Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, reportedly watched the 2024 film Conclave prior to his election as the first American pope. His brother, John Prevost, shared that the film served as a light-hearted preparation for the serious responsibilities ahead.
In an interview, John recounted a conversation with his brother before the conclave. He joked, asking if Robert had watched Conclave “so you know how to behave,” to which Robert replied that he had just finished watching it. The film, starring Ralph Fiennes, dramatizes the secretive process of electing a new pope, highlighting political intrigue within the Vatican.
Beyond movie-watching, the brothers engaged in playing online word games like Wordle and Words With Friends to alleviate stress. John noted these activities helped keep Robert’s mind off the weighty decisions he faced .
Pope Leo XIV’s election followed the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025. The conclave, comprising 133 cardinals—the largest in history—convened on May 7 and elected Leo XIV after four rounds of voting .
In his first public address, Pope Leo XIV paid tribute to his predecessor and emphasized the importance of peace and unity. He addressed the crowd in both Italian and Spanish, reflecting his extensive missionary work in Peru and his commitment to serving a diverse global Catholic community.
