Movies

Cardinals Binge Oscar-Winning ‘Conclave’ Movie to Prep for Real Pope Election

BBG News

After the demise of Pope Francis, the cardinals are preparing to elect a new pope and are seeking understanding – not divine intervention. Instead, they’ve opted for an unusual source of guidance: they’re planning to watch the movie “Conclave”. This film was released in 2024 and provides insight into the process of selecting a new Pope. The star-studded cast includes Ralph Fiennes, John Lithgow, Stanley Tucci, and Isabella Rossellini. “Conclave” won the Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar and has experienced a surge in popularity on streaming platforms since Pope Francis’ passing on April 21, 2025. Now it appears that the very cardinals who will select the next Pope are among its viewers.

As reported by Politico, numerous high-ranking clerics participating in the conclave commencing on May 7, 2025 are turning to the movie Conclave for guidance due to their lack of real-life experience with such ceremonies. Since more than 110 of the cardinals involved in the conclave were appointed by the late Pope Francis and have never attended a conclave, they appear to be using this film as a reference point for an unfamiliar ceremony. One cleric told Politico that “some have watched it [Conclave] at the cinema.

As a cinephile, let me share my take on that: Back in October 2024, the film “Conclave” graced our movie screens. Initially, it was seen as a timely allegory for the upcoming US election, happening just two weeks later. However, come late February 2024, during the heart of awards season, things took an unexpected turn when Pope Francis was hospitalized. This left many pondering whether real-life events were mirroring the movie’s plotline, with a conclave possibly unfolding alongside the “Conclave” film being nominated for Best Picture. Quite by chance, “Conclave” found its way onto Prime Video on April 22, 2025, the day after Pope Francis passed away. Interestingly, the streaming date had been set long before this world-altering news broke.

How Life Imitates Art — In The Vatican of ‘Conclave’ or Otherwise

In October 25, 2024, the movie “Conclave” was premiered in theaters, often seen as a symbolic representation of the upcoming 2024 U.S. Presidential election, which was only two weeks away. However, as February of 2024 approached towards the end of awards season, “Conclave” started gaining more relevance due to Pope Francis’ hospitalization, leading many to ponder if a real conclave would occur concurrently with the movie being nominated for Best Picture. Coincidentally, “Conclave” became streamable on Prime Video on April 22, 2025, the day after Pope Francis passed away; however, the streaming date was set prior to this significant news event.

Unraveling Conclave: The Latest Developments and Their Impact on the Catholic Church

The film, Conclave, delved into the intricate process of electing a pope, shedding light on underlying scandals among potential candidates. Interestingly enough, this fictional portrayal mirrors real-life events. For instance, Italian Cardinal Angelo Becciu was forced to withdraw from the upcoming conclave due to his conviction for embezzlement and financial misconduct by a Vatican court in 2023. Similarly, Manila Archbishop Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle has faced accusations of sexual abuse and misconduct within his diocese in the Philippines.

Rumors swirl around Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who is believed to be the frontrunner for the papacy. It’s speculated that he suffered a health scare, with some suggesting that an insider leaked this information to the press to discourage votes in his favor.

In light of these recent developments, the dramatic narrative of Conclave appears less sensationalized.

As we embark on the journey of electing a new Pope, I’m intrigued to observe how things unfold and whether the events depicted in the movie ‘Conclave’ might have left any impact on the voting procedure. Despite being a subject of controversy among some Catholics, this film managed to garner a massive global audience, raking in an impressive $118 million at the box office during its run. The influence and legacy of ‘Conclave’ has extended far beyond its initial awards season buzz, and it seems destined to be a movie that stands the test of time.

Source:

Politico

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2025-05-07 21:48

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