In the first scenes of this engrossing film, directed by Edward Berger based on the 2016 novel by Robert Harris, the Pope of the Roman Catholic Church has died in his quarters. The responsibility to convene and run a Conclave to choose a new Pope falls upon Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes). Soon red-robed cardinals arrive from their posts around the world. And gossiping, bickering, smear campaigns, and alliance making ensues.
Lawrence, while a potential candidate himself, favors Cardinal Bellini (Stanley Tucci), a progressive who wants to continue the prior Pope’s progress on LGBT rights, women’s leadership in the church, and multifaith outreach. They and a few others want to stop Cardinal Tedesco (Sergio Castellitto), an Italian traditionalist who still favors the Latin Mass.
A third contender is Cardinal Adeyemi (Lucian Msmati), who becomes an early victim of a smear campaign involving a woman from his home in Africa. The campaign of Cardinal Trembley (John Lithgow) also faces challenges when Lawrence receives information about his last meeting with the Pope.
Adding more intrigue to the proceedings is Cardinal Benitez (Carlos Diehz) from Afghanistan, a previously unknown cardinal privately appointed by the Pope. Rounding out the exceptional cast is Isabella Rossellini as a nun who is aware of much that is going on behind the scenes.
The College of Cardinals meet in the Sistine Chapel behind closed doors. (Their arrival in the rain – red robes under white umbrellas – is a breathtaking scene!) Each day they vote following a prescribed ritual, citing a Latin oath before submitting a ballot, then shredding the ballots after they are counted. Finally, when one candidate receives 75 votes, white smoke from the building’s chimney tells the gathered masses outside that there is a new pope. When not voting, the cardinals meet with each other and plot strategies.
All seem very aware that being Pope is a huge responsibility and getting there is not easy. Bellini observes, “No sane man would want the papacy.” Later he tells Lawrence, “This is a war and you have to commit to a side.”
Stunning scenery, masterful cinematography, captivating music, and one plot twist after another turn Conclave into a thoroughly entertaining thriller. It also is bound to be a good discussion starter. Here are just a few of the themes for your reflection, not only in terms of this particular narrative but in relation to your own experiences with religious leaders and communities.
1. Leadership. As the Cardinals interact with each other and consider their choices, they deal with their own shadows, doubts, and ambitions. They are not immune from the impulse to secure power over others, making them familiar figures in times like our own.
2. Dealing with Crises. Several of the Cardinals have to face crises of their own making. Others are charged with uncovering wrong-doing that has damaged the church. They are forced to admit mistakes and confront ethical dilemmas. Watching them, viewers may recall such challenges they have encountered.
3. Doubt and Certainty. Cardinal Lawrence admits to a personal crisis of faith, making his role in the Conclave difficult, especially when he has to determine if any candidate should be disqualified. The inner battle between doubt and certainty is at the heart of the human condition. Also evident in this story is the struggle between cynicism and hopefulness.
Conclave invites us to reflect on what leadership should embody, and as it draws to an end, we find ourselves cheering for courage, justice, accountability, and grace.