Edward Berger's gripping papal thriller, Conclave, captivated audiences last year by delving into the lesser-known ritual of electing a new pope, offering a dramatic insight into the inner workings of the Catholic Church. As cardinals from across the globe prepare to convene in a real-life conclave, the film's influence is strikingly evident. Some of the participating religious leaders have reportedly turned to the movie for guidance on the process.
A papal cleric involved in the conclave ritual shared with Politico that Berger's film, featuring the esteemed Ralph Fiennes as the dean of the College of Cardinals, has been praised as "remarkably accurate" by cardinals themselves. The cleric noted that "some [Cardinals] have watched it in the cinema," highlighting the film's role as a preparatory tool.
The death of Pope Francis in late April, just months after the film's release, has set the stage for this conclave. This event will see 133 high-ranking clerics gather in the Sistine Chapel to deliberate and vote on the next leader of the global Catholic Church.
Starting Wednesday, May 7, the majority of those assembling in Rome were appointed by Pope Francis and are participating in a conclave for the first time. This lack of experience, particularly among those from smaller and more remote parishes, makes the film's depiction of the conclave process particularly valuable, providing them with a unique and accessible source of insight into this historic and sacred ritual.
