Conclave Movie

The death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, has reignited global fascination with the Vatican’s secretive process of electing a new pope. For those curious about the drama and politics behind this ancient ritual, the 2024 Oscar-winning film Conclave offers a gripping—and surprisingly accurate—glimpse into the high-stakes world of papal elections. Directed by Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front), this political thriller blends suspense, scandal, and spirituality, making it a must-watch as the real-life conclave unfolds. Here’s why the Conclave movie is both a timely and timeless exploration of power, faith, and human ambition.  

What Is the Conclave Movie About?

Conclave follows Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes), the dean of the College of Cardinals, as he oversees the election of a new pope following the sudden death of the pontiff. Locked inside the Vatican with over 100 cardinals, Lawrence uncovers hidden scandals, political scheming, and personal secrets that threaten to derail the sacred process. The film’s star-studded cast includes Stanley Tucci as Cardinal Aldo Bellini, a progressive reformer; John Lithgow as the ambitious Cardinal Joseph Tremblay; and Isabella Rossellini as Sister Agnes, a sharp-witted nun with insider knowledge.  


The story builds tension through factional rivalries: traditionalists clash with progressives, global candidates vie for support, and a mysterious dark horse—Cardinal Vincent Benitez (Carlos Diehz)—emerges as a wildcard. The film’s climax, involving a terrorist attack and a shocking revelation about Benitez’s identity, has sparked debate, but its portrayal of Vatican rituals has earned praise for authenticity.  

How Accurate Is the Conclave Movie to Real Vatican Procedures?

Experts agree that Conclave nails many details of the papal election process, even as it spices things up with Hollywood drama. Let’s break down what the film gets right—and where it takes creative liberties.  

What’s Accurate?

1. The Voting Rituals: The movie meticulously recreates the ballot-burning ceremony, complete with black or white smoke signals. Cardinals recite oaths in Latin, and the Sistine Chapel’s iconic setting is faithfully replicated.  

2. The Seclusion: Cardinals are locked inside the Vatican’s Domus Sanctae Marthae guesthouse, cut off from the outside world. The film shows their shared meals, whispered alliances, and the nuns who manage their daily needs—all true to life.  

3. Political Factions: Like real conclaves, the film highlights divisions between progressive and conservative cardinals. Nigerian Cardinal Joshua Adeyemi (Lucian Msamati) represents the growing influence of the Global South, while Italian traditionalists push for a return to orthodoxy.  

4. The Role of Secrecy: The movie emphasizes the strict confidentiality of the process, including sweeps for listening devices and the destruction of the deceased pope’s personal documents.  

What’s Fictional?

1. The “In Pectore” Cardinal: Cardinal Benitez, secretly appointed by the late pope, couldn’t legally participate in a conclave unless his title was publicly announced before the pope’s death—a rule the film overlooks.  

2. Explosive Drama: A terrorist attack during the election and Benitez’s intersex revelation are pure fiction. Real conclaves are far quieter, though experts admit the film’s twists highlight deeper themes about identity and inclusivity.  

3. Vote-Buying Scandals: While the film alleges bribery among cardinals, no real-life conclave has ever confirmed such corruption.  


Historian Kathleen Sprows Cummings sums it up: “Procedurally, they got it right. The aesthetics were stunning, even if the plot went full thriller”.  

Why Conclave Feels Especially Relevant Now

With Pope Francis’s passing, the Conclave movie has taken on new relevance. The film mirrors the real-world tension between reformers and traditionalists—a divide Francis embodied during his papacy. Over 70% of voting cardinals were appointed by Francis, raising questions about whether his successor will continue his progressive legacy or steer the Church conservatively.  


The movie also reflects the Catholic Church’s global shift. While Europe still holds the most cardinals, growing representation from Africa, Asia, and Latin America—as shown through characters like Adeyemi and Benitez—highlights the Church’s evolving demographics.  

Behind the Scenes of the Conclave Movie

The filmmakers prioritized authenticity. Screenwriter Peter Straughan interviewed cardinals and toured Vatican facilities, though filming wasn’t allowed on-site. Instead, the Sistine Chapel was recreated at Rome’s Cinecittà Studios, complete with Michelangelo-inspired CGI ceilings.  


Costume designer Lisy Christl studied 17th-century cardinal robes to get the rich crimson hues just right, while composer Volker Bertelmann used rare instruments like the Cristal Baschet to avoid overly “churchy” music.  


The cast also drew from personal connections. Ralph Fiennes, whose uncle was a renowned Catholic theologian, brought depth to Cardinal Lawrence’s moral struggles. Isabella Rossellini, raised in Rome, channeled her childhood memories of strong-willed nuns into Sister Agnes.  

Where to Watch the Conclave Movie

As interest surges post-Pope Francis’s death, Conclave is easy to stream:  

- Prime Video: Available starting April 22.  

- Rent/Purchase: Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, and more.  


The film’s rewatchability lies in its layered performances and timely themes. As theologian Bill Cavanaugh notes, “It captures the balance between the solemnity of the process and the humanity—and flaws—of the people involved”. 

Final Verdict: A Thought-Provoking Thriller

Conclave isn’t a documentary, but it’s a compelling gateway into the rituals and rivalries of papal elections. While the ending’s twists divided audiences, the film succeeds in humanizing an opaque process—reminding us that even holy men grapple with ambition, doubt, and the weight of history.  


As the real cardinals prepare to enter the Sistine Chapel, Conclave offers a timely, if dramatized, preview of the spiritual and political battles ahead. Whether you’re a film buff, a Vatican watcher, or simply curious about one of the world’s oldest institutions, this movie is a riveting watch.

Stream Conclave now on Prime Video and join the conversation about power, faith, and the future of the Catholic Church.