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

If you've ever been curious about how a prospective Pope spends his leisure time, you might be surprised to learn that the newly elected Pope Leo XIV enjoys activities just like many of us. According to a close family member, he spends his downtime playing games and watching movies.

As we previously reported, Edward Berger's gripping papal thriller, Conclave, captivated audiences last year. Its portrayal of the papal election process was so compelling and accurate that it influenced real-life religious leaders, including those who participated in the recent conclave to elect Pope Leo XIV. Robert Francis Prevost, now known as Pope Leo XIV, was among those who found the film insightful.

Pope Leo XIV enjoys gaming in his free time. 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 election. They discussed their daily gaming routine, which includes playing Wordle and Words with Friends together. John also asked if his brother 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. We talked about that kind of stuff to take his mind off the upcoming conclave and just 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 events—the selection of a new Pope. The story follows Cardinal Lawrence, portrayed by Ralph Fiennes, who is responsible for overseeing this clandestine process following the unexpected death of the beloved Pope. As the Catholic Church's most influential leaders gather and are secluded within the Vatican, Cardinal Lawrence uncovers a conspiracy and a secret that could potentially destabilize the Church's foundations.