Sounds like a Fiennes idea.
Catholic cardinals are — believe it or not — turning to the Hollywood blockbuster “Conclave” for insight on how the real ritual they’re about to partake in might play out, according to reports.
“Some have watched it in the cinema,” a Vatican cleric working on the secretive ceremony told Politico, incredibly.
Catholic cardinals are — believe it or not — turning to the Best Picture-nominated “Conclave” for insight on how the process of choosing a new pope may play out, according to reports. Getty Images
“Some have watched it in the cinema,” a Vatican cleric said. éFocus Features/Courtesy Everett CollectionThe Ralph Fiennes movie was released just months before Pope Francis died in April – uncanny timing, which has primed the world for high drama as 133 cardinals gathered in the Vatican to commence the secretive ritual Wednesday morning.
And about 80% of those cardinals participating in this year’s vote were appointed by Pope Francis, meaning a majority have never experienced a conclave before – and some are apparently turning to the silver screen to see what they’re in for.
The 2024 film – directed by Edward Berger and based on a 2016 Robert Harris novel – was thoroughly researched, and some cardinals who previously experienced a conclave have described the movie as an extremely accurate portrayal of the real thing, the cleric said, leading newcomers to turn to it as a primer.
“Conclave” is rife with drama – backstabbing, scandalous accusations, and little-known cardinals coming to the fore of the process — some of which has begun to play out in real life ahead of Wednesday’s ceremony.
Ralph Fiennes stars in the Academy Award-nominated film, “Conclave.” éFocus Features/Courtesy Everett CollectionOne contender, Italian Cardinal Angelo Becciu, has already withdrawn himself from the running over a 2023 conviction for embezzlement — at the behest of Francis himself from beyond the grave after letters he wrote requesting Becciu be excluded were unveiled, Euro News reported.
Anonymous reports of a health scare for frontrunning papal contender Cardinal Pietro Parolin of Italy also emerged ahead of the selection ritual, while another favorite — Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines – has been dogged by accusations of failing to address abuse allegations under his leadership, according to Panay News.
A still on a vote from the cardinals in the film, “Conclave.” ©Focus Features/Courtesy Everett CollectionWhether using a Hollywood film – which, spoiler alert, climaxes with an explosion tearing apart the Sistine Chapel roof – as a quick study by newbies to the centuries-old ceremony will add smoke to the drama remains to be seen.
Here’s hoping they don’t screen “Angels and Demons.”
