Expert Insight on ‘Conclave’ Film: Reflecting on Catholic Church Leadership and Future Papal Elections

Expert Insight on ‘Conclave’ Film: Reflecting on Catholic Church Leadership and Future Papal Elections

The film ‘Conclave,’ a mystery thriller directed by Edward Berger, has drawn attention not only for its storytelling but also for its depiction of the intricate process through which Catholic cardinals select a new pope. This Oscar-nominated movie features an impressive cast, including Ralph Fiennes, Isabella Rossellini, and Stanley Tucci. Set against the backdrop of a papal vacancy, it raises questions about the intersection of faith and politics within the Catholic Church.

The Vatican announced that Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church, passed away on April 21, 2025, the day after Easter Sunday. This announcement marked a significant event, compelling the world to reflect on the future direction of the Church and the conclave process itself.

Initially released in October 2024, ‘Conclave’ resonated with audiences amid growing concerns over Pope Francis’s health, which became increasingly public in early 2025 as he battled bilateral pneumonia.

The film closely follows a novel written by author Robert Harris. Dennis Doyle, a professor emeritus from the University of Dayton in Ohio, has analyzed the film’s accuracy and its portrayal of the conclave.

Film Accuracy Examined

Doyle provided insights regarding the film’s adherence to actual conclave procedures, stating that while the film depicts significant elements accurately, some details differ from reality. He remarked, “There were just a few differences, like some of the Latin wasn’t exact, the carpet was red in the movie and its beige in real life. The seating arrangements were done very dramatically in the movie. They’re not exactly that way in real life. And even the way the voting was done was not exactly the same.” Nevertheless, he expressed satisfaction with how well the film represented the characters and their complexities.

Despite the creative liberties, Doyle remarked that the film was “done very accurately” in the broader sense. He expressed surprise at how effectively the filmmakers presented the characters, ensuring each had a sympathetic portrayal.

Controversial Themes in ‘Conclave’

In preparing for his analysis, Doyle engaged with the source material multiple times, noting significant character differences between the novel and the film. He described a notable character change, explaining, “In the book, the character was transgender but didn’t go through with the operation. In the movie, the character was intersex, but still didn’t undergo surgery.” This alteration raised eyebrows and sparked discussions within Catholic communities, as many found the film to be perceived as anti-Catholic or misleading.

Viewing the film through a critical lens, Doyle acknowledged that while much of it seemed realistic, the film’s climax presented challenges to traditional Catholic perceptions. He noted, “I thought that everything in the movie was very realistic until the very end. I thought that, on a literal level, it really wasn’t very realistic. I don’t think that would happen, that somebody that was intersex would get elected pope. But symbolically, I thought the ending was very interesting.” He recognized that some Catholics might find the film’s conclusion disconcerting.

Portrayal of Gender Roles

The film’s exploration of gender roles within the Church attracted attention as well. Doyle highlighted that every character serving the cardinals was depicted as a nun. He emphasized that real-life protocols differ significantly, stating, “In that building, there’s simply a staff that works in that building, and they would be the people who would put out the meals and who would change the beds.”
Doyle also addressed broader issues of gender equality within the Catholic Church, noting that discussions around the role of women remain complex and often contentious. He commented on the contemporary conversation regarding transgender issues, observing that it is more pronounced in the United States and Europe than in other regions of the Church.

Amidst these discussions, the Vatican issued a 2024 declaration entitled Dignitas Infinita, where Pope Francis expressed condemnation of gender theory, asserting that efforts to change one’s immutable gender are misguided attempts to intervene in divine creation.

Impact of ‘Conclave’ on the Church

In light of Pope Francis’ death, Doyle predicts that ‘Conclave’ could drive renewed interest in the Catholic Church. He stated, “It may make people more aware that there is a lot of politicking that goes on and that is an interesting theme in the movie and in the book. I don’t think it will really have any impact on how people think about the church other than to make the ideal of the conclave interesting in general.”
Furthermore, ‘Conclave’ garnered acclaim, receiving nominations for multiple 2025 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor, while securing a win for Best Adapted Screenplay.

Overall, ‘Conclave’ has stirred both interest and controversy, inviting audiences to delve into the complexities of papal elections and the broader implications for the Catholic Church. With Bishop elections looming and dialogues about leadership evolving, the film reflects pressing themes relevant to both believers and the wider public.

Looking Ahead

As the Catholic Church navigates a pivotal time, the unfolding narrative around leadership, gender roles, and political dynamics remains at the forefront of discussions. The themes explored in ‘Conclave,’ while fictionalized, may resonate deeply with viewers contemplating the future direction of the Catholic Church. As potential successors to Pope Francis emerge, the focus on the Church’s evolving narrative will undoubtedly capture attention worldwide.