If you've ever been curious about how a prospective Pope spends their leisure time, you'll be intrigued to learn that the recently elected Pope Leo XIV, according to a close family member, enjoys gaming and watching movies just like many of us do.
As previously reported, Edward Berger's gripping papal thriller, Conclave, captivated audiences last year. Its "remarkably accurate" depiction of the papal selection process even inspired some real-life religious leaders, including participants in this week's actual conclave, to turn to the film for guidance. Among them was 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/Gett
In an interview with NBC, Pope Leo XIV's older brother, John Prevost, provided insights into his last conversation with his brother before the appointment. Amidst discussions about daily word games like Wordle and Words with Friends—yes, Pope Leo XIV is indeed a gamer, playing these games with his brother every day—John inquired whether his sibling had watched Conclave for any tips.
"He had just finished watching the movie Conclave," John revealed. "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. The narrative follows Cardinal Lawrence (played by Ralph Fiennes), who is responsible for overseeing this clandestine process following the unexpected demise of the beloved Pope. As the Church's most influential leaders convene from around the globe and are secluded within the Vatican, Cardinal Lawrence uncovers a conspiracy and a secret that threatens the very core of the Church.
