New Pope Watches Conclave Movie, Plays Games While Awaiting Conclave

If you've ever been curious about how a prospective Pope spends his leisure time, the answer might surprise you. According to a close family member, the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Robert Francis Prevost, enjoys gaming and watching movies, just like many of us.

Earlier this week, we highlighted the impact of Edward Berger's gripping papal thriller, Conclave. The film not only captivated audiences but also provided a remarkably accurate depiction of the papal election process, influencing real-life religious leaders, including those involved in the recent conclave that selected Pope Leo XIV.

Pope Leo XIV, a surprising gamer. Photo by Christopher Furlong/Gett Images.

In an interview with NBC, Pope Leo XIV's older brother, John Prevost, shared insights from their last conversation before the conclave. Amidst discussions about their daily gaming sessions with Wordle and Words with Friends, John inquired if his brother had watched Conclave for any guidance on the upcoming papal election.

"He had just finished watching the movie Conclave," John revealed. "So he knew how to behave. We talk about those kinds of things to help take his mind off the upcoming conclave and just laugh about something."

Directed by Edward Berger, the BAFTA and Oscar-winning film *Conclave* delves into one of the world's most secretive and ancient events—the selection of a new Pope. The story follows Cardinal Lawrence, portrayed by Ralph Fiennes, who oversees the clandestine process following the unexpected death of the beloved Pope. As the Catholic Church's most influential leaders gather from around the globe and are sequestered in the Vatican, Cardinal Lawrence uncovers a conspiracy and a secret that threatens to undermine the very foundation of the Church.