Cardinals Monitor Conclave for Research on Upcoming Event

Edward Berger’s gripping film Conclave captivated audiences last year by delving into the secretive and ritualistic process of electing a new pope, a facet of Catholicism rarely seen by the public. As the world now watches an actual conclave unfold, the influence of this cinematic portrayal becomes strikingly evident. Some of the Cardinals participating in the real-life event have turned to the film for guidance, showcasing the power of movies in shaping perceptions and understanding of complex rituals.

A papal cleric involved in the conclave process shared with Politico that Berger's film, featuring Ralph Fiennes as the dean of the College of Cardinals, has been praised as "remarkably accurate" by the Cardinals themselves. The cleric noted that "some [Cardinals] have watched it in the cinema," indicating the film's impact on those directly involved in the papal election.

Following the death of Pope Francis in late April, just months after the film's release, the conclave process was set in motion. From May 7, 133 high-ranking clerics from around the globe will gather in the Sistine Chapel to deliberate and vote for the next leader of the worldwide Catholic Church.

A significant number of these Cardinals were appointed by Pope Francis and are experiencing the conclave for the first time. Given their inexperience, it's understandable that Conclave would serve as a valuable resource, particularly for those from smaller or more remote parishes who may have limited exposure to such high-level ecclesiastical proceedings.