Conclave Film Accurately Depicts Pope Election Process

The death of Pope Francis has brought renewed attention to the centuries-old process of electing a new pope, known as the conclave, in which cardinals gather in the Vatican's Sistine Chapel to select his successor. The 2024 film 'Conclave,' directed by Edward Berger and based on Robert Harris's novel, has received acclaim for its realistic and meticulous depiction of this traditionally secretive process, blending the sacred rituals with the political intrigue and personal ambitions involved. Experts and historians note that the movie accurately reflects many of the real-life details, from the destruction of the late pope’s ring to the sequestering of cardinals and the ceremonial burning of ballots. The film also explores the human dynamics and power struggles that shape the outcome, which experts agree is an essential part of the actual election. Recent changes in the College of Cardinals, including greater global diversity, may make this conclave the most varied in history, reflecting shifts that began with Francis’s own election as the first non-European pope in over a millennium. While some traditionalists have critiqued the film for its dramatic twists, it is widely praised for demystifying the papal election and offering a rare glimpse inside the Vatican's closed doors.