Edward Berger’s electrifying thriller, *Conclave*, captivated audiences last year by unveiling a rarely seen aspect of Catholicism—the intricate ritual of electing a new pope. As cardinals from around the globe prepare to participate in an actual conclave, the influence of cinema is strikingly evident. Remarkably, some of these religious leaders have turned to the film for guidance on the process.
According to a papal cleric involved in the conclave, speaking to the esteemed outlet Politico, Berger's film—featuring the iconic Ralph Fiennes as the dean of the College of Cardinals, the ceremonial leader of the conclave—has been lauded as "remarkably accurate even by Cardinals." The cleric further revealed that "some [Cardinals] have watched it in the cinema," underscoring the film's impact.
The passing of Pope Francis in late April, mere months after the film's release, set the stage for this real-life conclave. This event will see 133 high-ranking clerics gather in the Sistine Chapel starting Wednesday, May 7, to deliberate and elect the next global leader of the Catholic Church.
Many of these cardinals were appointed by Pope Francis and are new to the conclave process. This explains why *Conclave* has become a valuable resource, offering insights that might be challenging to obtain otherwise, especially for those from smaller, more remote parishes around the world.
