Robert Francis Prevost is all set to become the new Pope, and ahead of his big moment as the head of the Church, his brother John Prevost shared some fun behind-the-scenes details about how he’s been preparing for it. In a chat with NBC Chicago, John revealed that he actually asked Robert if he’d watched the movie Conclave—a film starring Ralph Fiennes that shows what goes on during the secretive meetings where a new Pope is chosen. John wanted to make sure Robert had a little idea of “how to behave” during this life-changing event.
John said, “I asked him, ‘Did you watch the movie Conclave so you know how to behave?’” and added with a smile, “He had just finished watching it. So, he was ready.”
Beyond movie-watching, John also shared how he and Robert have been playing games like Wordle and Words With Friends together. It’s their way to keep Robert’s mind fresh and give him a little break from the heavy weight of what’s coming. John said they just want to have a laugh and enjoy some light moments before Robert takes on his huge new responsibility.
John explained, “First we do Wordle, then we play Words With Friends. It helps distract him from all the serious stuff happening around him. And then we chat about what’s going on. I even joked, ‘Do you have your red socks ready?’—which didn’t always get the best reaction,” he laughed.
In an earlier interview with the New York Times, John also spoke about how he hopes his brother will continue the legacy of the late Pope, who passed away at 88. The two Popes were close friends long before either of them reached the top positions in the Church.
As for the movie Conclave, it’s based on a popular book by Robert Harris and was one of the most praised films of 2024, even winning an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay.
