Pope Leo XIV gave his brother a rare glimpse into his pre-papal routine last week—spending time playing Wordle and watching the HBO drama Conclave. These casual activities might seem out of place for a man about to lead 1.3 billion Catholics, but insiders say they reveal a leader who balances faith with modern life.
Leo XIV, born Robert Prevost in Chicago, is the second American pope and the first Augustinian to hold the office. His background as a theology professor and bishop in Peru makes him an unconventional choice, but conservatives are already praising his roots in the heartland.
Voting records show Prevost participated in Republican primaries three times—2012, 2014, and 2016—while occasionally casting ballots in Democratic contests. He last voted in the 2016 GOP primary and the 2024 general election. This mixed political history leaves no doubt he’s a man of traditional values, even if his party loyalties remained unclear.
The conclave that elected him was historic, marked by white smoke billowing over the Vatican as cardinals selected an American to lead the Church. While liberals debated whether this signaled a “rightward shift,” conservatives celebrated the selection of a leader steeped in orthodox teachings.
Leo XIV’s papacy comes at a crossroads for the Church. With Pope Francis’s progressive reforms facing backlash, many hope the new pope will restore clarity to doctrine. But the harsh truth remains: his voting patterns suggest a man who hasn’t always aligned with conservative priorities.
True conservatives will watch closely as Leo XIV navigates global issues like climate policy and LGBTQ+ outreach. Will he uphold centuries-old moral teachings, or will he bend to trendy ideologies? His early actions will speak louder than any politician’s campaign promises.
The fact that Leo XIV spent his final days as a cardinal playing Wordle—a game of strategic guessing—might even hint at his leadership style. After all, guessing games require patience, persistence, and the courage to try again when you’re wrong.
At the end of the day, conservatives don’t need a pope who plays games or watches TV shows—they need a shepherd who unapologetically defends life, family, and freedom. Time will tell whether Leo XIV steps into that role.
