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The article discusses the surprising influence of the film 'Conclave' on Catholic cardinals preparing for the papal elections. Reportedly, several cardinals watched the film, starring Ralph Fiennes, to familiarize themselves with the traditions and political dynamics inherent in the process of selecting a new pope. The film, directed by Edward Berger and based on Robert Harris’s novel, served as an unexpected guide for many of the 133 cardinal-electors who gathered in the Sistine Chapel. Released just four months before Pope Francis’s death, the movie acted as an unintentional primer for those less acquainted with the intricacies of the Vatican's internal operations. A significant portion of the cardinals participating in this particular conclave were appointed by Pope Francis himself and therefore lacked direct experience with the complex rituals of papal election. Furthermore, many of these cardinals hailed from smaller, historically less prominent dioceses, mirroring the backgrounds of some characters depicted in the film. A cleric, quoted by Politico, confirmed that several participants actively sought out the film as part of their informal preparations. The film features Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, the dean of the College of Cardinals, navigating the intense rivalries, leaked information, and unexpected appearance of a relatively unknown cardinal from a remote area. While the film takes certain dramatic liberties, it accurately depicts several procedural elements, such as the paper ballot voting system and the iconic smoke signal from the chimney, which announces the election result to the world. The movie also correctly portrays the sealing of the Sistine Chapel before the voting commences, with windows shuttered, phones confiscated, and electronic jammers deployed to prevent communication with the outside world. This is done to maintain the secrecy of the process, although, as the article notes, information often leaks out afterward, as was the case in 2005 when it became known that Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who later became Pope Francis, was a leading contender prior to his election in 2013. The film also delves into the power struggles that exist within the College of Cardinals. However, according to experts cited in The Washington Post, the most substantive discussions and lobbying typically occur during the general congregations that precede the conclave itself. These meetings, which take place behind closed doors and are often influenced by Vatican gossip and media speculation, are where the real positioning and negotiation take place.
While 'Conclave' apparently offered a glimpse into the election process, its accuracy and representativeness were contested. Joanne M Pierce, a professor emerita at the College of the Holy Cross, pointed out that the film strayed from established church rules by portraying cardinals engaging in casual conversations and campaigning, activities strictly prohibited. The Vatican even has a saying, "He who enters the conclave a pope, exits a cardinal," which underscores the importance of humility and discourages overt ambition for the papacy. The film also incorporated dramatic elements such as nuns speaking during meals and the notion of a surprise cardinal secretly appointed by the pope, known as 'in pectore.' Although this practice does exist, it is extremely rare and is unlikely to have a significant impact on a conclave's outcome. Further, the storyline explored themes of money and influence, hinting at bribery and political maneuvering. While such suggestions might be exaggerated, they are not entirely unfounded. Wealthy conservative groups have reportedly attempted to influence outcomes by supporting particular candidates. However, given that approximately 80 percent of the current cardinal-electors were appointed by Pope Francis, such efforts likely had a limited impact. On the positive side, the film apparently got several details right, ranging from the cardinals' modest accommodations to the overall solemn atmosphere of the proceedings. Robert Harris, the author of the book on which the film is based, confirmed that both his literary work and the subsequent film adaptation were carefully researched to ensure accuracy and authenticity.
In conclusion, the film 'Conclave' inadvertently served as a reference point for some cardinals participating in the papal elections, offering insights into the traditions, procedures, and political undercurrents of the process. While the film accurately depicted certain aspects of the conclave, such as the voting system and the sealing of the Sistine Chapel, it also took dramatic liberties and potentially misrepresented certain aspects of the election process, like the extent of campaigning and the influence of money. The cardinals' use of the film highlights their need for understanding the complex process, especially those appointed by Pope Francis and coming from less-experienced dioceses. Despite some inaccuracies, the film sparked interest and conversation surrounding the papal election and the often-opaque world of Vatican politics. The use of popular media as preparation material also suggests a change or adaptation in how individuals approach these traditionally closed processes. Ultimately, whether the film provides a good representation or not, the movie prompted preparation and contemplation for these religious leaders as they stepped into the Sistine Chapel. The fact that a film intended to entertain also functioned as an educational tool reflects the growing role that media, both news and entertainment, plays in understanding and interpreting complex social and political events. The Vatican and the selection of the Pope remains a mysterious and highly regarded process, the consumption of media is not outside of its influence. Though there is significant ritual and historical procedure to the act of selecting the next religious leader, the cardinals, like many individuals in the modern world, turn to film and entertainment as an educational tool.
Source: 'Conclave' Movie Guide Cardinals Voting For Next Pope vatican city news