Cardinals Watch ‘Conclave’ Movie as They Prepare to Choose the Next Pope

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Cardinals Observe the Academy Award-Winning Film “Conclave” – Understanding Why a Hollywood Production Has Become an Unofficial Guide for Choosing the Next Pope

Cardinals Gaze at the Oscar-Awarded Movie “Conclave” – Discovering How a Hollywood Production Serves as an Unofficial Blueprint for Electing the New Pope

An Unusual Guide for the Cardinals

A significant number of the 133 cardinals convening this year for the election of the next pope were appointed by Pope Francis and will be participating in their inaugural papal conclave. Given that the proceedings are a cloaked and infrequent occurrence, many of these cardinals have not personally witnessed it before. It has been suggested that some of them have even watched the movie “Conclave” to enhance their understanding of the upcoming processes.

How Accurate Is the Movie Really?

Some people say that the movie Conclave seems very real to life. The movie shows important parts of a papal election, such as the cardinals staying in Casa Santa Marta, secret voting, and conflicts within the Church. These aspects closely mirror what actually happens, making the film an interesting, though unauthorized, guide for some.

conclave (2024) conclave(2025)

— gab (@kenobitrinity) May 7, 2025

In contrast to truth, the movie deviates substantially in various essential points. For instance, it proposes an unrealistic concept of a clandestine papal nomination, which is highly improbable in real-life conclaves. Moreover, for dramatic impact, the film stretches out the election period. Yet, most contemporary papal elections usually last about two to three days on average, not the protracted power struggle depicted in the movie.

Between Hollywood and Holiness

A significant distinction between the two films lies in their thematic approach. Whilst Conclave delves into political machinations, power struggles, and unexpected turns, it’s important to note that a genuine papal election is predominantly a spiritual journey. The cardinals engage more in introspection and prayer, seeking the divine wisdom of the Holy Spirit.

The Vatican’s Unexpected Moment in the Spotlight

Ever since Pope Francis passed away four months ago, there’s been a significant rise in curiosity about the Conclave. This is evident in the film’s streaming figures which have spiked by an impressive 283 percent. It seems that both cardinals and the general public are fascinated by the mysterious ceremonies surrounding the papal election.

Following Pope Francis’s passing, there was a significant increase in viewers tuning into CONCLAVE, with a remarkable 283% rise, amounting to approximately 6.9 million minutes of watch time.

— cinesthetic. (@TheCinesthetic) April 23, 2025

Sacred or Spectacle?

The discovery that certain cardinals are considering a movie script before making their crucial decision has provoked a variety of responses. Some view the film as a useful tool for preparation, while others believe it’s inappropriate and devoid of spirituality – after all, electing the next pope isn’t merely about politics; it’s a choice that will influence the Catholic Church’s future course. In fact, some church officials have gone as far as to label this method as blasphemous, asserting that it diminishes the profoundly spiritual essence of the conclave.

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2025-05-09 01:30