Pope watched Hollywood hit Conclave prior to secret vote

THE new Pope watched the film Conclave just before the secret vote, his brother John has said.

- BY DANNY DE VAAL

Pope Leo XIV, the first American head of the Catholic Church, spoke to his older brother John Prevost before conclave began on Wednesday, he told NBC news.

Mr Prevost's brother emerged on to the balcony of St Peter's Basilica in front of a packed St Peter's Square on Thursday evening as the new pope following his election after the fourth vote in the secretive conclave.

Speaking to NBC News, Mr Provost said he had spoken to his brother “right before” the voting began.