Edward Berger's gripping papal thriller, *Conclave*, captivated audiences last year, offering a rare glimpse into the secretive and ritualistic process of electing a new pope. As cardinals from around the globe prepare to participate in an actual conclave following the recent passing of Pope Francis, the influence of Berger's film is strikingly evident. Some of these religious leaders have turned to the movie for guidance, highlighting the power of cinema in real-world scenarios.
According to a papal cleric involved in the conclave ritual, who spoke to the politics and current events outlet Politico, Berger's film—featuring the legendary actor Ralph Fiennes as the dean of the College of Cardinals—has been praised for its accuracy. The cleric noted that "some [Cardinals] have watched it in the cinema," indicating the film's impact on those about to partake in this sacred event.
Pope Francis passed away in late April, just months after the film's release, triggering the conclave process. Starting on Wednesday, May 7, 133 high-ranking clerics from across the world will gather in the Sistine Chapel to deliberate and vote on the next leader of the global Catholic Church.
A significant number of these cardinals were appointed by Pope Francis and have never experienced a conclave before. This makes it particularly understandable that they would seek insights from *Conclave*, especially those from smaller and more remote parishes who might otherwise struggle to grasp the intricacies of the ritual.
