If you've ever been curious about how a prospective Pope spends their leisure time, you might be surprised to learn that the recently elected Pope Leo XIV enjoys activities that many of us can relate to. According to a close family member, he spends his downtime playing games and watching movies.
As previously reported, Edward Berger's thrilling film Conclave captivated audiences last year. Its portrayal of the papal election process was so compelling and accurate that it influenced some real-life religious leaders, including participants in the recent conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV, formerly Robert Francis Prevost. These leaders turned to the movie for insights into the process.
Pope Leo XIV, a surprising gamer, enjoys his downtime. 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 the conclave. The brothers connect daily over word games like Wordle and Words with Friends, showcasing the Pope's playful side. During their talk, John asked if his brother had watched Conclave for any tips on the upcoming election.
"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 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 rituals — the election of a new Pope. The story follows Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes), who oversees the process following the sudden death of the beloved Pope. As the Catholic Church's elite gather in the Vatican, Cardinal Lawrence uncovers a conspiracy and a secret that threatens to undermine the Church's foundation.
