 "The Oscar-Winning Movie ‘Conclave’: Pope Francis dead, how is the new Pope chosen?")
Pope Francis was reported dead on Monday, April 21, 2025, according to a video statement released by the Vatican. The first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, who served 12 years was 88. The Oscar-Winning Conclave had once shown how the new pope is elected.
Directed by Edward Berger Conclave is a 2024 political thriller and written by Peter Straughan. Here is how Ralph Fiennes’ _Conclav_e has a striking similarity to post-Pope Francis era.
The movie is based on the 2016 novel by Robert Harris. The film stars Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Sergio Castellitto, and Isabella Rossellini. It is shown in the movie, Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Fiennes) organises a conclave to elect the next pope and he finds himself in the midst of investigating secrets and scandals about the major candidates.
What is the Conclave?
The Conclave is an 800-year-old tradition. The Conclave is not as simple as picking the new head of the Catholic Church. According to reports published in India Today, it is the gathering of the Sacred College of Cardinals, who have the authority to elect a new Pope. The process takes place in the simplicity of the Sistine Chapel and descends into secrecy until the moment when white smoke rises from the chimney, signaling that a new Pope has been chosen.
According to USA Today report, the event is also known as a conclave, a term that lends its name to a 2016 Robert Harris book-turned-Oscar-winning movie. “Conclave” is set during a fictional meeting of red-cloaked cardinals who have flocked to the Eternal City to cast ballots for who will lead the world’s roughly 1.4 billion Catholics.
About the movie Conclave
When Cardinal Lawrence is tasked with leading one of the world’s most secretive and ancient events, selecting a new Pope, he finds himself at the center of a web of conspiracies and intrigue that could shake the very foundation of the Catholic Church. The film Conclave, which swept awards this season - including Best Picture and Best Actor for Ralph Fiennes.
(With inputs from agencies)