Hollywood's 'Conclave': Watch Now & Understand the Next Pope's Election!

Hollywood Helps the Vatican? Cardinals Watch "Conclave" Before Choosing the Next Pope

Believe it or not, the upcoming papal conclave—the highly secretive process of electing a new pope—has a surprising source of inspiration: a Hollywood movie. Just months before Pope Francis's passing, the film "Conclave," starring Ralph Fiennes, was released, and its remarkably timely plot has caught the attention of some cardinals.

With the conclave underway, a few of the 133 cardinals gathered in the Vatican are reportedly using the 2025 film as a sort of visual guide to the complex centuries-old process. This isn't just idle curiosity; the movie's detailed depiction of the voting process and the events following the death of the pontiff is proving invaluable. Why? Because roughly 80% of the voting cardinals were appointed by Pope Francis and are first-timers in a conclave.

A Crash Course in Papal Elections

The unexpected surge in viewership of "Conclave" following Pope Francis' death speaks volumes. The film's realistic portrayal of the behind-the-scenes political maneuvering, rivalries, and secrets within the conclave has resonated deeply with those who need to navigate the same waters in real life. One Vatican cleric even commented to Politico, “Some [Cardinals] have watched it in the cinema,” emphasizing that the movie is being used as a learning tool rather than simple entertainment.

The movie, directed by Edward Berger and adapted from Robert Harris's novel, highlights the intense pressures and complexities of electing a new pope. Fiennes' character, Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, faces internal tensions, scandalous revelations, and unexpected turns. The film's accuracy, even in its depiction of the intricacies of the voting process, is noteworthy. The film's success extends beyond just its captivating narrative; it's received critical acclaim including Academy Award recognition for Best Screenplay.

Interestingly, parallels between the fictional conclave in the movie and real-life events are already emerging. The case of Cardinal Angelo Becciu, who withdrew after a private letter from Pope Francis urging his exclusion was made public, is just one example of the complexities at play, mirroring some of the intense behind-the-scenes drama depicted in the film. "Conclave" is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video, making the film readily accessible for a wider audience.

The Conclave: A Deep Dive

• The Process: The conclave begins with a Mass, followed by prayer in the Sistine Chapel. Cardinals then cast ballots in multiple voting rounds. Black smoke signifies no election; white smoke signals a new pope.
• Secrecy: Cell phones and recording devices are strictly prohibited. The Vatican employs jamming devices to ensure complete secrecy.
• The Electors: A record 133 cardinals from 70 countries are voting, reflecting Pope Francis's efforts to expand the Church's global reach.
• Duration: While some past conclaves lasted for years, recent ones have usually concluded within a few days.
• Frontrunners: Several cardinals are frequently mentioned as potential successors to Pope Francis, including Italians Pietro Parolin and Matteo Zuppi, Filipino Luis Antonio Tagle, and Hungarian Peter Erdo.

A Look at the Voting Cardinals

Conclusion: A Historic Conclave

The 2025 papal conclave is a historic event, marked by its unprecedented global diversity and the intriguing influence of a Hollywood film. While the outcome remains uncertain, the process itself is a fascinating blend of ancient tradition and modern-day challenges. The use of "Conclave" as a preparatory tool for some cardinals highlights the evolving nature of this centuries-old institution and its adaptation to the present day. The world watches with bated breath, awaiting the announcement of the next leader of the Catholic Church—a decision made under the watchful eyes of both Michelangelo and, perhaps unexpectedly, Ralph Fiennes.