In a moment of digital revelation that has charmed Catholics worldwide, Pope Leo XIV confessed he switches up his Wordle strategy daily, refusing to commit to a single starting word for the popular five-letter guessing game.
“I use a different word for Wordle every day, so there’s no set starting word,” the pontiff revealed during a virtual meeting with American Catholic youth this week, offering a rare glimpse into his personal gaming habits.
The Chicago-born pope, who has maintained his down-to-earth American sensibilities despite his elevation to the papacy, hasn’t abandoned his favorite pastimes. Friends from his hometown confirm that “He’s still the same guy, chatting on the phone and playing Wordle.” His continued enthusiasm for Words With Friends has also endeared him to younger Catholics who appreciate seeing the Church’s highest leader engage with contemporary culture.
Digital Shepherd for the Digital Age
Beyond word games, Pope Leo used the virtual forum to address more serious technological concerns. He urged young people to approach digital life with intention and balance, invoking a modern Catholic role model as inspiration.
“I encourage you to follow the example of Carlo Acutis,” the pope advised, referring to the young Italian programmer beatified in 2020 who used technology to spread Catholic teachings. “Be intentional with your screen time. Make sure technology serves your life and not the other way around.”
The pontiff didn’t stop at social media advice. What about the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence? Leo XIV took a practical stance on AI, cautioning against overreliance while acknowledging its utility.
“Using AI responsibly means using it in ways that help you grow,” he explained. “AI can process information quickly, but it cannot replace human intelligence. And don’t ask it to do your homework for you.”
This blend of spiritual guidance and practical tech advice reflects Leo XIV’s emerging papal style — accessible yet thoughtful, modern yet grounded in tradition.
American Pope, American Pastimes
The pope’s gaming habits aren’t the only American cultural touchpoint he’s maintained. During the same youth meeting, he even joked about his loyalty to the Chicago White Sox, reinforcing his connection to his hometown roots.
Does this make Pope Leo XIV the most relatable pontiff in recent memory? Perhaps. His willingness to discuss everything from baseball to word games alongside weightier theological matters has created an unusual bridge between Vatican tradition and contemporary American culture.
For Catholic youth navigating an increasingly digital world, the pope’s message strikes a balance between embracing technology and maintaining human connection. His daily Wordle habit — changing start words rather than sticking to a rigid strategy — might even serve as an apt metaphor for his approach to the papacy: flexible, unpredictable, and refreshingly human.
