Edward Berger's gripping papal thriller, *Conclave*, captivated audiences last year, offering a rare glimpse into the secretive world of Catholicism by showcasing the ritualistic election of a new pope. With the real-life conclave approaching, it's fascinating to see how the film has influenced those who will participate in this sacred process. As cardinals from around the globe prepare to gather, some have turned to Berger's film for guidance on what to expect.
A papal cleric involved in the conclave ritual spoke to the politics and current events outlet Politico, revealing that Berger's film, which features the esteemed actor Ralph Fiennes as the dean of the College of Cardinals, has been lauded as "remarkably accurate even by Cardinals." The cleric further noted that "some [Cardinals] have watched it in the cinema," highlighting the film's impact and relevance.
The passing of Pope Francis in late April, just months after the film's release, set the stage for the upcoming conclave. Starting on Wednesday, May 7, 133 high-ranking clerics from across the world will convene in the Sistine Chapel to deliberate and vote on the next leader of the global Catholic Church.
A significant number of these cardinals were appointed by Pope Francis himself and have never experienced this ritual before. For them, *Conclave* serves as a valuable resource, offering insights that might be difficult to obtain, especially for those from smaller and more remote parishes. This reliance on the film underscores its accuracy and its role in preparing these religious leaders for one of the most significant events in the Catholic Church.
