Image Credits: Focus Features
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The new film Conclave, based on Robert Harris’s 2016 novel, dives into the complex and secretive process of electing a new pope—a ritual steeped in centuries-old tradition and cloaked in secrecy. Starring Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rossellini, Conclave explores the high-stakes power dynamics and personal conflicts that emerge among cardinals convening in Rome to elect a successor to the papacy. But how true to life is this fictionalized portrayal?
Fact checking the ‘Conclave’ movie:
The Conclave movie captures the intricate details of the papal conclave, an event most know only through brief glimpses of white smoke signaling a new pope’s election. The filmmakers were notably thorough in depicting the ritual’s formalities and atmosphere. Screenwriter Peter Straughan shared that the Vatican granted a private tour of its inner sanctum, offering insights into the ceremonial attire, Latin oaths, and architectural grandeur. “It’s a very sumptuous thing,” Straughan noted, adding that capturing the authenticity of the conclave’s setting was essential to honoring the “fascinating and theatrical world” of Vatican politics.
Beyond the visual elements, Conclave delves into the political and moral complexities within the church. The film doesn’t shy away from portraying the deep ideological divides among cardinals or the influence of worldly power struggles within the Vatican. According to Straughan, Vatican officials were generally supportive of the project, understanding the film’s desire to address the internal politics while respecting the essence of the Catholic Church. “We didn’t want to be toothless in our approach,” Straughan explained, acknowledging the film’s balance between critical commentary and reverence for the faith itself.
However, some elements in Conclave stretch beyond known realities. While the film accurately depicts the cardinals’ isolated decision-making and the voting process within the Sistine Chapel, it builds suspense with fictional twists that add dramatic flair rather than factual representation. In real life, cardinals follow strict protocols, and while debates and differing philosophies certainly exist, the extent of intrigue portrayed in Conclave is unlikely to occur within the conclave’s closed doors.
Ultimately, Conclave offers a rich, if dramatized, glimpse into the Vatican’s time-honored rituals, making the secretive world of papal elections accessible to viewers. While not entirely factual, it captures the solemnity, grandeur, and human complexity of the centuries-old conclave tradition, giving audiences a rare look at an event known for its mystery