In the captivating film “Conclave,” which took cinemas by storm in 2024 and clinched prestigious Oscars, audiences were offered a rare glimpse into the secretive world of Vatican politics. The movie delves into the intricate process of selecting a new leader for the Roman Catholic Church, shedding light on the clandestine rituals surrounding papal elections.
“Intense responsibility”
The adaptation from Robert Harris’s bestseller immerses viewers in a scenario where cardinal-electors seclude themselves within the hallowed walls of the Vatican during the election procedure. This isolation dates back centuries and aims to shield electors from external influences, fostering an environment conducive to focused decision-making. Professor Stephen Bullivant underscores that while communication channels remain open for practical necessities, cardinals are largely cocooned from external interference.
Professor Anna Rowlands reflects on the film’s portrayal of an intensely introspective atmosphere within the conclave, emphasizing the profound sense of responsibility that weighs on those secluded behind Vatican walls. The seclusion contrasts starkly with modern society’s emphasis on transparency and public scrutiny but underscores traditions deeply rooted in history.
“Lots of politicking”
“Conclave” vividly captures the high-stakes maneuvering and strategic calculations permeating papal elections. Cardinals engage in tense deliberations, strategic alliances, and subtle power plays as they vie for influence within this closed-door arena. Nick Emerson, the film’s editor, highlights how political machinations inject drama into electoral proceedings.
Professor Tina Beattie delves into the complex interplay between divine guidance and human intrigue among cardinal-electors. She notes that even before Pope Francis’s succession becomes imminent due to health concerns, backstage lobbying and strategic positioning likely color pre-conclave dynamics. Profound disagreements over priorities and leadership visions simmer beneath surface unity among cardinal-electors.
A Complete Unknown?
The storyline of an obscure cardinal unexpectedly thrust into contention fuels suspense in “Conclave.” While fiction allows for such twists, reality imposes stricter constraints on papal candidacy eligibility. Despite any baptized Catholic male theoretically qualifying for pontiff status, all conclave voters must hold previous public appointments by a pope—eliminating surprises akin to those depicted in cinema.
Notably, recent papal appointments by Pope Francis have diversified cardinal demographics significantly—an intentional move towards global representation across diverse backgrounds and ideologies. This reshaping injects unpredictability into future elections by introducing unfamiliar perspectives that may influence pivotal decisions—a departure from past conventions dominated by predominantly European cardinals.
“A very human thing”
Director Edward Berger aimed to humanize cardinal-electors in “Conclave,” demystifying perceptions around their roles as spiritual figures unbound by earthly flaws or ambitions. By portraying these key figures as relatable individuals grappling with personal dilemmas and desires—cell phones included—the film bridges ancient traditions with contemporary realities.
Reflecting on this nuanced portrayal, Professor Rowlands emphasizes how “Conclave” encapsulates raw human emotions like loss, ambition, fear, courage amid divine endeavors—a potent blend underscoring both humanity and spirituality intertwined within this age-old selection process.
By meticulously dissecting every facet—from intense responsibilities shrouded behind ancient rituals to cutthroat politicking veiled beneath pious veneers—the film “Conclave” enriches our understanding of an enigmatic tradition steeped in history yet resonant with timeless human complexities.
