New Pope Watches 'Conclave' Movie, Plays Games While Awaiting Election

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 during his downtime.

As we reported earlier this week, Edward Berger's sensational papal thriller, Conclave, captivated audiences last year. Its remarkably accurate depiction of the papal election process has prompted some real-life religious leaders, including participants in this week's actual conclave to select a new Pope, to look to the film for guidance. Among them is 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 a conversation with NBC, Pope Leo XIV's older brother, John Prevost, shared insights from their last discussion before his brother's appointment. Amidst their daily routine of playing word games like Wordle and Words with Friends, John asked if Robert had watched the movie Conclave for 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 events — the selection of a new Pope. Cardinal Lawrence, portrayed by Ralph Fiennes, is tasked with overseeing this 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, Lawrence finds himself at the center of a conspiracy and uncovers a secret that could shake the very foundation of The Church.