than baseball. I take pride in representing White Sox fans in the Vatican,” he said.
“He has a White Sox jersey with his name on it, and a cap is already on its way to Rome,” they added, highlighting the welcome nature of the new Pope to their ballpark.
