Home > News > New Pope Watches Conclave Movie, Plays Games While Awaiting Election

New Pope Watches Conclave Movie, Plays Games While Awaiting Election

by Andrew May 17,2025

If you've ever been curious about how a prospective Pope spends his leisure time, the answer might surprise you. The recently elected Pope Leo XIV, according to his close family member, enjoys activities much like the rest of us—playing games and watching movies during his downtime.

As we previously reported, Edward Berger’s gripping papal thriller Conclave captivated audiences last year. The film's remarkably accurate depiction of the papal selection process has not only entertained but also served as a guide for some real-life religious leaders, including those who participated in this week's conclave to elect a new Pope. Among them was Robert Francis Prevost, who has now been elected as Pope Leo XIV.

Pope Leo XIV is an avid gamer, as it turns out. 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 Robert's appointment. They discussed their daily ritual of playing word games like Wordle and Words with Friends together. John also inquired 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 talk about things like that to take his mind off the upcoming conclave and just 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 from around the globe and are confined within the Vatican, Cardinal Lawrence uncovers a conspiracy and a secret that threatens to undermine the very foundation of The Church.

Trending Games More >