Janice R. Andrews
The Film Festival in Rome is showcasing “Conclave,” a timely political thriller about papal succession, as 87-year-old Pope Francis’s tenure prompts quiet succession discussions within Vatican circles. The film, based on Robert Harris’s 2016 novel and directed by Edward Berger (of “All Quiet on the Western Front” fame), explores the intricate process of selecting a new pope.
The story follows Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes), who oversees the conclave process as dean of the College of Cardinals. This ancient tradition brings Catholic cardinals worldwide to the Sistine Chapel, where they remain isolated until selecting the next leader of the Church’s 1.3 billion followers.
The conclave’s name comes from Latin “cum clave” (with a key), reflecting the cardinals’ seclusion during deliberations. Under Michelangelo’s iconic frescoes, including “The Last Judgment,” cardinals cast ballots that are burned afterward. The resulting smoke signals progress to waiting crowds – black for no decision, white for a successful election.
The film features a strong cast portraying various factions within the Church: Stanley Tucci as progressive Cardinal Bellini, Sergio Castellitto as conservative Cardinal Tedesco, John Lithgow as Canadian Cardinal Tremblay, and Lucian Msamati as Nigerian Cardinal Adeyemi. Isabella Rossellini plays a nun who silently observes the proceedings while tending to the cardinals’ needs.
“Conclave” resonates strongly with current Vatican dynamics, depicting the tension between reformist and traditional forces that mirror real-world Church politics. The film addresses contemporary issues including Church leadership diversity and women’s roles in Catholicism.
At its Rome premiere, the film generated particular interest due to its parallel with potential future events at the Vatican. As Fiennes remarked, the film likely piques curiosity among Vatican insiders about its portrayal of their world.
The film succeeds both as entertainment and commentary, offering rare insights into the secretive process of papal selection while exploring universal themes of power and spiritual leadership. Its release coincides with real-world discussions about the future of Catholic leadership, making it particularly relevant to current ecclesiastical discourse.
