Before becoming the leader of the Catholic Church, Robert Francis Prevost — now Pope Leo XIV — spent his final days before the conclave in a surprisingly relatable way. According to his older brother, John Prevost, the soon-to-be pontiff turned to digital word games and film to stay grounded. Yes, really — the Pope is a gamer.
“He plays Wordle and Words with Friends every single day,” John told NBC. “It’s just a thing we do together.” For someone about to enter one of the world’s most secretive decision-making events, playing word games was a simple way to keep calm and connected with loved ones.
The Conclave Movie That Inspired the Real Conclave
But that wasn’t all. Right before entering the Vatican for the actual papal conclave, Pope Leo XIV watched Conclave, the BAFTA and Oscar-winning film by Edward Berger. The movie — a gripping thriller — gives an unusually accurate dramatization of the secretive Vatican voting process, according to religious commentators.
In it, actor Ralph Fiennes portrays Cardinal Lawrence, who must oversee the sacred papal election following the Pope’s death. As tension builds within the locked halls of the Vatican, the film dives into political intrigue and spiritual consequence — themes not lost on those about to face the real thing.
When John asked his brother if he’d seen the movie, Pope Leo replied that he had just finished it. “So he knew how to behave,” John joked. “We laughed. I just wanted to take his mind off of things.”
A Pope in Touch With the Present
This glimpse into Pope Leo XIV’s final days as Cardinal Prevost reveals something rare: a spiritual leader who’s deeply connected to modern culture. Playing games, watching Netflix-worthy cinema — it’s not the usual image people associate with the papacy. But it’s refreshing.
It also humanizes the Church’s new figurehead. He’s informed, engaged, and yes, competitive when it comes to daily word scores. This mix of humility, humor, and human interest could signal a different kind of papacy — one that respects tradition but isn’t afraid to embrace the modern world.
What This Means for Catholics and the Curious
For Catholics, Pope Leo XIV’s relatable behavior may help bridge generational gaps. For others watching from the sidelines, it adds a dose of real humanity to a process that often feels shrouded in mystery.
