Edward Berger’s Conclave (2024), adapted from Robert Harris’s novel, offers a gripping and dramatic look into the election of a new pope following the death of Pope Francis. Set against the complex and controversial backdrop of the Catholic Church, Conclave delves into the political and personal tensions that simmer beneath the surface of the Vatican’s centuries-old election process. With the death of Pope Francis, the world watches once again as cardinals gather to choose a new leader of the Church. But just how closely does the film mirror the real-life process?
The story unfolds within the secretive walls of the Vatican, where 118 cardinals are tasked with electing the next pope. As the camera moves through the solemn rituals of the conclave, the tension is palpable. The cardinals’ personal ambitions, ideological divides, and dark secrets collide, creating a charged atmosphere. In this world, politics intertwines with spirituality, as various factions vie for influence, each representing different visions for the future of the Church.
While the film’s portrayal of the conclave captures the weight and gravity of this momentous occasion, it deviates from reality in some key ways. The election of a pope is, on paper, a deeply spiritual and prayerful act. Strict protocols govern the process: cardinals take oaths to maintain secrecy, and outside communication is forbidden. No phones or outside influence are allowed to disrupt the sacred nature of the event. Despite this, Conclave highlights the inevitable human element — the competing ambitions, ideological factions, and political maneuvering that also play a part in the election process.
The divisions portrayed in the film, between traditionalists and progressives, as well as between European and Global South cardinals, reflect real dynamics that have shaped past papal elections. The last two elections, those of Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis, displayed similar factions as cardinals from different regions and ideological backgrounds sought to shape the future of the Church.
Where Conclave veers into the realm of fiction is in its dramatic narrative twists. One key plotline involves a secret cardinal with a hidden agenda, whose identity is revealed during the election. While this makes for a thrilling storyline, it is highly unlikely in reality. While the Church has occasionally appointed cardinals in secret to protect them from political danger, the process rarely involves such bold revelations, especially during the conclave itself.
Furthermore, the canonical laws governing the election process are designed to prevent the kind of chaos depicted in the film. The election of a pope is a controlled process, with clear rules and structures in place. However, Conclave succeeds in capturing the tense atmosphere that surrounds the event. The pressure on the cardinals is immense, as they are not merely choosing a new leader, but making a decision that will influence the direction of the Catholic Church for generations to come.
As the world waits for the next papal election, Conclave offers an intense, though fictionalized, portrayal of the conclave. While some of its dramatic elements may not be grounded in reality, the movie resonates with the universal tension of a process that, for all its tradition and sacredness, is still driven by human ambition, personal conviction, and the weight of history.
