The recent actions of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Prevost, have brought significant attention to his remarkable dedication to self-improvement using contemporary digital tools. Specifically, in the early morning hours of October 16, 2025, the Pontiff was spotted actively engaging with the educational application Duolingo. This public revelation confirms that the drive to expand one’s intellectual horizons knows no limits, even for the spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
The account, registered under the username @DrPrevost—a clear reference to his identity prior to his elevation—demonstrated truly impressive results. Within a mere two days, the account had accumulated a staggering 30,000 experience points. Social media users observed that these intense language study sessions frequently occurred around 3 AM Rome time, prompting surprised online commentary, including remarks like: “Holy Father, it’s three in the morning, what are you doing?” This level of commitment to learning, sustained even during the quietest hours, serves as a powerful example of how personal discipline can act as a catalyst for achieving new milestones in any endeavor.
Pope Leo XIV’s existing linguistic arsenal is already formidable. He is fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, and Italian, and also possesses a working knowledge of German. Nevertheless, some Vatican analysts suggest that his current, focused attention on German may be a calculated strategic maneuver.
This renewed emphasis on German is particularly timely and relevant in light of the ongoing “Synodal Path” process taking place in Germany. This initiative has, as is widely known, created several points of theological contention and disagreement with the Vatican hierarchy. By deepening his grasp of the language, the Pontiff is likely aiming to facilitate dialogue and strengthen communication channels with German-speaking communities.
The current Pope, who holds the distinction of being the first American to serve as Pontiff, has consistently emphasized that unity and dialogue are essential antidotes to global polarization. Robert Prevost, who was born in Chicago, brings extensive pastoral experience to his role, including a mission spanning over twenty years in Peru. This background undoubtedly shaped his profound appreciation for cultural diversity and linguistic nuance. Pope Leo XIV’s decision to embrace digital language learning via Duolingo symbolizes a modern integration of technology with papal ministry, focusing on communication and enlightenment.
As the world navigates the complexities of the new industrial revolution and the rapid development of artificial intelligence, the Pontiff’s personal commitment to acquiring new skills illustrates that adaptability and continuous education are crucial for navigating the evolving global landscape. His diligence in language study—whether intended to bolster connections with specific regions or simply for personal intellectual enrichment—is a potent reminder that internal self-improvement must always precede and underpin external achievements.