Uncover the Politics and Mystique of the Papal Conclave

The Power and Politics of the Papal Selection

"Conclave" is centered around the tension among the senior figures in the Roman Catholic Church. It depicts the sotto-voce discussions in Vatican corridors and the behind-the-scenes politicking. The film shows how the demands of faith clash with the desire for high office, and how anyone seen as campaigning is likely to be ruled out.

For church-watchers, the next real-life conclave will be a crucial moment. Will the cardinals choose a pope like Pope Francis, or will opposing forces shift things in another direction? This is a question that hangs in the air as the cardinals prepare to make their choice.

Criticism from Within the Church

Bishop Robert Barron has expressed strong criticism of the movie. He describes it as ticking "practically every woke box" and sending the wrong message. He believes the film unfairly portrays the church hierarchy and its members.

However, Steven P. Millies sees the movie differently. He believes the depiction of the process is verified by reports from cardinals and that conclaves are an exercise in "careful coalition-building." He emphasizes that the "politicking" does not deny the involvement of the Holy Spirit.

The Details and Reality of the Conclave

To ensure the cardinals' freedom in choosing the best candidate, conclaves take place in strict confidentiality. Only cardinals below 80 have a vote and they cast them in the Sistine Chapel in front of Michelangelo's "Last Judgment." The process involves rounds of voting until one candidate has a two-thirds supermajority, and the crowd outside is informed by the chimney's smoke.

The movie "Conclave" works hard to be realistic. It was helped by the late English cardinal Cormac Murphy O'Connor and given a private tour of the Sistine Chapel. It gets many details right, from the cardinals' overnight bags to the communal meals and the use of chemicals to indicate the result.

Despite its realism, there are small inaccuracies, such as details of the table layout and how cardinals address each other. But the most unbelievable part is its ending, which we won't spoil.

A Story of Faith and Rediscovery

Tom Reese gave his verdict on the movie, highlighting both the great acting and production values but also the bizarre plot twists. For Millies, the film is not just about the plot twist or the process of choosing a pope. It is a story of one cardinal grappling with his faith and finding it again, a beautiful aspect to watch.