Home > News > New Pope Watched Conclave Movie, Plays Games While Awaiting Election

New Pope Watched Conclave Movie, Plays Games While Awaiting Election

by Stella May 26,2025

If you've ever been curious about how a prospective Pope spends their free time, the answer might surprise you. According to a close family member, the recently elected Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Robert Francis Prevost, enjoys leisure activities much like the rest of us. He spends his downtime playing games and watching movies.

As we reported earlier this week, Edward Berger’s gripping papal thriller, Conclave, captivated audiences last year. The film's realistic depiction of the papal selection process led some real-life religious leaders, including participants in this week's conclave, to seek guidance from the movie. One of those leaders was Robert Francis Prevost, now elected as Pope Leo XIV.

Pope Leo XIV, a surprising gamer. 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. Amidst discussions about their daily word games, Wordle and Words with Friends, John inquired if his brother had watched Conclave for any tips on the upcoming papal election.

"He had just finished watching the movie Conclave," John revealed. "So he knew how to behave. We talk about things like that to take his mind off the pressure. It's good to 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 rituals—the selection of a new Pope. The story follows Cardinal Lawrence, played by Ralph Fiennes, as he oversees the secretive process following the unexpected death of a beloved Pope. As the Catholic Church's most influential leaders gather from around the globe and are confined within the Vatican, Lawrence uncovers a conspiracy and a secret that threatens to shake the foundations of the Church itself.

Trending Games More >