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. The newly elected Pope Leo XIV, according to a close family member, enjoys gaming and watching movies during his downtime, much like many of us.

Earlier this week, we reported on the impact of Edward Berger’s thrilling film Conclave, which captivated audiences last year. Its depiction of the papal selection process was so compelling and accurate that it influenced real-life religious leaders, including those who participated in this week's conclave to elect the new Pope. Among them was Robert Francis Prevost, now known as Pope Leo XIV.

In an interview with NBC, Pope Leo XIV's older brother, John Prevost, shared insights from his last conversation with his brother before his appointment. They discussed their daily gaming sessions, playing Wordle and Words with Friends together. John also asked if his brother had watched the movie Conclave for any tips on the conclave process.

"He had just finished watching the movie Conclave," John revealed. "So he knew how to behave. We talk about things like that to take his mind off the upcoming conclave and share a laugh."

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, played by Ralph Fiennes, who is responsible for managing this 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, Lawrence uncovers a conspiracy and a secret that could destabilize the very foundations of The Church.