As Pope Francis approaches his 88th birthday, discussions regarding his potential successor are intensifying within the Vatican. Coincidentally, the Rome Film Festival is currently featuring “Conclave,” a riveting thriller that delves into the ruthless world of power-hungry cardinals who abandon morality in their pursuit of the papacy.
Directed by Austrian-Swiss filmmaker Edward Berger, known for his acclaimed adaptation of “All Quiet on the Western Front” (2022), “Conclave” is based on Robert Harris’s 2016 novel of the same name. The film stars Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, the dean of the College of Cardinals tasked with organizing the conclave—a historic ritual where cardinals convene in the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope following the death of their predecessor.
The term “conclave” derives from the Latin phrase “cum clave,” meaning “with a key,” signifying that the cardinals are locked in until they select the new leader for the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics. This centuries-old tradition takes place beneath the breathtaking frescoes painted by Michelangelo, including his iconic “The Last Judgment,” which looms behind the altar, representing the eternal fate of souls.
During the conclave, the cardinals are cut off from the outside world, living in seclusion as they engage in a fierce, no-holds-barred competition characterized by secret deals and strategic voting. After each voting round, the ballots are burned in a specially designed stove in the Sistine Chapel, with chemicals added to color the smoke. The crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square eagerly awaits the outcome, knowing that black smoke signals no pope has been elected, while white smoke signifies a new pontiff has been chosen.
As the film explores the intricate machinations of this sacred yet politically charged process, it offers a timely reflection on the current dynamics within the Vatican, making it a thought-provoking centerpiece at the festival. With its themes of ambition, morality, and the weight of tradition, “Conclave” captivates audiences and invites them to ponder the future of the papacy as the world watches.
