In a historic moment for the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV was elevated to the papacy on May 8, 2025, making him the first American pope in history. Formerly known as Robert Prevost and born in Chicago, the new pope has already made headlines by revealing his interest in popular culture, including the 2024 film Conclave, which depicts the process of electing a new pope.
According to his brother, John Prevost of New Lenox, Illinois, Pope Leo XIV has indeed watched Conclave. The film, directed by Edward Berger, explores the intense and secretive atmosphere surrounding a papal election. John Prevost also shared that the new pope enjoys playing Wordle and Words with Friends, and he is a fan of the Chicago White Sox.
Pope Leo XIV's election came on the second day of the papal conclave, a traditional event steeped in centuries of ritual. Some cardinals had reportedly seen Conclave even before Prevost's selection, indicating that the film has garnered attention within the Church's upper echelons. A cleric involved in the real papal conclave mentioned, "Some have watched it in the cinema."
Conclave is a fictional narrative based on Robert Harris's novel of the same name, which was inspired by the news coverage of the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis. The film features a star-studded cast, including Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, who faces a conspiracy during the papal election. Other notable actors include John Lithgow, Isabella Rossellini, and Stanley Tucci.
While the film is not a documentary, it draws from real-life Vatican traditions, amplifying the drama with betrayals and high-stakes revelations. In contrast, the actual election of a pope is a solemn affair, marked by the casting of paper ballots by the College of Cardinals, whose decisions carry immense weight for over a billion Catholics worldwide.
As anticipation builds for the next papal election, Conclave stands out as a compelling exploration of the intersection between faith and politics. The film's gripping narrative has received critical acclaim, currently holding a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7.4/10 on IMDb. It has also been nominated for eight Academy Awards, winning one for Best Adapted Screenplay.
For those interested in watching Conclave, it is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video for subscribers. Additionally, viewers can rent or purchase the film on platforms like YouTube, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Fandango at Home, with rental prices around $6 and purchase options for $20.
The film's release has sparked discussions about the portrayal of the papal conclave in cinema. It is not the only film to tackle this subject; other notable titles include The Two Popes, which focuses on the relationship between Pope Francis and Pope Benedict XVI, and We Have a Pope, a comedy about a reluctant cardinal elected as pope.
In The Two Popes, Jonathan Pryce and Anthony Hopkins deliver powerful performances as the two men navigate their differing ideologies and the political machinations of the Vatican. The film has been nominated for three Oscars and provides a more realistic glimpse into the complexities of papal politics.
Meanwhile, We Have a Pope, directed by Nanni Moretti, presents a humorous take on the conclave, where the elected pope struggles with the responsibilities of his position. This film adds a layer of levity to the often serious subject matter.
For those looking for a more thrilling narrative, Angels & Demons, based on Dan Brown's novel, offers a murder mystery set against the backdrop of a papal conclave. The film features secret societies and high-stakes drama, showcasing a different facet of the Vatican's secretive nature.
Even The Godfather, Part III features a fictionalized account of Pope John Paul I's brief papacy, exploring themes of power and corruption within the Vatican. This film, while controversial, highlights the intrigue surrounding papal elections.
In a lighter vein, The Pope Must Die, starring Robbie Coltrane, presents a comedic scenario in which a bumbling priest is mistakenly elected pope, leading to a series of amusing misadventures. Lastly, EuroTrip offers a humorous take on the conclave process, albeit in a farcical context that appeals to a younger audience.
As the Catholic Church moves forward with its new leader, the fascination with the papal conclave continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike. With the blend of historical significance and modern storytelling, films like Conclave not only entertain but also provoke thought about the complexities of faith, leadership, and the power dynamics within the Church.
In the end, whether through the lens of drama, comedy, or thriller, the cinematic portrayal of papal elections invites viewers to reflect on the age-old traditions that shape the future of the Catholic Church. As Pope Leo XIV embraces his new role, the world watches with interest, perhaps wondering what new narratives will unfold in the years to come.
