If you've ever been curious about what a prospective Pope does in his spare 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.
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 actual conclave to select the new Pope. This includes Pope Leo XIV himself.
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 games of Wordle and Words with Friends, John asked 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. 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 tasked with 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 uncovers a conspiracy and a secret that could shake the very foundation of The Church.
