If you've ever been curious about how a prospective Pope spends their leisure time, the answer might surprise you. According to a close family member, the recently elected Pope Leo XIV, whose real name is Robert Francis Prevost, enjoys activities that many of us can relate to: playing games and watching movies during his downtime.
As previously reported, Edward Berger’s gripping papal thriller Conclave captivated audiences last year. Its depiction of the papal election process was so compelling and accurate that it influenced real-life religious leaders, including those involved in the actual conclave to select Pope Leo XIV. The film's realistic portrayal even prompted Prevost himself to watch it for insights before his own election.
Pope Leo XIV, a gamer at heart. Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images.
In an interview with NBC, Pope Leo XIV's older brother, John Prevost, shared details of their last conversation before Robert's papal appointment. They discussed their daily gaming sessions, playing Wordle and Words with Friends together. John also mentioned that Robert had just watched Conclave before their chat, using it as a way to unwind and prepare mentally for the conclave.
"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 secretive process following the sudden death of the beloved Pope. As the Catholic Church's most influential leaders gather from around the globe and are locked in the Vatican, Lawrence uncovers a conspiracy and a secret that could potentially destabilize the Church's foundations.
