When Hollywood Becomes Divine Intervention.
Cardinals Watch the Oscar-Winner Conclave – Why a Hollywood Movie Is Now the Unofficial Guide to Electing the Next Pope
An Unusual Guide for the Cardinals
Many of the 133 cardinals gathering this year to elect the next pope were appointed by Pope Francis and will be participating in their first papal conclave. Since the process is a highly secretive and rare event, many of these cardinals have never experienced it firsthand. According to reports, some of them have even watched the film Conclave to better prepare for the upcoming procedures.
How Accurate Is the Movie Really?
Some cardinals reportedly found the film surprisingly authentic. Conclave portrays many key elements of the papal election, including the isolation of the cardinals in the Casa Santa Marta, the secret balloting, and the internal tensions between different factions within the Church. These details largely reflect reality, making the film an intriguing, if unofficial, guide for some.
conclave (2024) conclave(2025) pic.twitter.com/A1R5rqDz97
— gab (@kenobitrinity) May 7, 2025
However, the film diverges significantly from reality in several key aspects. For example, it introduces the idea of a secret papal nomination – a scenario that is highly unlikely in an actual conclave. The length of the election process is also exaggerated for dramatic effect. While Conclave presents a drawn-out power struggle, most real papal elections in modern history typically last only two to three days on average.
Between Hollywood and Holiness
Another major difference lies in the tone of the film. While Conclave focuses on political intrigue, power struggles, and dramatic twists, many clergy emphasize that the real papal election is a deeply spiritual process. The cardinals spend most of their time in quiet reflection and prayer, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
The Vatican's Unexpected Moment in the Spotlight
Since the death of Pope Francis four months ago, interest in Conclave has surged. The film's streaming numbers have increased by 283 percent, indicating that not only cardinals but also the public are captivated by the secretive rituals of the papal election.
After the death of Pope Francis, viewership for CONCLAVE surged by 283%, with nearly 7 million minutes watched. pic.twitter.com/FqlvzEQBmq
— cinesthetic. (@TheCinesthetic) April 23, 2025
Sacred or Spectacle?
The fact that some cardinals are turning to a Hollywood script for guidance ahead of their most important decision has sparked mixed reactions. While some see the film as a practical way to prepare, others find this approach inappropriate and lacking in spirituality – after all, choosing the next pope is not just a matter of political strategy, but a decision that will shape the future of the Catholic Church. Some church officials have even gone so far as to call this approach blasphemous, arguing that it undermines the deeply spiritual nature of the conclave.
What do you think about this?