In a historic moment for the Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected as Pope Leo XIV on May 8, 2025, becoming the first American pope (New York Times). Before he stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to address the world, his brother, John Prevost, shared astonishing advice that could have altered papal history. This personal insight, combined with unique pre-conclave rituals, offers a humanizing glimpse into the moments leading up to the election of the 267th pontiff.
The Astonishing Advice
Just hours before the conclave began, John Prevost spoke with his brother, then-Cardinal Robert Prevost, about the significant decision of choosing a papal name. In an interview with the Daily Mail, John revealed that he urged Robert to avoid the name “Leo,” mistakenly believing it would make him the 13th Pope Leo, a number often considered unlucky in Western culture.
“I said, ‘Don’t take Leo, it’ll be the 13th, and that’s unlucky,'” John recounted. However, his concern was based on a misunderstanding. The most recent Pope Leo was Pope Leo XIII, who served from 1878 to 1903, meaning Robert would become the 14th Pope Leo, not the 13th. Despite John’s well-meaning advice, Robert chose the name Leo XIV, a decision that has intrigued Catholics and historians alike.
The choice of a papal name is significant, often reflecting the new pope’s vision or admiration for predecessors. While the exact reason for Robert’s selection of Leo XIV remains undisclosed, it is likely influenced by the legacy of previous Popes Leo, such as Leo XIII, known for his social teachings, or Leo the Great, celebrated for his theological contributions. The decision to proceed with Leo XIV despite his brother’s caution adds a layer of intrigue to the story.
Pre-Conclave Rituals: Wordle and Conclave
To ease the tension before the conclave, the Prevost brothers engaged in their usual routine of playing online games, including Wordle and Words with Friends (People). “First we do Wordle ‘cause this is a regular thing, then we do Words with Friends,” John explained. “It’s something to keep his mind off life in the real world.” These lighthearted moments provided Robert with a sense of normalcy amid the weight of the impending conclave.
Additionally, Robert prepared for the conclave by watching the 2024 film Conclave, a drama depicting the secretive process of electing a pope (Independent). John humorously asked if Robert had seen the movie to “know how to behave,” to which Robert confirmed he had. This preparation proved effective, as Robert was elected after just four rounds of voting on the second day of the conclave, a relatively swift process for such a diverse group of cardinals (Sky News).
Who Is Pope Leo XIV?
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Robert Francis Prevost brings a unique background to the papacy. Before his election, he served as a cardinal and spent two decades as a missionary in Peru, where he became a bishop and a naturalized citizen (New York Times). His experience in Latin America and his moderate stance, closely aligned with the late Pope Francis, likely contributed to his selection as the first American pope.
John Prevost described his brother as “middle of the road,” suggesting that Pope Leo XIV is unlikely to pursue extreme policies (The Guardian). However, John also noted that Robert is vocal about issues like immigration, indicating that the new pope may address contemporary challenges with conviction. “I know he’s not happy with what’s going on with immigration,” John told the New York Times. “He won’t just sit back.”
The Significance of the Papal Name
The choice of a papal name carries deep symbolic weight. According to CNN, a pope’s name can hint at the direction of their papacy. For example, Pope Francis chose his name to honor St. Francis of Assisi, emphasizing humility and care for the poor. While no explicit reason for Leo XIV’s choice has been reported, the name Leo is associated with strong leadership. Pope Leo XIII, for instance, issued Rerum Novarum, a landmark encyclical on social justice, while Pope Leo I, known as Leo the Great, strengthened the Church’s authority in the 5th century.
The decision to choose Leo XIV despite John’s advice underscores Robert’s confidence in his vision for the Church. Whether this choice signals a focus on social issues, unity, or theological clarity remains to be seen, but it has already sparked discussions among Vatican observers.
A Historic Papacy Begins
Pope Leo XIV’s election on May 8, 2025, marked the end of the 2025 papal conclave and the beginning of a new era for the Catholic Church (NBC Chicago). His first appearance, greeting the crowd with “Peace be with you,” set a tone of unity and hope (New York Times). In his first Mass, celebrated in the Sistine Chapel, he called for the Church to illuminate “the dark nights of this world” and warned against reducing Jesus to a mere “charismatic leader” (Sky News).
The rapid election process, completed in just two days, surprised many, as other cardinals, such as Pietro Parolin and Luis Tagle, were considered frontrunners (Sky News). The selection of an American pope, long seen as unlikely due to geopolitical concerns, reflects the growing influence of the Church in the Americas.
A Human Touch to a Sacred Process
The story of Pope Leo XIV’s election is not only about the historic milestone of an American pope but also about the personal moments that humanize such a sacred process. John Prevost’s advice, though based on a misunderstanding, highlights the familial bond that grounded Robert as he prepared to lead 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide. The brothers’ shared moments—playing Wordle, discussing a Hollywood film, and debating the papal name—offer a relatable contrast to the solemnity of the conclave.
As Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy, his leadership will be closely watched. His background, moderate stance, and commitment to addressing global issues suggest a papacy that balances tradition with contemporary challenges. For now, the story of his brother’s advice remains a charming anecdote in the larger narrative of a historic pontificate.
Conclusion
Pope Leo XIV’s election as the first American pope is a landmark event for the Catholic Church, but it is the personal stories, like John Prevost’s surprising advice, that add depth to this moment. From playing Wordle to watching Conclave, Robert Prevost’s pre-conclave preparations reflect a blend of modern habits and thoughtful preparation. As he leads the Church under the name Leo XIV, the world awaits to see how his papacy will shape the future of Catholicism.
