What Did the New Pope Do While Waiting for the Conclave? He Watched the Conclave Movie, of Course — Oh, and It Turns Out He's a Gamer

If you've ever been curious about how a prospective Pope spends his free time, wonder no more. According to a close family member, the recently elected Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Robert Francis Prevost, enjoys gaming and watching movies just like many of us.

As we reported earlier this week, Edward Berger's gripping papal thriller, Conclave, captivated audiences last year. The film's remarkably accurate depiction of the papal selection process even influenced real-life religious leaders, including those who participated in the actual conclave to elect the new Pope. Pope Leo XIV himself drew inspiration from the movie.

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, shared insights from their last conversation before Robert's appointment. Amid discussions about their daily gaming sessions with Wordle and Words with Friends, John inquired if his brother had watched Conclave for guidance.

"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 *Conclave* delves into one of the world's most secretive and ancient events — the selection of a new Pope. The film follows Cardinal Lawrence, portrayed by Ralph Fiennes, who oversees the clandestine process following the unexpected death of the beloved Pope. As the Church's most influential leaders gather from around the globe and are secluded within the Vatican, Cardinal Lawrence uncovers a conspiracy and a secret that threatens to destabilize the Church's very foundations.