20/10/2025
CATHOLIC FAITH | Pope Leo XIV spotted making a Duolingo comeback after a year-long pause from lessons.
Pope Leo XIV has reportedly returned to the popular language-learning app Duolingo after a year-long break, surprising users who noticed renewed activity on a long-dormant account linked to the pontiff.
In recent weeks, users of the app observed that a profile under the name “Robert”—the Pope’s baptismal name—had suddenly become active, rapidly earning points and completing lessons. The account, listed as , corresponds to a username previously associated with Pope Leo prior to his election.
According to data visible on the platform, the profile accumulated more than 30,000 XP in a short period, achieving a two-day streak. The account indicates that the user had earlier studied German, and has since added Italian, the primary language used at the Vatican.
Some Duolingo users expressed surprise and amusement online after noticing the sudden surge in activity. One user shared that they were “startled to see Robert earning 30,000 XP” before realizing that the name belonged to the Pope. Others remarked on the Pope’s early-morning study sessions, noting that he appeared to have logged in at around 3:00 a.m. Rome time.
Pope Leo XIV is widely known for his linguistic ability, being fluent in English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese. His proficiency places him among the most multilingual pontiffs in recent memory, alongside predecessors St. John Paul II and Benedict XVI, both renowned for their language skills.
The Catholic Church has long emphasized the importance of languages in faith and communication. Latin remains its official language, while translation into vernacular tongues has allowed the Church to reach communities worldwide since the reforms of the Second Vatican Council.
Pope Leo’s quiet return to Duolingo has drawn both humor and admiration online, seen by many as a modern reflection of the Church’s enduring engagement with learning, culture, and communication.
Source: The Catholic Herald | https://thecatholicherald.com/article/pope-leo-xiv-returns-to-duolingo-after-year-long-break