Following the passing of Pope Francis on April 20 at the age of 88 due to a cerebral stroke coma and heart failure the world’s attention has turned toward the ancient and sacred process of selecting the next leader of the Catholic Church — the papal conclave. This real-life ritual comes just months after the release of the Oscar-winning film Conclave which dramatized this very process. With Ralph Fiennes playing Cardinal Lawrence the movie takes a deep dive into the complex layers of the Vatican’s most guarded tradition. But how closely does the film reflect reality?
In Conclave viewers are taken into the corridors of the Vatican where Cardinal Lawrence is charged with organizing the election of the new pope. As hidden truths and power struggles unfold the narrative blends spiritual reflection with political intrigue. According to screenwriter Peter Straughan who spoke with USA Today the film involved intense research including a private tour of the Vatican. He revealed that the church was surprisingly open to assisting their creative journey saying the goal was to respect the spirit of the church while acknowledging its faults.
The film’s depiction of the cardinals being locked away until a new pope is elected is not an exaggeration. This ancient tradition requires up to 235 cardinals to stay within Vatican City during the conclave shielded from outside influence. Once the ritual begins a Vatican official famously announces “extra omnes” — meaning everyone else must leave. Only the cardinals remain and are expected to avoid all external communication until a consensus is reached.
During this period the cardinals stay at Casa Santa Marta a humble residence within the Vatican grounds. Meals are shared in a communal dining area and cardinals are allowed to converse and move about certain parts of the Vatican including chapels and courtyards. This portrayal in the film aligns closely with the real-world environment which is more functional than luxurious.
The voting system shown in the movie is another authentic aspect. Cardinals vote up to four times daily by writing a name on a folded ballot making a solemn vow and depositing it into an urn. Once votes are counted the ballots are stitched together and burned. The color of the smoke that rises is a signal to the outside world — black for no decision white for a successful election. This symbolic moment was captured with visual power in the film and mirrors real-life procedure.
Despite the detailed research and accuracy in many areas Conclave does take creative liberties. The movie was not filmed within the Vatican due to restrictions but the production team recreated the interiors in Rome using historic buildings and sets. Additionally some of the plot twists suspenseful storytelling and dramatic characters were added purely for cinematic effect rather than historical accuracy.
In conclusion while Conclave incorporates fictional storytelling it succeeds in presenting a respectful and compelling portrayal of one of the most mysterious rituals in the world. From costumes and settings to the actual election process the film stays impressively grounded in reality while adding narrative elements that captivate viewers. It offers a rare and insightful lens into the papal election process during a time when the real world is watching history unfold. Conclave is currently available to stream on Apple TV.
