New Pope Watches Conclave Movie, Plays Games While Awaiting Conclave

If you've ever wondered what a prospective Pope does to pass the time, wonder no more; according to a close family member, the recently elected Pope Leo XIV is just like us, enjoying games and movies in his downtime.

As we reported earlier this week, Edward Berger's sensational papal thriller Conclave captivated audiences last year, prompting some real-life religious leaders — including those who participated in this week's actual conclave to select a new Pope — to look to the film for guidance, given its "remarkably accurate" portrayal of the process. That included 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/Getty Images.

In an interview with NBC, Pope Leo XIV's older brother, John Prevost, shared details of his last conversation with his brother before his appointment. Amid discussions about Wordle and Words with Friends — yes, Pope Leo XIV is a gamer; the brothers play these word games together daily — the elder brother inquired if his sibling had watched the movie Conclave for tips.

"He had just finished watching the movie Conclave," Provost 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* follows one of the world's most secretive and ancient events — the selection of a new Pope. Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is tasked with managing this covert process following the unexpected death of the beloved Pope. Once the Catholic Church's most powerful leaders gather from around the world and are locked together in the Vatican halls, Lawrence finds himself at the center of a conspiracy and uncovers a secret that could shake the very foundation of The Church.