Have you ever wondered what really transpires behind the closed doors of the Vatican during the secretive process of electing a new Pope? The upcoming psychological thriller “Conclave” promises to pull back the veil on this highly guarded ritual, offering audiences a rare glimpse into the high-stakes drama and political maneuvering that unfolds within the College of Cardinals1.
Directed by the acclaimed Edward Berger, known for his adaptation of “All Quiet on the Western Front,” this film boasts a star-studded cast that includes Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rossellini2. Based on the novel by Robert Harris, “Conclave” promises to unveil the secrets, scandals, and traditions that govern one of the Catholic Church’s most guarded rituals1.
From the clash of reason and belief to the interplay of human nature and divinity, this film delves into the complex issues that shape the selection of the next leader of the Catholic Church1. As the cardinals gather to cast their votes, the audience is sure to be captivated by the pulse-pounding score, the standout performances, and the behind-closed-doors scheming that echoes the drama of popular political thrillers3.
Key Takeaways
- A star-studded cast brings the high-stakes drama of the papal conclave to life.
- The film explores complex themes, including the clash of reason and belief, and the interplay of human nature and divinity.
- Director Edward Berger’s versatility and the acclaimed score by Volker Bertelmann add to the film’s cinematic appeal.
- The production recreated parts of the Vatican, including the Sistine Chapel, to enhance authenticity.
- The film tackles timely issues of prejudice and scandals within the Catholic Church.
What is a Papal Conclave?
A papal conclave is the highly secretive process by which the Catholic Church elects a new Pope4. When the papacy becomes vacant, the College of Cardinals convenes in the Sistine Chapel to vote for the next leader of the Catholic Church5. The cardinals are sequestered in the chapel, cut off from the outside world, until a new Pope is chosen5.
The Highly Secretive Process of Electing a New Pope
The election process is steeped in centuries-old traditions, including the burning of ballots that signal whether a new Pope has been selected4. The election requires a two-thirds majority vote5, and the new Pope is then presented to the world from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Over the centuries, the papal election process has evolved, with various reforms and changes implemented by different Popes4. The first papal conclave held in the Sistine Chapel was in 1492, and all conclaves since 1878 have been held in the same venue5.
The current procedures for papal elections were set by Pope John Paul II through his apostolic constitution Universi Dominici gregis, with amendments added by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007 and 20135.
The Roles and Responsibilities
The College of Cardinals plays a pivotal role in the papal conclave, as they are the only ones eligible to vote for the new Pope. These cardinals, personally selected by the previous Pope, gather in the Sistine Chapel to deliberate and cast their ballots6. Within the College, the Dean of the College of Cardinals is responsible for overseeing the entire conclave process, from the preparatory meetings to the final announcement of the new Pope6.
The cardinal electors, limited to a total of 120 members who are under the age of 80, are the only ones eligible to vote in the conclave67. The voting process during the conclave consists of two ballots in the morning and two in the afternoon, with a rectangular ballot paper used for voting7. A candidate must receive a two-thirds majority vote to be elected as the new Pope7.
If after three days of balloting nobody has gained the two-thirds majority, voting is suspended for a maximum of one day7. During the final round of voting, if a cardinal receives the necessary two-thirds vote, they are asked to accept the election and choose a papal name before appearing on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica6. The process for the final round concludes with the burning of the ballots using chemicals to produce white smoke, indicating the election of a new Pope to the world6.
“The election process in the Sistine Chapel requires the burning of ballot papers, with black smoke signaling failure and white smoke signaling the successful election of a new pope.”7
Conclave: The Thriller Behind the Scenes
Prepare to be captivated by the upcoming film “Conclave,” a gripping thriller that transports you behind the closed doors of the Vatican’s most secretive process – the election of a new Pope8. Directed by the acclaimed Edward Berger, known for his Academy Award-winning adaptation of “All Quiet on the Western Front,”9 this star-studded ensemble cast brings to life the complex web of characters and power struggles within the College of Cardinals as they vie for the papacy.
At the heart of the film is the character of Cardinal Lawrence, portrayed by the esteemed Ralph Fiennes8. Serving as the dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Lawrence grapples with his faith, adding a profound depth to the narrative9. Alongside him, Stanley Tucci shines as Cardinal Bellini, the Cardinal Secretary of State, who shares a close friendship with Cardinal Lawrence and oversees the Vatican’s political and diplomatic activities.
The film also features a talented supporting cast, including John Lithgow as the conservative candidate Cardinal Tremblay, using his charm to advance his chances8, Lucian Msamati as Cardinal Adeyemi, a candidate seeking to become the first African pope8, Carlos Diehz as the selfless Cardinal Benitez8, and Sergio Castellitto as the power-hungry Cardinal Tedesco from Venice.
Rounding out the cast is the captivating Isabella Rossellini as Sister Agnes, providing a unique female perspective in this predominantly male-centric storyline and influencing the proceedings at Casa Santa Marta, where the cardinals reside during the conclave8.
Based on the novel by acclaimed author Robert Harris, “Conclave” promises to deliver a thrilling and insightful exploration of the Vatican’s most guarded secrets, scandals, and ideological divisions9. As the cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel to elect the new Pope, the audience will witness the delicate balance between upholding the church’s values and grappling with its flaws9.
With its October 25th theatrical release, “Conclave” is set to captivate audiences worldwide, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the inner workings of the Catholic Church and the high-stakes drama that unfolds behind the Vatican’s closed doors9.
“Conclave” is a must-see for anyone fascinated by the Vatican’s mysteries and the power struggles that shape the future of the Catholic Church.
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Ralph Fiennes | Cardinal Lawrence |
| Stanley Tucci | Cardinal Bellini |
| John Lithgow | Cardinal Tremblay |
| Lucian Msamati | Cardinal Adeyemi |
| Carlos Diehz | Cardinal Benitez |
| Sergio Castellitto | Cardinal Tedesco |
| Isabella Rossellini | Sister Agnes |
The Symbolic Smoke Signals
One of the most iconic symbols of the10 papal conclave is the smoke that emerges from the Sistine Chapel during the voting process. If the ballots are burned and no new Pope has been elected, the smoke appears black, signaling that the conclave continues10. However, when a new Pope is chosen, the ballots are burned with chemicals that produce white smoke, announcing the successful election to the world11. This visual cue has captured the imagination of Catholics and non-Catholics alike, as they anxiously await the reveal of the next leader of the Catholic Church.
The use of smoke signals to convey messages has a long history, dating back to ancient civilizations12. In ancient China, soldiers used smoke signals along the Great Wall to warn of enemy invasion, with the size of the invading party being communicated through the color of the smoke12. Similarly, Native American tribes had their own signaling systems using smoke signals to convey messages such as well-being or danger based on the location of the rising smoke12.
The College of Cardinals, responsible for electing a new pope, is composed of 115 cardinals, with nearly half being Italians10. Vatican authorities closely monitor the Sistine Chapel for electronic devices during the conclave to prevent leaks10. The voting system involves each cardinal writing their choice on a piece of paper inscribed with “Eligo in summen pontificem” (“I elect as Supreme Pontiff”) then dropping it into a chalice11. The ballots are mixed, counted, and then burned in a stove after being pierced with a needle11.
The Vatican uses a mixture of potassium perchlorate, anthracene, and sulfur to produce black smoke and potassium chlorate, lactose, and rosin for white smoke11. In 1963, the Vatican started to introduce chemicals to color the smoke during the papal conclave11. This strategic use of smoke signals has become a powerful symbol, capturing the world’s attention during the pivotal moments of a papal election.
“The smoke signals have become a powerful symbol, capturing the world’s attention during the pivotal moments of a papal election.”
Conclusion
As the highly anticipated film “Conclave: Behind the Vatican Curtain” prepares to captivate audiences, it promises to offer a compelling and nuanced exploration of the secretive world of the papal conclave13. Directed by the acclaimed Edward Berger and based on Robert Harris’s 2016 novel13, this thrilling cinematic adaptation delves into the intricate rituals, power struggles, and personal dilemmas that unfold behind the closed doors of the Vatican.
Through the skilled performances of a talented cast, including Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and Isabella Rossellini14, the film invites viewers to witness the intricate machinations and shifting allegiances that shape the selection of the next leader of the Catholic Church13. By immersing the audience in the isolated and deeply symbolic environment of the conclave13, the movie not only satisfies the curiosity of those fascinated by the inner workings of this influential institution but also prompts deeper reflections on the complex and sometimes conflicting forces that guide the Church’s decision-making.
Whether you are a devout Catholic, a student of history, or simply someone captivated by the mysteries of power and influence, “Conclave: Behind the Vatican Curtain” promises to be a must-see cinematic experience14. As the film navigates the delicate balance between melodrama and profound exploration of the issues facing modern Catholicism14, it invites you to immerse yourself in the captivating world of and witness the intricate dance of faith, politics, and the search for spiritual leadership.
