Edward Berger's gripping papal thriller, Conclave, captivated audiences last year, offering a rare glimpse into the secretive world of electing a new pope. As Cardinals from across the globe prepare for an actual conclave following the recent passing of Pope Francis, the influence of Berger's film becomes strikingly evident. Some of these religious leaders have turned to the movie for guidance, highlighting the powerful impact of cinematic storytelling on real-world events.
According to a papal cleric involved in the conclave process, speaking to the politics and current events platform Politico, Berger's film, which features the esteemed Ralph Fiennes as the dean of the College of Cardinals, has been lauded as "remarkably accurate even by Cardinals." The cleric also noted that "some [Cardinals] have watched it in the cinema," underscoring the film's role as a preparatory tool for those about to engage in this historic ritual.
Pope Francis passed away in late April, just months after Conclave hit the screens. His death set the stage for a conclave, where 133 high-ranking clerics will gather in the Sistine Chapel starting Wednesday, May 7, to deliberate and vote on the next global leader of the Catholic Church.
A significant number of these Cardinals were appointed by Pope Francis and are new to the conclave process. This inexperience, particularly among those from smaller or more remote parishes, makes the film's detailed depiction of the conclave all the more valuable. It provides these leaders with a unique perspective and understanding that might otherwise be difficult to obtain, showcasing the film's unexpected yet significant role in real-life ecclesiastical proceedings.
