Conclave Movie Serves As Guidance For Cardinals Voting For Next Pope

New Delhi:
Before entering the papal elections to pick the next pope, several Catholic cardinals reportedly watched the film Conclave, starring Ralph Fiennes, to get a sense of the traditions and political undercurrents of the process.
The film, directed by Edward Berger and based on Robert Harris's novel, unexpectedly became a guide for many of the 133 cardinal-electors who entered the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday. Released four months before Pope Francis' death on April 21, the movie served as an unintended primer for those less familiar with the inner workings of the Vatican.
A majority of the cardinals participating in this conclave were appointed by Pope Francis himself and have never experienced the intricate ceremony of papal election. Many also come from smaller, historically overlooked dioceses, mirroring the background of characters portrayed in the film. One cleric, speaking to Politico, confirmed that several participants "watched it in the cinema" as part of their informal preparation.
In the film, Mr Fiennes plays Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, the dean of the College of Cardinals. He deals with intense rivalries, leaked dossiers, and the surprise appearance of a little-known cardinal from a remote region. Even though dramatised, many procedural elements were spot on, like the paper ballot voting system and the famous smoke signal from the chimney indicating the election result.
The movie also accurately showed how the Sistine Chapel is sealed before voting begins. Windows are shuttered, phones are taken away, and electronic jammers are used to block communication.
While this protects the secrecy of the process, information often leaks out afterwards just like it did in 2005, when it became known that Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio (Pope Francis) was a top contender before he was eventually elected in 2013.
The film also captures the power struggles within the College of Cardinals. But experts, as per The Washington Post, said that most of the serious discussions and lobbying usually took place during the general congregations before the conclave started. These meetings, held off-camera and often influenced by Vatican gossip and media speculation, were where the real positioning happened.
Joanne M Pierce, a professor emerita at the College of the Holy Cross, said the film crossed church rules by showing cardinals casually chatting and campaigning - something forbidden.
The Vatican even has a saying, "He who enters the conclave a pope, exits a cardinal." Meaning anyone who wants the job too much or isn't humble is not chosen.
The film also has dramatic touches like nuns speaking during meals and the idea of a surprise cardinal secretly appointed by the pope, known as 'in pectore'. While this practice exists, it is extremely rare and unlikely to affect a conclave.
The storyline also touched upon themes of money and influence, hinting at bribery and political games. Though exaggerated, it wasn't entirely off base. Wealthy conservative groups have tried to sway outcomes by backing certain candidates. But since 80 per cent of the current cardinal-electors were appointed by Francis, such efforts had limited impact, The Washington Post said.
The film got several details right. From the cardinals' modest accommodations to the solemn atmosphere. Author Robert Harris had confirmed that both his book and the film were carefully researched.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

First Post

4 hours ago

• First Post

‘Unimaginable, unacceptable': Russia rejects Israel's call for regime change in Iran, backs Khamenei

'(Regime change in Iran) is unimaginable. It should be unacceptable, even talking about that should be unacceptable for everyone,' said Russian President Vladimir Putin's Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov read more Russia has rejected calls for any potential push for regime change in Iran, warning that the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei could trigger a surge in extremism within the country. '(Regime change in Iran) is unimaginable. It should be unacceptable, even talking about that should be unacceptable for everyone,' Politico quoted Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesperson Dmitry Peskov as saying in an interview with Sky News published Friday. 'Those who are speaking about (killing Khamenei), they should keep it in mind. They will open the Pandora's box,' he added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Peskov warned that the direct involvement of other parties in the conflict could be 'even more dangerous,' as the US weighs offering military support to Israel. 'It will lead only to another circle of confrontation and escalation of tension in the region,' he added. Russia, meanwhile, has been waging a full-scale war against neighboring Ukraine for over three years, an invasion that has shaken Europe's long-standing security framework. The Kremlin's remarks come as former US President Donald Trump's team announced Thursday that he will decide within two weeks whether the US will join Israel's military campaign against Iran. Earlier the same day, Israeli President Isaac Herzog said that eliminating Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is not Israel's objective, though he claimed Khamenei's removal would ultimately serve the interests of the Iranian people. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz also declared on Thursday that Khamenei 'will be held accountable' following a missile strike that damaged an Israeli hospital. Meanwhile, on Friday morning, an Iranian missile struck the southern Israeli city of Be'er-Sheva, damaging buildings and injuring seven people after what local authorities described as a 'direct hit.' In response, the Israeli military said it carried out airstrikes on three Iranian missile platforms poised for launch and reported killing an Iranian commander involved in the operation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), more than 60 fighter jets struck dozens of military targets in Iran overnight, including missile production facilities in the Tehran area. With inputs from agencies

Indian Express

5 hours ago

• Indian Express

‘Dictator Approved': a golden thumbs-up crushing Statue of Liberty sculpture appears on National Mall

A new 'art' sculpture has appeared in the heart of Washington appearing to mock US President Donald Trump. Atop the replica of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's (D-California) desk on the National Mall, stands a work of art called 'Dictator Approved,' an 8-foot-tall sculpture showing a gold-painted hand with a distinctive thumbs-up squashing the sea-foam green crown of the Statue of Liberty. The artwork's creator intended Dictator Approved as a response to the June 14 military parade and authoritarianism, according to a permit issued by the National Park Service, as reported by The Washington Post. The parade, the creators wrote in the application, 'will feature imagery similar to autocratic, oppressive regimes, i.e. North Korea, Russia, and China, marching through DC.' The purpose of the statue, they said, is to call attention to 'the praising these types of oppressive leaders have given Donald Trump.' Plaques on the four sides of the artwork's base include quotes from world leaders including Russian President Vladimir Putin ('President Trump is a very bright and talented man.'), Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban ('The most respected, the most feared person is Donald Trump.'), former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro ('We do have a great deal of shared values. I admire President Trump.') and North Korea's Kim Jong Un ('Your Excellency.' A 'special' relationship. 'The extraordinary courage of President Trump.'). No individual or group has taken responsibility for the statue; however, Mary Harris is listed as the applicant for the permit, but no contact information for her was provided. The permit allows the statue to be in place from 7 am, June 16, until 5 pm, June 22. This isn't the first time a sculpture has appeared at the same location. In October last year, a 'brass-coloured 'poop statue' was placed on the National Mall in mock tribute to the January 6 rioters who stormed the US Capitol in an attempt to overturn the 2020 election. A sign below the desk read: 'This memorial honours the brave men and women who broke into the United States Capitol on January 6th, 2021 to loot, urinate, and defecate throughout those hallowed halls in order to overturn an election.' There is no confirmation if the artist group involved in the poop statue is the same involved here, given that the Dictator Approved statue is very similar in style and materials to the poop statue and several protest artworks placed in the District, Philadelphia, and Portland, Oregon, last fall. However, no individual or group has publicly claimed responsibility for those pieces. A White House spokeswoman, Abigail Jackson, lashed out at the claims of Trump leading an 'authoritative' regime, saying, 'If these Democrat activists were living in a dictatorship, their eye-sore of a sculpture wouldn't be sitting on the National Mall right now.' 'In the United States of America, you have the freedom to display your so-called 'art,' no matter how ugly it is,' she said in an email statement to The Washington Post. Social media users were in a frenzy on seeing the 'Dictator Approved' statue. On Instagram, many users shared their views, with some saying, 'That's what we call free speech, with a side of humour. Keep it coming.' Some also thanked the creator of the statue, calling it 'legendary'. 'Thanks to whoever did this,' the comment read. Another user said, 'National Park Service fires back with a permit. Love it!' However, not everyone welcomed the piece of art. 'So when the majority of people vote someone using their rights, it is frowned up and then called a dictatorship. When woke people with a pink and yellow hair do, its called sovereignty. Make it make sense!, a user wrote on Instagram. 'The hateful rhetoric of the left,' another user said. Some tourists who stopped by to see the statue told The Washington Post that they were surprised that it was allowed to be placed where it was. An 80-year-old from Australia, who didn't share his last name, said, 'I'm amazed that whoever dreamed this up could put this here,' adding, 'It reminds me of Animal Farm.' 'I actually love it,' said a District resident, who also didn't share his name. Abigail Martin, 21, visiting from Cleveland said, 'At first I was confused, but then I figured it out. I think it's beautiful.' (With inputs from The Washington Post, Reuters)

Time of India

6 hours ago

• Time of India

Iran news: Israel faces massive air defense crunch as Arrow interceptors run low and US stockpiles dwindle

The Iran-Israel conflict continues to intensify with each passing day. Now, Israel's air defense reportedly is under unprecedented strain as Iranian missile attacks escalate. Military officials may soon have to make difficult decisions about what they can protect. Israel faces massive air defense crunch The country's Arrow interceptor supply is reportedly running low, and the United States, which has been helping to shore up defenses, is also depleting its own reserves. Israel is reportedly running low on defensive "Arrow" missile interceptors, according to an unnamed US official quoted in The Wall Street Journal on Wednesday. Israel may need to begin rationing its air defenses by later this week because "the system is already overwhelmed,' as per a report. The scarcity has sparked worries about the nation's capacity to continue fending off Iran's long-range ballistic missiles. Live Events ALSO READ: Iran threatens U.S: Analysts warn of potential sneak attack by Tehran on America as tensions soar The Islamic Republic has launched more than 370 missiles and hundreds of drones at Israel in retaliation since Israel began its shock operation on Friday to eliminate the "existential threat" posed by Iran's nuclear program and ballistic missile capabilities. What's the role of the U.S. in this crisis? The Journal report claims that the US has been trying to strengthen Israel's air defenses in response to the Arrow interceptor shortage, which it has been aware of for months. However, those stocks are also limited. There is now concern that the US is depleting its stock of interceptors after sending many to Israel. How long can Israel's defenses hold up? According to "some assessments," Israel can sustain its air defense for 10–12 days at the current rate of Iranian attacks, which have decreased since the fighting began last week, before the US will need to resupply its supplies or become more involved in the conflict, according to a report in The Washington Post on Tuesday that quoted a person briefed on US and Israeli intelligence. What happens if interceptors run out? Officials warn that Israel may soon have to reduce its missile defenses in order to remain in the fight. Israel "will need to select what they want to intercept" by the end of this week. Israel has already decided to let some missiles fall even though it is aware that they will land in open spaces. It hasn't been able to destroy every missile aimed at major cities or vital infrastructure, though, when confronted with intense bombardments. Has Israel openly accepted that it's running low on Arrow interceptors? However, Israel did not respond to the reports. Although it was unable to comment on munitions-related issues, the Israel Defense Forces told the Journal that it is "prepared and ready to handle any scenario." Israel has not indicated that there is a lack of interceptors, as quoted in a report by The Times of Israel. According to the IDF, the majority of Iranian missiles launched at Israel in recent days have been intercepted at rates comparable to those observed during Iran's attacks in April and October of 2024. The IDF claims to have precise intelligence on Tehran's missile arsenal and has prearranged its operation. FAQs Is Israel actually running out of missile interceptors? Yes, US officials say Arrow interceptor stocks are running low, and Israel may have to begin rationing them by the end of the week if the attacks continue. Can the US continue to support Israel's defense efforts? For the time being, yes, but U.S. stockpiles are also dwindling, raising concerns about long-term support in the absence of deeper involvement or emergency production.