Following the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, global attention has shifted to the College of Cardinals as they prepare to convene a conclave to elect the next pope. This secretive process, which has been in place for over eight centuries, involves cardinals isolating themselves until a decision is reached. Scheduled to begin on May 7, the upcoming conclave has sparked renewed interest in the 2024 Oscar-winning film "Conclave," which provides a dramatized glimpse into this enigmatic procedure. In the week following Pope Francis's death, views of "Conclave" surged by 283%, reaching nearly 7 million minutes watched across various platforms. However, questions remain about the accuracy of the film's portrayal of the papal election process.
The Vatican's Sistine Chapel serves as the backdrop for both the real-life conclave and its cinematic counterpart in "Conclave." The chapel is sealed off during voting to ensure complete secrecy regarding all discussions and actions related to the election of the new Supreme Pontiff, as mandated by the Apostolic Constitution. The film accurately depicts the political maneuvering among cardinals, reflecting insights shared by Vatican expert Philip Pullella, who noted that these individuals engage in strategic conversations throughout the process.
Furthermore, "Conclave" captures the efficiency of the voting timeline, with the cardinals selecting a new pope within three days in the movie—a timeframe similar to the actual elections of Pope Francis and Pope Benedict XVI. Language also plays a crucial role; the film correctly portrays the Latin dialogue used when confirming the newly elected pope's acceptance of the position.
While some elements of "Conclave" align closely with reality, others are less precise. For instance, the film shows Cardinal Tremblay breaking the late pope's signet ring immediately after his death, though traditionally, this act is performed ceremoniously by the camerlengo. Additionally, while the movie accurately represents the significance of smoke signals—black indicating no decision and white signaling a new pope—the frequency of burning sessions differs from the actual practice, where ballots are burned after each day's two voting sessions.
Some aspects of the film deviate significantly from historical norms. One major inaccuracy involves the character Cardinal Benitez, an archbishop of Kabul introduced into the conclave under secretive circumstances. According to Vatican expert Rev. Thomas Reese, such an admission would be invalid unless publicly announced by the previous pope in the presence of the College of Cardinals. Moreover, Cardinal Lawrence's behavior in the film breaches several canonical laws, including invading the deceased pope's private chambers and divulging confessional information, actions that could lead to severe penalties.
As the world awaits the outcome of the forthcoming conclave, the interplay between fact and fiction in "Conclave" offers intriguing insights into one of the most mysterious processes in global religion. While the film entertains and educates, it also highlights the complexities and traditions surrounding the election of a new pope, reminding viewers of the profound responsibility placed upon the College of Cardinals.