The pitch perfect film “Conclave” that everyone was waiting for. It hooks audiences in by opening the curtain on the mysterious and often confounding machinations behind electing a new pope. Based on the 2016 bestselling novel by Robert Harris, the movie explores the dynamics within the College of Cardinals as they gather to select a pontiff. The movie beautifully illustrates the vibe of a conclave. It also provides fascinating perspective on the historical background that made Pope Francis’s surprise 2013 election possible.
Robert Harris, writer of the original novel, based his vision on this crucial moment in modern church history. His research included conversations with Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor, who offered immeasurable guidance and direction through the electoral process. When the novel was released in 2017, it became an immediate success and critical favor. Cardinal Murphy-O’Connor commended its realism, saying that it was exactly like a real conclave.
The Making of Conclave
“Conclave” has created a major buzz in the film community, receiving eight Oscar nominations and winning Best Adapted Screenplay. The production challenges that filmmakers took on were unlike any other, having to remove the ability to shoot on location in the Vatican. Rather, they shot on soundstages and locations throughout Rome to recreate the feel of a sacred space.
Peter Straughan, the film’s screenwriter, lauded the collaboration with Vatican officials. He praised their wonderfully hospitable welcome throughout the shooting schedule.
“So it was a big research project, really. It’s a fascinating and theatrical world, so you want to get those details right. It’s a very sumptuous thing.” – Peter Straughan
The attention to detail woven throughout the film is striking. You can observe this most clearly in its depiction of the conclave process, where cardinals in secret chambers cast ballots to choose a new pope. The film provides an exclusive glimpse into this little known side of church politics.
The Papal Conclave Explained
The papal conclave is unusual, but important enough to the Roman Catholic Church that it draws attention worldwide. It brings together all cardinals under 80 years of age allowed to exercise their vote. The College of Cardinals is limited to four ballots in a single day. What they often do is vote again and again until they get to the two-thirds majority required for that election. After nearly three days without a statewide election result, a moratorium on partisan voting offers time for contemplation. This pause provides cardinals an opportunity to reflect on their decision before they proceed.
Once a candidate receives sufficient votes, it triggers a public and ceremonial chain reaction. Collectively, these actions signal the new election results to the public. Another chance is put to rest. Each ballot cast is burned, and colored smoke pours from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel. As a reminder, black smoke indicates that no final decision has been reached. White smoke, on the other hand, means that a new pope has been elected.
Even the time of election of the new pope is rich in tradition. The senior cardinal deacon then comes forward. He then appears on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and announces, “Habemus papum,” or “We have a pope.” Today’s announcement signals more than an end of uncertainty — it is a new beginning for the Catholic Church.
Reception and Impact of Conclave
The release of “Conclave” has sparked discussions about the complexities of papal elections and their implications for the future of the church. The film brings a secretive, momentous process into public view. It asks us all to look beyond these complex political realities and to the individual human stories that influenced these decisions.
Filmmakers have an impossible task in recreating this secretive art. Despite that, it has attracted great curiosity.
“This is the most secretive election in the world, it’s quite hard to get the inside scoop.” – Straughan
This observation highlights both the challenges faced by filmmakers in portraying such a clandestine process and the immense curiosity that surrounds it.
