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 their leisure 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 activities that many of us can relate to: playing games and watching movies during his downtime.

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 has even influenced real-life religious leaders, including those who participated in the recent conclave to select Pope Leo XIV. The film's impact was so profound that it served as a guide for some attendees.

Pope Leo XIV, a surprising gamer. Photo by Christopher Furlong/Gettty Images.

In an interview with NBC, Pope Leo XIV's older brother, John Prevost, shed light on their last conversation before Robert's appointment. The siblings share a daily ritual of playing word games like Wordle and Words with Friends, revealing Pope Leo XIV's unexpected 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 overseeing the covert process following the unexpected death of the beloved Pope. As the Catholic Church's most powerful leaders gather from around the world and are locked in the Vatican halls, Cardinal Lawrence becomes embroiled in a conspiracy and uncovers a secret that could shake the very foundations of The Church.