Edward Berger's gripping thriller, *Conclave*, captivated audiences last year, offering a rare glimpse into the secretive world of papal elections within the Catholic Church. As Cardinals from across the globe prepare to engage in a real-life conclave following the recent passing of Pope Francis, the influence of Berger's film is remarkably evident. Some of these religious leaders have turned to the movie for guidance, drawn by its portrayal of the conclave process.
According to a papal cleric involved in the conclave, as reported by Politico, the film, which features the esteemed Ralph Fiennes as the dean of the College of Cardinals, has been praised for its accuracy. The cleric noted that "some [Cardinals] have watched it in the cinema," highlighting the film's impact on those who will soon participate in this sacred ritual.
Pope Francis passed away in late April, just months after *Conclave* hit the screens. His death set in motion the conclave process, where 133 senior clerics from around the world will gather in the Sistine Chapel to elect the next pontiff. The conclave is set to begin on Wednesday, May 7.
A significant number of the Cardinals heading to Rome were appointed by Pope Francis and have yet to experience a conclave firsthand. This makes the film's depiction particularly valuable, especially for those from smaller, more remote parishes who might otherwise struggle to fully understand the intricacies of the process.
