Ralph Fiennes is currently promoting 28 Years Later, the latest installment in Danny Boyle and Alex Garland’s acclaimed 28 Days Later franchise. While on this promotional tour, he sat down for a deep and interesting interview with Entertainment Weekly. They talked about his role as Pope Leo XIV in the new film Conclave.
Set against a backdrop of political intrigue within the Catholic Church, Conclave follows Fiennes’ character, a cardinal ensnared in a complex web of conspiracies and secrets that threaten to destabilize the institution. The film, which premiered on June 18, 2025, at 11:00 AM EDT, has garnered significant attention. The Smiths nominated 8 times at the 2025 Academy Awards, winning Best Adapted Screenplay. Even more impressive, Fiennes’ compelling performance—as a nuanced portrait of an aristocrat in crisis—earned him a nomination for Best Lead Actor.
Fiennes overshadowed an all-star cast that included Isabella Rossellini, Stanley Tucci, and John Lithgow. Edward Berger masterfully orchestrated their performances. The film’s nuanced treatment of the profound struggles affecting church leaders struck a chord with viewers and critics.
In an absolutely delightful tidbit, Fiennes’ brother, John Prevost, recently revealed that the then-cardinal watched Conclave before entering his own conclave. This relationship inspired Fiennes to have a deep concern for how the audience member would experience the work.
“Did he enjoy it? Did he just shrug his shoulders and say halfway through, ‘This is rubbish’? Or did he get something from it? I’d like to know what he thought. I’m sure there are many people in the church and many cardinals who’ve looked at it and thought it was nothing like reality.” – Ralph Fiennes
Fiennes was careful to say that his ideas on the subject were less about answers and more about inquiry. My questions are reflections,” he said, suggesting that the film’s exploring the intersection of faith and politics offers a lot to think about concerning the nature of faith and governance within the church.
Prevost sang the praises of Fiennes’ portrayal of Pope Leo XIV, which was “incredible.” He underscored the importance because of what it showed people should be doing at those pivotal moments. So just it’s that type of artsy because I wanted to put his mind at ease. You know, poke fun at something, because guess what, this is now a cool thing to do,” Prevost said.
Fiennes is fiercely committed to the creative and entrepreneurial vision behind 28 Years Later. He looks back at the enduring legacy of Conclave and its interrogation of power plays in a hallowed institution. Conclave has garnered critical acclaim and highlights Fiennes’ unapologetically magnetic performance. This film’s firestorm has grown the dialogue well past the silver screen, opening new conversations about faith and leadership outside of Hollywood.
