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, you're in for a surprise; according to a close family member, the newly elected Pope Leo XIV shares common hobbies with many of us, indulging in gaming and movie-watching during his downtime.

As previously reported, Edward Berger's gripping papal thriller, Conclave, captivated audiences last year, influencing some real-life religious figures, including participants in this week's actual conclave to elect a new Pope, to turn to the film for insights due to its "remarkably accurate" depiction of the process. Among those influenced was Robert Francis Prevost, now known as Pope Leo XIV.

Pope Leo XIV, a gamer at heart. Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images.

In a recent interview with NBC, Pope Leo XIV's older brother, John Prevost, shared insights from their last conversation before Robert's appointment. Amidst discussions about their daily gaming routines with Wordle and Words with Friends, John inquired if his brother had watched Conclave for any tips on the upcoming conclave.

"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 ceremonies — the selection of a new Pope. The story follows Cardinal Lawrence, portrayed by Ralph Fiennes, who is responsible for overseeing this clandestine process following the sudden demise of the beloved Pope. As the Catholic Church's elite gather from across the globe and are secluded within the Vatican, Cardinal Lawrence uncovers a conspiracy and a secret that could potentially destabilize the Church's very foundation.