The new film Conclave, based on Robert Harris’s bestselling novel, provides a dramatic, behind-the-scenes look at the secretive papal election process.
Directed by Edward Berger, the film follows the maneuvering, leaking, and back-channel negotiations among cardinals following the death of a pope.
The story centres on Cardinal Lawrence, portrayed by Ralph Fiennes, as he navigates the delicate task of overseeing the conclave while confronting his own crisis of faith.
Featuring an impressive cast including Stanley Tucci as Cardinal Bellini, the film explores the Vatican’s power dynamics, likening the ancient ritual to a modern political thriller.
Inspired by Harris’s observations of the 2013 election of Pope Francis, Conclave uses authentic detail to depict the intense selection process. Cardinals from around the globe are sequestered, without outside contact, voting until they elect a new pope.
The movie captures the drama of rival factions vying for influence, from the liberal Bellini to the conservative Italian Cardinal Tedesco. Berger’s adaptation blends ritual with suspense, painting the conclave as a raw political battleground—a theme underscored by Sister Agnes (Isabella Rossellini), who reminds viewers of the Vatican’s complex, patriarchal structure.
