If you've ever been curious about what a prospective Pope does in their free time, look no further. According to a close family member, the recently elected Pope Leo XIV enjoys leisure activities just like the rest of us, indulging in games and 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 selection process has even been used as a reference by real-life religious leaders, including those involved in this week's conclave to elect a new Pope. This includes Robert Francis Prevost, who has just been elected as Pope Leo XIV.
Pope Leo XIV, a surprising gaming enthusiast. 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 gaming sessions with Wordle and Words with Friends, John asked if Robert had watched Conclave for any tips.
"He had just finished watching the movie Conclave," John revealed. "So he knew how to behave. It's that kind of stuff we talk about—I just wanted to take his mind off the upcoming conclave and have a 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, is responsible for overseeing this clandestine process following the sudden demise of the beloved Pope. As the Catholic Church's elite gather from across the globe and are confined within the Vatican, Lawrence uncovers a conspiracy and a secret that threatens the very core of The Church.