If you've ever been curious about how a prospective Pope spends his free time, you're in for a surprise; according to a close family member, the newly elected Pope Leo XIV enjoys activities just like the rest of us, indulging in games and movies during his downtime.
As previously reported, Edward Berger's thrilling film Conclave captivated audiences last year, leading some real-life religious figures — including participants in this week's actual conclave to elect a new Pope — to turn to the movie for guidance due to its "remarkably accurate" depiction of the process. Among them was Robert Francis Prevost, now known as Pope Leo XIV.
Pope Leo XIV is a gamer, it turns out. Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images. In a recent interview with NBC, the Pope's older brother, John Prevost, shared insights from his final conversation with his brother before his appointment. Amid discussions about Wordle and Words with Friends — yes, Pope Leo XIV is an avid gamer, playing these word games daily with his brother — John inquired if Robert had watched the movie Conclave for any tips.
"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 rituals — the selection of a new Pope. Cardinal Lawrence, portrayed by Ralph Fiennes, oversees this clandestine procedure following the unexpected passing of the beloved Pope. As the Catholic Church's most influential leaders converge from across the globe and are confined within the Vatican's halls, Lawrence uncovers a conspiracy and a secret that could threaten the very foundations of The Church.
