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April 23, 2025 | 06:33 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The passing of Pope Francis on Monday, April 21, 2025, doesn’t just bring down a solemn mood across the world but also sparks a curious question: who will be the new pope?
In light of the vacant papacy, the 2024 film ‘Conclave,’ directed by Edward Berger and based on Robert Harris’ novel, has gained renewed interest for its dramatic portrayal of the papal election process.
But this also brings up a compelling question: How accurate is the Conclave movie? Drawing insights from sources like Forbes, The Guardian, and NBC, this article delves into what ‘Conclave’ got right and where it diverged from reality.
What ‘Conclave’ Got Right
As noted by many experts, 'Conclave' is praised for capturing almost all the real-life details of the papal conclave with remarkable accuracy. These include the cardinals’ attire, the voting procedure, the arrival of the cardinals—along with their stay at Casa Santa Marta and meals in the cafeteria—and the very process of the election itself, including the iconic black and white smoke signaling the outcome.
Even more compelling, 'Conclave' portrays the political dynamics underlying the election of a pope. Though secretive and attended by some of the most powerful Catholic Church leaders around the world, every papal conclave still involves debate, disagreement, and negotiation behind closed doors.
Moreover, the mise-en-scène of the film is a testament to the dedication of the production team, who went to great lengths to replicate the real settings and props, including the cardinals' garments and a stunning recreation of the Sistine Chapel—despite the fact that none of it was filmed inside the Vatican.
What ‘Conclave’ Got Wrong
After all, nothing man-made is perfect—and the same goes for ‘Conclave.’ In reality, a cardinal in pectore (a cardinal appointed secretly by the pope before his death) must be publicly announced before becoming eligible to earn the rights and responsibilities as such, including participation in the election. Additionally, given how strict and secluded the conclave process is, it would be highly unusual for a nun to be seen wandering the conclave area at night, as portrayed in the film.
Moreover, the way in which the vote is dramatized is simply a creative liberty. As noted by Forbes, the film captures the ballot casting as loud and disorderly, which contrasts with the solemn and ritualistic manner of a real papal conclave.
That said, some slight inaccuracies are understandable, as no one outside the College of Cardinals has truly witnessed the full details of what happens inside the secluded conclave.
What ‘Conclave’ Is About
After the sudden death of the pope, the College of Cardinals gathers in the Vatican under tight secrecy for the conclave. Cardinal Lomeli (played by Ralph Fiennes), the Dean of the College of Cardinals, is responsible for overseeing the process. As voting begins, alliances form, secrets emerge, and tensions rise among the cardinals.
However, the election takes a dramatic turn when a mysterious cardinal—Benítez, said to have been appointed in pectore by the late pope—is revealed. His unexpected presence challenges tradition and ignites intrigue within the sacred walls of the Vatican. As such, Lomeli is forced to confront difficult truths about the church, his fellow cardinals, and himself.
NBC | FORBES | THE GUARDIAN
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