The election of Pope Leo XIV has been met with both excitement and intrigue, and now, a surprising detail has emerged about how the new Pontiff prepared for the Papal conclave. According to his brother, John Prevost, Pope Leo XIV watched the Oscar-winning movie "Conclave" shortly before the cardinals convened to elect a new leader of the Catholic Church.

In an interview with NBC News, John Prevost revealed that he spoke with his brother, Cardinal Robert Prevost, before he was chosen as the 267th Pope on Thursday, May 8th. During their conversation, John playfully inquired if his brother had watched "Conclave" to "know how to behave". To his surprise, the future Pope Leo XIV had indeed just finished watching the film. John added that these lighthearted moments were a way to ease his brother's mind, considering the "awesome responsibility" that lay ahead.

"Conclave," released in 2024, presents a fictionalized account of a papal election, starring Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, Isabella Rossellini, and John Lithgow. Fiennes plays Cardinal Lawrence, the dean of the College of Cardinals, who is tasked with organizing the vote for the next Pope amidst uncovering deep secrets that could shake the Church's foundation.

Beyond watching movies, Pope Leo XIV also engaged in more casual activities to relax before the momentous occasion. His brother shared that they played online games like Wordle and Words With Friends. These games served as a welcome distraction, "to keep his mind off life in the real world".

The election of Pope Leo XIV occurred after a relatively short conclave of two days. White smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel on May 8th, signaling the selection of the new Pope after four rounds of voting. Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago, is the first Pope born in the United States.

In his first public address, Pope Leo XIV conveyed a message of peace, echoing the sentiments of his predecessor, Pope Francis. "Peace be with all of you," he declared, pledging to work for a united Church faithful to Jesus and the Gospel. He called on Catholics to seek "a disarmed peace and a disarming peace" through dialogue and building bridges, emphasizing unity.

The choice of the name Leo XIV also carries significance, with the new Pope seemingly referencing Pope Leo XIII, who served from 1878 to 1903 and was known for his progressive views.

News of Pope Leo XIV's election has been met with diverse reactions. Some express surprise and excitement, while others voice hope that he will continue the reforming path of Pope Francis. Many anticipate that Pope Leo XIV, with his global experience, will be a unifying figure who champions the rights of the marginalized and promotes social justice.