How accurate is Conclave? How Pope's death is shown in film

Global Attention Focuses on Vatican as Church Mourns Passing of Pope Francis

The world is observing a period of mourning following the death of Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church, who passed away at the age of 88 after leading the global institution for over a decade. His passing concludes a 12-year papacy characterized by periods of transformation, notable acts of compassion, and considerable debate. Attention now shifts to Vatican City as the centuries-old process to elect his successor, known as a conclave, begins. This traditional ceremony recently gained popular attention through the release of “Conclave”, a 2024 Oscar-winning film starring Ralph Fiennes, prompting public interest in the realities of this secretive election.

Understanding the Conclave: Electing a New Pope

Upon the death or resignation of a Pope, the Catholic Church initiates a swift procedure. Within a matter of days, senior clergy members, specifically cardinals, are summoned from around the world to Vatican City. This gathering marks the beginning of the conclave, derived from the Latin term meaning “with key,” signifying the cardinals’ isolation until a new Pope is chosen.

Only cardinals under 80 years of age are permitted to vote in the election. The conclave itself is held within the Sistine Chapel, under its famed Michelangelo frescoes, and is steeped in historical tradition. All contact with the outside world is strictly prohibited – including telephones, news publications, and even internal Vatican communications.

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The voting process is structured simply, yet politically intricate: cardinals cast ballots in rounds until one candidate secures a two-thirds majority. After each vote, the ballots are burned. The smoke signals from the Sistine Chapel chimney communicate the progress of the election to the world.

If no papal selection is made, chemical additives produce black smoke. Conversely, the emergence of white smoke signifies the successful election of a new pontiff, accompanied by the announcement “Habemus Papam,” meaning “We have a Pope.”

“Conclave”: The Film’s Depiction of Papal Elections

The film “Conclave“, directed by Edward Berger and adapted from Robert Harris’s acclaimed novel, premiered in cinemas in late 2024, garnering significant critical acclaim. Starring Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, the movie dramatizes the complex dynamics and hidden agendas that unfold following the demise of a fictional pope.

The narrative commences with an unexpected papal heart attack. As the College of Cardinals convenes, Cardinal Lawrence guides viewers through the opulent halls and hushed corridors of the Vatican. The film introduces four prominent figures as potential papal candidates:

• Aldo Bellini, portrayed by Stanley Tucci: An American cardinal characterized as progressive.
• Joshua Adeyemi, portrayed by Lucian Msamati: A Nigerian cardinal representing socially conservative viewpoints.
• Joseph Tremblay, portrayed by John Lithgow: A moderate Canadian cardinal.
• Goffredo Tedesco, portrayed by Sergio Castellitto: An Italian cardinal identified as a traditionalist.

The plot thickens with the arrival of a mysterious cardinal, Vincent Benitez (Carlos Diehz), whose appointment was secretly made by the deceased Pope. The ensuing events develop into a suspenseful thriller involving clandestine secrets, acts of sabotage, and even a terrorist incident.

Assessing the Accuracy of “Conclave”

While “Conclave” is a work of fiction, it endeavors to maintain authenticity in key procedural elements. The filmmakers even consulted with the late Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor during the novel’s writing phase. Key aspects of the Catholic Church’s rituals and processes are accurately represented, including the symbolic destruction of the Pope’s ring to prevent forgery.

The film correctly depicts the cardinals residing at Domus Sanctae Marthae, the actual Vatican residence utilized during conclaves. However, certain narrative components are significantly fictionalized for dramatic effect.

The intense level of campaigning shown in “Conclave“, where candidates actively seek votes and engage in behind-the-scenes maneuvering, is largely invented. In reality, while cardinals can discuss relevant issues, explicit political campaigning is generally discouraged and sometimes prohibited.

Similarly, the character of the secret cardinal, Benitez, is a dramatic exaggeration. While secret cardinals are a real possibility, often for safety or political reasons, they must be publicly identified before the conclave commences to be eligible to vote.

The portrayal of cardinals acting as detectives within the conclave is also a narrative device. Screenwriter Peter Straughan acknowledged, “There isn’t supposed to be any information coming in from the outside world… I’m not sure they’re used as detectives as they are in our story.”

Anticipating the Upcoming Papal Conclave

With Pope Francis‘s passing, global attention is once again directed towards the Sistine Chapel and the impending conclave. Although any baptized Catholic male theoretically could become Pope, the selection will almost certainly be drawn from the College of Cardinals.

Predicting the next Pope is notoriously challenging. In 2013, few anticipated the election of Jorge Mario Bergoglio, then a relatively unknown Argentinian cardinal, as Pope Francis. This time, the pool of potential candidates appears even broader, with several prominent names emerging as possibilities:

Potential Papal Candidates

• Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (67): Often called “the Asian Francis,” this Filipino cardinal is recognized for his humility and progressive theological views. Once considered a favored figure by Pope Francis, he currently leads the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelization. His relatively younger age, however, might deter some cardinals seeking a shorter pontificate.
• Cardinal Peter Turkson (76): Hailing from Ghana, Cardinal Turkson could become the first Black Pope. Formerly heading the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, he is a prominent advocate for environmental and social justice. Despite public statements against seeking the papacy, his media presence keeps him in consideration.
• Cardinal Péter Erdő (72): A leading conservative voice and the Hungarian Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest, Cardinal Erdő is respected for his extensive knowledge of canon law and his resistance to liberal interpretations of Church doctrine. Viewed as a dependable and stable choice, he appeals to traditionalists wary of Pope Francis’s reforms.
• Cardinal Pietro Parolin (70): As the Vatican’s Secretary of State, effectively its prime minister, Cardinal Parolin is an experienced diplomat who gained prominence during the Ukraine crisis. While admired for his competence, a past property scandal could negatively impact his candidacy.
• Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça (58): The youngest of the frequently mentioned contenders, this Portuguese cardinal oversees the Vatican’s cultural and educational initiatives. A published writer and poet, he attracts the intellectual segment within the Church, though his limited senior curial experience might be a disadvantage.
• Cardinal Robert Sarah (79): A staunch conservative from Guinea, Cardinal Sarah is highly regarded by traditionalist Catholics. He has been outspoken against modern ideologies and Islamic extremism, but his age, nearing 80, could lessen his chances.

The Vatican has not yet announced the date for the conclave, but it traditionally commences 15 to 20 days following the Pope’s death. In the interim, cardinals will converge on Rome, and global speculation, prayers, and watchful eyes will be fixed on the smoke emanating from the Sistine Chapel.

“Conclave” is currently available for purchase or rental on various streaming platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and YouTube.