Credit : The official Instagram account for Conclave
LOS ANGELES – Conclave, the gripping drama about the Vatican’s secretive papal election process, won Best Adapted Screenplay at the 97th Academy Awards, with Peter Straughan honored for his adaptation of Robert Harris’s novel. The film, praised for its rich storytelling and authenticity, was a strong contender in multiple categories but ultimately missed out on Best Picture, which went to Anora.
The film received a total of eight Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Ralph Fiennes), Best Supporting Actress (Isabella Rossellini), Best Editing (Nick Emerson), Best Original Score (Volker Bertelmann), Best Production Design (Suzie Davies and Cynthia Sleiter), and Best Costume Design (Lisy Christl). However, it faced tough competition, with Ralph Fiennes losing Best Actor to Adrien Brody (The Brutalist) and Isabella Rossellini missing out on Best Supporting Actress to Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez).
Real-World Relevance: Pope Francis’s Health Crisis
Despite these setbacks, Conclave’s Oscar win comes at a moment of real-world significance, as Pope Francis, 88, remains under medical care following a severe bout of double pneumonia. With his health closely monitored, the film’s depiction of papal succession has become more relevant than ever.
Though Conclave is a work of fiction, its themes of leadership, tradition, and transition feel especially timely. Pope Francis has been hospitalized since February 14, sparking concerns about his ability to continue leading the Catholic Church.
The Vatican has confirmed that the Pope is off mechanical ventilation but remains on high-flow oxygen therapy. His condition has stabilized, though doctors remain cautious about his recovery. There has been no official discussion of succession, but speculation has grown.
Papal Conclave Process and the Film’s Depiction
While Vatican officials maintain that Pope Francis is still in charge, his illness has reignited global interest in the Church’s papal conclave process, which determines how a new pope is selected—a process Conclave brings to life in gripping detail.
If Pope Francis were to resign or pass away, the Catholic Church would initiate a papal conclave, a tradition that has shaped its leadership for centuries. The process unfolds as follows: The camerlengo (Vatican chamberlain) assumes temporary leadership of the Church. Cardinals gather to discuss Church matters and prepare for the election. Voting cardinals (under 80) enter the Sistine Chapel, cut off from the outside world. Ballots are cast, and black smoke signals an inconclusive vote, while white smoke announces the election of a new pope. The newly elected pontiff is introduced to the world from St. Peter’s Basilica.
Although deeply rooted in history, the conclave remains one of the most consequential events in modern religious leadership.
Dramatic License vs. Reality
The film masterfully portrays the secrecy and solemnity of the conclave, highlighting the oath of secrecy taken by cardinals, the black and white smoke signals signaling voting results, and the complex ideological divides between traditionalists and reformists within the Church.
However, the film also takes dramatic liberties, amplifying political maneuvering and intrigue for storytelling purposes. While real-life conclaves involve strategy, they are largely governed by spiritual discernment rather than backroom deals. The film’s unexpected twist is also highly improbable, as modern conclaves adhere to a structured and predictable process.
Despite these embellishments, Conclave remains one of the most authentic portrayals of the papal election ever brought to screen.
A Timely Exploration of Power, Faith, and Leadership
When Conclave was first released, it was seen as an intriguing exploration of power, faith, and leadership. Now, with Pope Francis’s health under scrutiny, its themes carry newfound weight and significance.
While no conclave is currently planned, the film has brought renewed attention to the Catholic Church’s succession process, offering insight into a tradition that could soon shape the future of over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide.
