The death of Pope Francis earlier this year has ignited the age-old tradition of papal conclave speculation. But this time, the ranks of armchair Vatican experts have swelled, thanks in part to the influence of Hollywood. The 2024 political thriller “Conclave,” while fictional, has introduced many Americans to the ancient selection process, complete with its arcane rules and elaborate ceremony.

The movie, starring Ralph Fiennes, unfolds a narrative packed with palace intrigue and unexpected twists, giving viewers a glimpse into the secretive world behind the Vatican walls. But how much of what’s portrayed on screen aligns with the reality of a papal election? Vatican experts weigh in on what “Conclave” gets right – and were it veers into the realm of fiction.

Scenery and Aesthetics: A Visual Feast

One area where the film shines is in recreating the atmosphere of a conclave. According to William cavanaugh, a Catholic studies professor at DePaul University in Chicago, “The film gets a lot right. They tried to reproduce the mise-en-scene of the Vatican accurately. They show that a lot of the drama is around the preconclave conversations among cardinals.”

Despite its strengths, it’s not a flawless reproduction. The Rev. Thomas Reese, a senior analyst with the Religion News Service and a vatican expert, acknowledges the “marvelous” production values. However, he points out some minor inaccuracies in the cardinals’ attire. “The red in the cardinals’ garments was a deep red, while the reality is more orange. Frankly, I like the Hollywood version better,” says Reese, a Jesuit priest and author of “Inside the Vatican: The Politics and Institution of the Catholic Church.”

Papal Protocols: the Need for Speed

The film mirrors real-world expectations for a swift conclave, according to Massimo faggioli, a past theology professor at Villanova University in Pennsylvania. “A long conclave would send the message of a Church divided and possibly on the verge of a schism. The history of the conclaves in the last century is really a story of short conclaves,” Faggioli said.

However, there are some procedural discrepancies.Reese notes that while the voting process is generally depicted accurately, the ballots are burned after each session, typically involving two votes, rather than after each individual vote. This subtle alteration changes the rhythm of anticipation depicted in the film.

Holy Plot holes: Where Fiction Strays

The film takes some liberties with reality, creating plot devices that Vatican experts deem highly improbable.

One important departure involves the arrival of the archbishop of Kabul, Afghanistan, who presents documentation claiming the late pope secretly appointed him a cardinal in pectore, thus granting him voting rights. “The biggest mistake in the movie was the admission of a cardinal in pectore into the conclave,” Reese states. “If the name is not announced publicly by the pope in the presence of the College of Cardinals, he has no right to attend a conclave.”

Cavanaugh agrees, noting that while the Kabul archbishop twist is “far-fetched,” it does highlight a crucial aspect of papal elections: “The cardinals do not always know who they’re getting when they elect a pope. If the cardinals knew how (Jorge Mario) Bergoglio would be as Pope Francis, many of them wouldn’t have voted for him. Pius IX was elected as a liberal and turned into an archconservative. John XXIII was supposed to be a jolly caretaker pope, and he unleashed Vatican II,” a series of modernizing reforms.

Another questionable storyline involves the dean of the college of Cardinals violating the sanctity of the confessional. According to Reese, “He committed a mortal sin and would be automatically excommunicated. Such an action would be egregiously wrong.”

Moreover, the film depicts cardinals engaging in vote-buying, a practice considered highly unlikely in modern times. Cavanaugh also suggests that the level of political maneuvering is exaggerated.

political Labels: Oversimplifying the Cardinals

The movie simplifies the complex ideologies of the cardinals by portraying them as either liberal or conservative.Kurt martens, professor of canon law at the Catholic University of America in Washington, argues that “Those labels don’t help us” as cardinals tend to be cautious in expressing their views. he added that “even someone we think is a liberal cardinal is pretty conservative by secular standards.”

Martens also emphasizes that the two-thirds majority rule ensures that “whatever we call extreme” is unlikely to garner enough votes, even in a large conclave like the one expected this year.

Behind the Silver Screen: The Real Stakes

While “Conclave” offers a dramatized portrayal of papal elections, the actual process is steeped in centuries of tradition and carries immense significance for the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics. Unlike the film’s focus on political machinations, the cardinals are tasked with prayerfully discerning who among them is best suited to lead the Church.

The election of a new pope impacts not only the Catholic Church but also global affairs. The pope’s pronouncements and actions carry weight on issues ranging from social justice and climate change to international relations. The choice made behind closed doors in the Sistine Chapel has far-reaching consequences, making the conclave a subject of intense interest worldwide.

Counterargument: Is Hollywood always Wrong About the Vatican?

Some argue that Hollywood’s portrayal of the Vatican and its inner workings is consistently inaccurate and sensationalized, driven by dramatic license rather than factual depiction. Though, while artistic liberties are frequently enough taken to enhance the narrative, films like “Conclave” can also serve as an entry point for viewers to learn about the complexities of the Catholic Church and its traditions.

Furthermore, the very act of scrutinizing these fictional depictions encourages viewers to seek out more accurate information, fostering a greater understanding of the Vatican and the papal election process. The key is to approach such films with a critical eye, recognizing the distinction between entertainment and reality.

FAQ: Understanding the Papal Conclave

How long does a papal conclave typically last?

While there’s no set timeframe, recent conclaves have been relatively short, often lasting only a few days. A prolonged conclave can signal division within the Church.

What happens if no candidate receives a two-thirds majority?

The cardinals continue to vote in multiple ballots each day until a candidate secures the required two-thirds majority. prayer and discernment guide the process.

are cardinals allowed to communicate with the outside world during the conclave?

No, cardinals are sequestered from all outside interaction to ensure the secrecy and integrity of the election process. This includes no access to phones, internet, or television.

What is the significance of the white smoke?

White smoke billowing from the Sistine Chapel chimney signals that a new pope has been successfully elected. Black smoke indicates that no decision has been reached.

Who is eligible to be elected pope?

Any baptized male Catholic is technically eligible, but in modern times, the College of Cardinals typically elects one of their own members.