Cardinals Turn to Hollywood Film for Papal Conclave Insights

VATICAN CITY — Catholic cardinals preparing for the upcoming papal conclave are looking to Hollywood for insights about the complex process of electing a new pope. As bizarre as it might seem, some of the 133 cardinals expected to enter the Sistine Chapel took cues from the movie ‘Conclave,’ featuring Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Thomas Lawrence.

A cleric involved in the conclave confirmed to POLITICO that several cardinals have watched the film in theaters. The movie showcases the intense atmosphere of the conclave, including the challenges posed by clashing opinions, scandalous information about candidates, and the unexpected emergence of new contenders. Many cardinals find the film accurately reflects the realities they will face as they begin their important tasks.

The release of ‘Conclave’ just four months before Pope Francis‘ death has given the cardinals a timely reference point, as many of them were appointed by the late pontiff and lack experience in the intricacies of Vatican operations. The film resonates especially well with younger cardinals from smaller dioceses who may feel out of their depth.

Pre-conclave activities have already caused significant tension, with reports of leaks against various candidates to the Italian press. There have been claims of a disgraced cardinal’s financial scandals impacting the proceedings, reflecting the cutthroat nature depicted in the film.

The process of voting in the conclave has strict guidelines. If any elector is too ill to participate, three cardinal electors called Infirmarii will be appointed to gather votes. They are required to ensure the integrity of the voting process and maintain confidentiality.

As cardinals entered the Sistine Chapel, spectators in St. Peter’s Square waited expectantly for the first smoke signal indicating a decision. Despite the growing crowd, some became restless as time passed. At various points, health concerns arose among the onlookers, prompting medical attention for attendees exhausted by the lengthy wait.

With around 30,000 people gathered, emotions ran high as night fell over Rome. Past 9 p.m. local time, spectators struggled to see the chimney clearly against the darkening sky, nonetheless remaining hopeful. A few expressed their anxieties while others recognized the historical significance of the occasion, despite any disappointments with the wait.

“I was asking my soul, ‘What’s with the long wait?’” remarked Rev. Mac Bean, 27, from Zimbabwe. Meanwhile, Valentina Kamenova, an actress living in Rome, felt the moment was equally surreal and captured the essence of the film ‘Conclave.’ “It felt just like the film,” she stated.

Under the vigilant watch of security forces, including army and police officers, the atmosphere remained tense yet hopeful. As the evening progressed, spectators tried to maintain their spirits amidst the uncertainties of the process. Just as the seagulls captured attention, many continued to document the moment, longing for the first sign that a new pope would soon emerge.