Edward Berger’s gripping papal thriller Conclave captivated audiences last year, shedding light on a rarely seen facet of Catholicism—the secretive and ceremonial process of electing a new pope. As the global Catholic community now prepares for an actual conclave, the film's cultural impact is more evident than ever. Surprisingly, some of the very Cardinals tasked with choosing the next pontiff have reportedly turned to the movie as a source of reference.
A papal cleric familiar with the conclave process shared with Politico that Berger’s cinematic portrayal—starring Ralph Fiennes as the Cardinal Dean, the presiding figure in the election—is being praised by high-ranking church officials for its striking authenticity. According to the source, “some [Cardinals] have watched it in the cinema,” suggesting the film has served not only as entertainment but also as a visual guide to a tradition most Catholics will never witness firsthand.
The timing of the real-world events adds another layer of intrigue. Pope Francis passed away in late April, just months after the film’s release, setting in motion the formal conclave process. In the coming days, 133 Cardinals from across the globe will gather inside the Sistine Chapel to begin the solemn task of selecting the next spiritual leader of the Catholic Church.
Notably, the majority of these Cardinals were appointed by Pope Francis himself and have no prior experience with the conclave ritual. Given this lack of precedent, it’s understandable that some may have sought clarity or context through unconventional means—like a Hollywood film—particularly those coming from smaller or more isolated dioceses where access to detailed information about such sacred traditions is limited.
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