Cardinals Monitor Conclave for Upcoming Real Event Research

Edward Berger's gripping thriller Conclave captivated audiences last year by delving into the lesser-known world of Catholic papal elections. The film, featuring the esteemed Ralph Fiennes as the dean of the College of Cardinals, has not only entertained but also served as an educational resource for real-life Cardinals preparing for an actual conclave.

As reported by Politico, a papal cleric involved in the conclave process praised the film's accuracy, noting that "some [Cardinals] have watched it in the cinema." This endorsement highlights the film's impact and relevance, especially in light of Pope Francis's recent passing in late April, just months after Conclave hit the screens. His death has initiated the conclave process, set to begin on Wednesday, May 7, where 133 Cardinals from across the globe will gather in the Sistine Chapel to elect the next leader of the Catholic Church.

Many of the Cardinals heading to Rome were appointed by Pope Francis and have never experienced a conclave before. This makes Conclave an invaluable resource for them, particularly for those from smaller, more remote parishes who might otherwise struggle to understand the intricacies of the ritual. The film's depiction of the election process offers these Cardinals a unique opportunity to prepare for their pivotal role in choosing the next pontiff.