New Pope Watches Conclave Movie, Plays Games While Awaiting Election

If you've ever been curious about how a prospective Pope spends his leisure time, look no further; according to a close family member, the recently elected Pope Leo XIV shares many of the same hobbies as the rest of us, enjoying games and movies during his downtime.

As we highlighted earlier this week, Edward Berger's gripping papal thriller, Conclave, captivated audiences last year. Its "remarkably accurate" depiction of the papal election process has led some real-life religious figures, including those involved in this week's actual conclave to select a new Pope, to seek guidance from the film. This group includes Robert Francis Prevost, who has just been elected as Pope Leo XIV.

Pope Leo XIV is a gamer, it turns out. Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images.

In an interview with NBC, Pope Leo XIV's older brother, John Prevost, shed light on their last conversation before his brother's appointment. Amidst discussions about Wordle and Words with Friends — yes, Pope Leo XIV is indeed a gamer, and the brothers play these word games together daily — John inquired if his sibling had watched the movie Conclave for any tips.

"He had just finished watching the movie Conclave," John Prevost disclosed. "So he knew how to behave. So, it's that kind of stuff [that we talk about] — I just wanted to take his mind off of [the upcoming conclave]. 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. Cardinal Lawrence, portrayed by Ralph Fiennes, is responsible for overseeing this clandestine process following the unexpected demise of the beloved Pope. As the Catholic Church's most influential leaders gather from across the globe and are confined within the Vatican's halls, Lawrence finds himself embroiled in a conspiracy and uncovers a secret that could threaten the very foundation of The Church.