New Delhi:
As they prepared for the election to select the next Pope, several Catholic Cardinals reportedly watched the film Conclave, featuring Ralph Fiennes. The film, directed by Edward Berger and based on a novel by Robert Harris, provides insight into the traditions and political dynamics of the papal election process.
Released on April 21st, just four months before Pope Francis’ passing, the movie inadvertently served as a guide for many of the 133 cardinal electors who gathered in the Sistine Chapel. For many of them, especially those appointed by Pope Francis, it was their first experience with the complex rituals involved in electing a Pope.
One priest mentioned that several participants had “seen it at the cinema” during their informal preparations. The characters in the film are portrayed through a lens that connects historical and procedural elements, providing a rich backdrop.
In the movie, Fiennes portrays Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, who faces fierce competition and unexpected candidates from lesser-known backgrounds. Despite being a drama, it includes crucial procedural aspects, including the famous smoke signals that indicate election results.
The film illustrates the sealing of the Sistine Chapel prior to the voting. All windows are closed, phones are confiscated, and electronic jamming devices are used to block communication, ensuring the confidentiality of the proceedings. However, past elections have shown that leaks are not uncommon, as occurred when Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio (later Pope Francis) was identified as a frontrunner before his official election in 2013.
While the film portrays internal struggles among the Cardinals, experts note that most serious discussions and lobbying actually occur in the general congregation sessions before the formal voting begins. These behind-the-scenes meetings often rely on Vatican gossip and media speculation and are where significant positioning happens.
Joan M. Pierce, a professor at the University of the Holy Cross, pointed out that the movie diverges from church regulations, depicting Cardinals engaging in casual conversations and campaigns.
The narrative conveys that entering the Conclave transforms a Cardinal into a Pope, highlighting the humility required for the role. The film features dramatic elements, including a scene where a nun speaks during a meal, and the notion of a “In Pectore” cardinal, a surprise appointee by the Pope—while this practice occurs, it is quite rare and unlikely to influence conclaves.
The plot also touches on issues of money and influence, hinting at bribes and political maneuvering. While exaggerated, these themes aren’t entirely far-fetched, depicting a wealthy, conservative faction attempting to sway the results in favor of a specific candidate. However, the Washington Post notes that such efforts had limited success, as about 80% of current cardinal electors were appointed by Francis.
Some details presented in the film are accurate, from the simple living conditions of the Cardinals to the serious atmosphere surrounding the election. Robert Harris has confirmed that both his book and the film underwent thorough scrutiny.
