Edward Berger’s Conclave Finds Unexpected Audience Among Catholic Cardinals
Edwards Beger’s Conclave has been watched by several Catholic cardinals as a “helpful research tool.”
In an example of art and faith coming together, several Catholic cardinals preparing to choose Pope Francis’ successor have reportedly watched Edward Berger’s 2024 Conclave. The reason? To better understand the intricate details, protocols and politics behind electing a new pope. They watched the film featuring Ralph Fiennes as a “helpful research tool."
As reported by Politico, several cardinals who gathered in Rome, Italy, for the 2025 conclave on Wednesday, May 7, revealed that they watched the Conclave before and during the papal voting process. They have found the Oscar-winning film surprisingly useful for selecting the new pope. “Some have watched (Conclave) in the cinema," a cleric told the media outlet, noting the film’s realism and relevance.
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“The film is seen as remarkably accurate even by cardinals," said the cleric, adding that the Edward Berger-directed film has been useful “at a time when so many of the conclave participants have little experience of Vatican politics and protocol."
The 2024 political thriller, adapted from Robert Harris’ bestselling novel, stars Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Thomas Lawrence of the United Kingdom, who leads the College of Cardinals after the death of a pope. Over three tense days at the Vatican in Italy, Lawrence uncovers secrets and scandals surrounding the potential papal candidates. Conclave also stars Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Carlos Diehz, Lucian Msamati, Brían F. O’Byrne, Merab Ninidze, Sergio Castellitto and Isabella Rossellini.
Made on a budget of $20 million, the film earned $118 million worldwide. Conclave earned eight nominations at this year’s Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Supporting Actor, and Supporting Actress. Screenwriter Peter Straughan was honoured with the award for Best Adapted Screenplay.
It is worth noting that prior to Conclave, Hollywood released a few other Vatican-centred dramas. One of them was The Two Popes (2019), featuring Jonathan Pryce as Francis. The film also tackled similar themes and received three Oscar nominations.
The real-life papal conclave is being held after the death of Pope Francis on April 21. Francis, who made history as the first Latin American pope, was elected in 2013.
The first day of voting failed to produce a new leader for the Church. In the late hours of Wednesday, a plume of black smoke rose over the crowd at St Peter’s Square, confirming that the conclave’s first ballot had not secured a two-thirds majority to name a successor to the late Pope Francis.
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