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 recently elected Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Robert Francis Prevost, enjoys downtime just like many of us—playing games and watching movies. This revelation comes from a close family member, offering a glimpse into the life of the new pontiff.

As previously reported, Edward Berger's gripping papal thriller Conclave captured audiences last year, earning praise for its "remarkably accurate" depiction of the papal selection process. This film not only entertained viewers but also served as a reference for real-life religious leaders, including those involved in the actual conclave that elected 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, shared insights from their last conversation before the conclave. The brothers bond over daily games of Wordle and Words with Friends, highlighting the Pope's gaming hobby. During their chat, John asked if Robert 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 events—the selection of a new Pope. The story follows Cardinal Lawrence, portrayed by Ralph Fiennes, who is responsible for managing this clandestine process following the sudden death of the beloved Pope. As the Catholic Church's most influential leaders gather from around the globe and are confined within the Vatican, Cardinal Lawrence uncovers a conspiracy and a secret that could threaten the very foundation of the Church.