Video games are a global phenomenon, and today, they’re part of all kinds of conversations — even historical ones stemming from the Vatican. After all, what does Baldur’s Gate 3, the 2023 Game of the Year, have to do with the recent appointment of Pope Leo XIV?
Gamers in the Vatican
Following the death of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church held its conclave and elected Robert Francis Prevost, a Chicago-born priest with Peruvian citizenship, as its new leader.
Gamers on social media used the moment to dig up a revelation from Larian publishing director Michael Douse, who confirmed in 2024 that two digital copies of Baldur’s Gate 3 were bought from Vatican City.
At the time, Douse even joked that one of the buyers might have been Pope Francis himself, hoping to dive into the RPG during a rare moment of downtime.
“Wish I could see their mod list. Bet it’s absolutely gnarly,” Douse wrote.
Faith and Gaming Aren’t as Far Apart as They Seem
The Catholic Church has increasingly sought to speak to younger generations in their own language. In fact, in July 2024, the Vatican approved the continuation of the canonization process for Carlo Acutis — a figure now known as the patron saint of the internet and the “gamer saint.”
Born in London in 1991, Acutis died of leukemia in 2006 at age 15. During his life, he showed deep interest in technology, animals, music, football, and popular video games like Halo, Super Mario Bros., and Pokémon.
The Church declared him venerable in 2018 and beatified him in 2020, crediting him with two miracles. He’s currently honored in Assisi, and if canonized in 2025, will become the first saint known for his connection to gaming and the internet.