When the cardinals watch conclave to learn to … hold a conclave
How is the election of a new pope going? Small explanatory manual in the form of a thriller with Ralph Fiennes.
What a timing!
Released four months before the death of Pope Francis – April 21 – Conclave is the trendiest film of the moment.
It must be said that the political-religious thriller worn by Ralph Fiennescontaining the sleeves behind the scenes when elected a new pope, is amazing precision. To the point of becoming, almost in spite of himself, an educational manual for millions of spectators … and even for some of the church men concerned.
As incredible as it may seem, many of the 133 cardinals called to enter the Sistine Chapel this Wednesday to elect the next sovereign pontiff have viewed Conclave In recent weeks, to better understand what awaits them.
“Some have seen him in the cinema”confirmed to Politico A prelate involved in the process today.
Cardinals are now watching ‘conclave’ to get guidance and tips on how to actually do the real conclave.
Many Cardinals Were Appointed by Pope Francis and Haven’t Been Around Long Enough to Know How The Process All Works.
(Source: https://t.co/furuoyj8ct) pic.twitter.com/rv9mq7gkt7
– discussion (@discussingfilm) May 7, 2025
The film, hailed for its realism, is perceived as surprisingly faithful by the very people who will live the live experience. Useful, therefore, in a context where many of these cardinals have never participated in a conclave and little know the arcane of the Vatican.
Revealing: the majority of voters were appointed by Francis Himself, often from modest or isolated dioceses. A detail that the Fiennes film reflects perfectly, adding to this strange loop between fiction and reality.
