New Pope Watches Conclave Movie, Plays Games While Awaiting Conclave

If you've ever been curious about how a future Pope spends their leisure time, the answer might surprise you. The newly elected Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Robert Francis Prevost, enjoys gaming and watching movies just like many of us. This fascinating insight comes from his older brother, John Prevost, who spoke to NBC about their last conversation before Robert's appointment.

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 election process drew the attention of real-life religious leaders, including those who participated in the recent conclave to select Pope Leo XIV. John Prevost revealed that his brother had just watched Conclave before the conclave, seeking guidance from its portrayal of the secretive process.

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

In their daily interactions, the Prevost brothers bond over word games like Wordle and Words with Friends. John mentioned using these conversations to help his brother relax and take his mind off the upcoming conclave. "He had just finished watching the movie Conclave," John shared. "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, played by Ralph Fiennes, who oversees the covert process following the sudden death of the beloved Pope. As the Catholic Church's most influential leaders gather in the Vatican, Cardinal Lawrence uncovers a conspiracy and a secret that threatens to shake the foundations of The Church.