As the world turns its eyes to Vatican City, the upcoming papal conclave has ignited renewed interest in the 2024 film "Conclave," a political thriller that provides a gripping look at the secretive process of electing a new pope. Following the death of Pope Francis on April 28, 2025, the film has become a surprising resource for the cardinals participating in the real conclave, which begins on May 7, 2025.
Edward Berger’s "Conclave," featuring an ensemble cast that includes Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and Isabella Rossellini, has seen a staggering 283% increase in viewership on streaming platforms since the pope's passing. The film, based on the bestselling novel by Robert Harris, depicts the intense political maneuvering and deep-seated rivalries among the cardinals as they gather in the Sistine Chapel to select the 267th pope of the Catholic Church.
According to a cleric involved in the conclave, some cardinals have turned to the film as a "helpful research tool" to better understand the electoral process. The cleric noted that the film is considered "remarkably accurate even by Cardinals," highlighting its relevance at a time when many conclave participants lack experience in Vatican politics and protocol.
"Conclave" portrays the ritualistic nature of the papal election, illustrating how cardinals are sequestered from the outside world, cut off from communication devices, and live together in a Vatican residence during the voting process. Traditionally, the conclave starts between 15 to 20 days after the pope's death, but in this case, it is scheduled to begin just days after Francis's death, reflecting the urgency of the situation.
The film's storyline unfolds over three days, showcasing the internal politics and alliances that shape the decision-making process. Each cardinal casts their vote in a secret ballot, with a two-thirds majority required to elect a new pope. After each round of voting, the ballots are burned, and the color of the smoke released from the Sistine Chapel's chimney serves as a signal to the public; black smoke indicates no decision has been made, while white smoke confirms the election of a new pope.
Interestingly, the film's depiction of the conclave resonates with the real-life experience of the cardinals, particularly for those who were appointed by Pope Francis and have never participated in such a ritual before. The film's accuracy has been praised, with many cardinals finding it a useful guide to navigate the complex dynamics of the conclave.
Robert Harris, the author of the novel that inspired the film, has emphasized the importance of research in crafting his narrative. He engaged with cardinals who participated in previous conclaves to gain insight into the political and spiritual dimensions of the election process. In an interview, Harris stated, "It's in those times [between votes] that almost inevitably, they talk about what is happening," underscoring the informal discussions that can influence the outcome.
The film also touches on the themes of scandal and integrity within the Church, as it explores the various candidates vying for the papacy, each representing different visions for the future of Catholicism. While some aspects of the film are fictionalized, such as the dramatic twists and turns, the underlying structure of the conclave remains true to reality.
Despite its dramatic elements, "Conclave" has sparked conversations about the realities of the papal election process, including the exclusion of women from the conclave. In the film, Rossellini’s character, Sister Agnes, stands out as the only female voice among the cardinals, while in reality, only men are eligible to participate in the conclave.
The filmmakers received a warm welcome from Vatican officials during the production of "Conclave," with screenwriter Peter Straughan noting that they were given a private tour of the Vatican. However, filming within the Vatican itself was not permitted, leading the crew to shoot scenes on soundstages and other locations in Rome.
As the conclave approaches, the cardinals are preparing to engage in a process steeped in tradition and spirituality. The election will take place in the Sistine Chapel, where the cardinals will gather under the watchful eye of Michelangelo's iconic frescoes. The solemnity of the occasion is marked by the Latin phrase "Extra omnes," which signals the departure of anyone not entitled to participate in the conclave.
Once the new pope is elected, he will be asked if he accepts the position and will have the opportunity to choose a papal name, a tradition that has been followed by every pope for the last 470 years. The interregnum concludes with the new pope's first public appearance, where he will address the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the Catholic Church.
As the cardinals prepare to cast their votes, the world watches closely, eager to see how the intersection of reality and fiction unfolds within the walls of the Vatican. The popularity of "Conclave" serves as a reminder of the enduring intrigue surrounding the papal election process and the challenges faced by those who seek to lead the Catholic Church in a rapidly changing world.
