The upcoming film 'Conclave' has taken box offices by storm, and its narrative sheds light on the often-mysterious world of papal elections. The movie follows the story of a conclave held to elect a new leader for the Roman Catholic Church, as 134 cardinals seclude themselves in the Sistine Chapel, away from external influences.
As the film illustrates, this intense isolation is an age-old tradition aimed at fostering pure deliberation. The conclave's process, however, stands in contrast to contemporary calls for transparency and openness, as highlighted by experts in religious sociology. Professor Anna Rowlands from the University of Durham describes the conclave as an environment of introspection and profound responsibility that can only be comprehended by those inside its confines.
Dramatic moments are highlighted in the film, showcasing political maneuvers among cardinals as they vie for power. Nick Emerson, the film's editor, notes that the narrative captures the inner workings of these sacred deliberations and the strategic consideration cardinals undertake before casting their votes. The film compels a deeper understanding of the mix of divine inspiration and human ambition within the election process, particularly reflecting the tensions that arise from differing ideologies and backgrounds of cardinals, as many have been appointed by Pope Francis himself.
The film also raises provocative scenarios, such as the rise of an unknown cardinal, a narrative twist that, while captivating, strays from reality where established protocols govern the selection of candidates. 80% of the elector cardinals were centuries appointed by Francis, introducing fresh perspectives and hopes that shape the upcoming election.
Director Edward Berger aims to portray the cardinals not as distant figures of holiness but as relatable human beings grappling with the same flaws and struggles we face, injecting modern sensibilities into this ancient tradition. In Lord Rowlands' words, the conclave combines divine purpose with the “very human” aspects of grief, ambition, and temptation, making the entire process uniquely compelling. As the world awaits the results of the papal conclave set for May 7, the film 'Conclave' undoubtedly enriches our perception of this enigmatic tradition.
