On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, the conclave commenced in the Sistine Chapel, marking the beginning of the process to elect the new head of the Catholic Church following the death of Pope Francis. Black smoke billowed from the chapel, indicating that the first ballot had not resulted in a new pope. This initial vote often serves as a warm-up, making it challenging for the cardinals to gather the necessary two-thirds majority required to elect a successor.
The conclave comes just two weeks after the passing of Pope Francis, who died on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. His death has left a significant void in the Catholic Church, prompting a global focus on who will take his place. The Italian cardinal Pietro Parolin is considered the frontrunner, but history shows that favorites do not always secure the papacy. As the cardinals cast their votes, the world watches closely, waiting for the white smoke that will signal the election of a new pope.
In the midst of this pivotal moment for the Church, two cinemas in Drôme, France, have seized the opportunity to re-screen the film "Conclave," which delves into the power struggles within the Vatican. The film, released in December 2024, won an Oscar in March 2025 for Best Adaptation of a Best-Seller, and is seen as a timely exploration of the very issues that the Church faces today. The Pathé cinema in Valence and the Eden cinema in Crest are both showcasing the film, hoping to draw audiences intrigued by the real-life events unfolding at the Vatican.
Jean-Pierre Point, the director of the Eden cinema, expressed his belief in the importance of the film, stating, "When cinema can get close to true history, I think it's always worth taking." He emphasized that while "Conclave" is not a documentary, it offers a dramatized glimpse into the secretive world of the papacy. He noted, "We hope this film will interest viewers in what happens inside this totally hermetic place, where only white or black smoke emerges from time to time." The film's narrative, filled with intrigue, mirrors the complexities of the current conclave, making it particularly relevant.
Point explained that the film could shed light on the ongoing power struggles within the Church, asking, "Will the new pope be more tolerant, or are we looking for someone more hardline?" He likened the decision-making process to that of any organization selecting a leader, highlighting the stakes involved in choosing the next pope. The film is scheduled to be shown three times in its original version and four times in French at the Eden cinema, with the first screening taking place on the same day as the conclave.
As the conclave continues, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation. The cardinals are sequestered, prohibited from any outside contact, focusing solely on their task at hand. The first ballot is often seen as a test run, and while the black smoke indicates no consensus has been reached, it prolongs the suspense of the moment. The cardinals will continue to deliberate, and the world awaits the next signal from the Vatican.
Meanwhile, the re-screening of "Conclave" has sparked discussions among audiences about the relevance of the film's themes to current events. Some viewers see it as an opportunity to reflect on the nature of leadership within the Church and the impact of the papacy on global issues. The film's director, Point, believes that even though it is a work of fiction, it is still grounded in reality, stating, "Even if it's fiction, it is necessarily documented. We do not know what really happens in these closed and secretive places, but I think the film can, in some aspects, be realistic."
The excitement surrounding the conclave and the simultaneous release of the film reflects a broader cultural engagement with the Catholic Church's future. As the cardinals continue to vote, the world remains captivated by the unfolding drama, both in the Sistine Chapel and in theaters across France. The intersection of cinema and real-life events creates a unique moment of reflection and anticipation for audiences everywhere.
As the day progresses, the attention of the faithful and the curious alike remains fixed on the Vatican. Will the next pope bring a new vision for the Church, or will he maintain the status quo? The conclave is not just a religious event; it is a moment that resonates with the hopes and fears of millions around the globe. With each passing hour, the stakes grow higher, and the anticipation builds. The world waits for the signal of white smoke, a sign that a new chapter in the history of the Catholic Church is about to begin.
