Conclave Ending Explained: What The Final Twist Means

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As a game enthusiast, I can honestly say that the movie adaptation of Robert Harris’ “Conclave” was hands down one of my top picks in 2024. It wasn’t about electing a president or a prime minister; no, this was a heart-pounding political thriller centered around an election with a unique twist – the selection of the next Pope.

The story centers around Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, brilliantly portrayed by Ralph Fiennes (who was nominated for an Academy Award), a complex character who serves as the Dean of the College of Cardinals. When the pope suddenly passes away due to a heart attack, Lawrence finds himself in a challenging predicament – he must lead the conclave that will decide the next pope. Imprisoned within the Sistine Chapel until a new pope is chosen, the cardinals engage in a clandestine struggle marked by contrasting beliefs and concealed motives. The outcome of this internal power play will shape not only the destiny of the Roman Catholic Church, but potentially the world as well.

With its seams bursting at the seams from shocking disclosures and razor-sharp humor, it’s no wonder that “Conclave” took home the Academy Award for best adapted screenplay. Each character in “Conclave” harbors a secret – some more explosive than others. As the intricate plot progresses, it may become challenging for viewers to keep track of all the details, particularly when the most crucial truth is unveiled in the closing minutes. Here’s an explanation of the final twist in “Conclave”.

What you need to remember about the plot of Conclave

Amongst the cardinals assembled worldwide at Vatican City, four potential popes come into view: Aldo Bellini (Stanley Tucci), Joseph Tremblay (John Lithgow), Joshua Adeyemi (Lucian Msamati), and Goffredo Tedesco (Sergio Castellitto). However, the unexpected arrival of Cardinal Vincent Benitez (Carlos Diehz) stirs up the conclave; unbeknownst to the other cardinals, Benitez was discreetly chosen by the Pope for perilous assignments such as Kabul.

Struggling with spiritual turmoil, Lawrence delivers a discourse on embracing doubt and the unknown. This unforeseen action garners backing for him as the next pontiff, even though Benitez objects. In the initial round of voting, no candidate obtains a majority, plunging Lawrence into the complex political maneuvers of the potential popes and their divergent beliefs. Additionally, he discovers that Benitez had called off a health check-up in Switzerland – an appointment previously arranged and covered by the late pope.

In the heat of the election, I found myself at the center of a whirlwind when Sister Agnes, a revered figure, confronted me; rumors swirled that the conservative Cardinal had been involved in a clandestine affair. The more liberal contenders, Lawrence and Bellini, seemingly fractured the vote, providing an advantage to the moderate Tremblay over Tedesco. However, an unexpected alliance between Lawrence and Sister Agnes uncovered a shocking truth: Tremblay had orchestrated the arrival of my former lover, and, in a grave sin, had paid cardinals for their votes – a heinous act known as simony. Together, they exposed Tremblay’s transgressions to the world, despite Bellini’s apprehensions that if Tedesco were elected pope, he would steer the Church back towards the bleak ages of the past.

As we prepared for the final vote, a chilling event occurred – a terrorist bombing echoed through the hallowed halls of the Sistine Chapel, casting an ominous shadow over our election process.

What happens at the end of Conclave

With the final days of “Conclave” upon me, I find myself not just a gamer, but a spectator to a deeply emotional event. The cardinals, though physically unscathed, are psychologically shaken by the bombing, plunging us into a spiritual crisis. In such trying times, choosing the right man to lead as Pope becomes more crucial than ever. Tedesco’s call for a holy war against Islam stirs up anger and xenophobia among many of us, a sentiment I strongly disagree with.

Benitez, who has ministered in war-torn regions, steps forward bravely to challenge Tedesco. He argues that our Church is not about dwelling on the past or clinging to tradition, but it’s about “what we do next.” His inspiring words resonate deeply with us all, leading to his election as Pope and the adoption of the name Innocent. This moment serves as a reminder that our Church stands for peace, not violence, and that we must always strive to move forward.

Lawrence feels relieved by Benitez’s victory, yet there remains a worry about his health and a previously scheduled, but mysteriously canceled, medical appointment in Switzerland. In private with Lawrence, Benitez reveals that he was born intersex – a fact unknown to him until adulthood when an abdominal surgery uncovered his uterus and ovaries. Benitez had offered his resignation to the late pope who instead accepted him. Benitez had scheduled a laparoscopic hysterectomy in Geneva, but after prayer and contemplation, he canceled it, deciding “I am what God made me.” With this newfound knowledge, Lawrence retires to his room as the world rejoices over the election of Pope Innocent.

What the end of Conclave means

The movie “Conclave” centers around the struggle between upholding old customs and promoting advancement. In a surprising turn of events, the cardinals opt for an outsider, symbolizing their readiness to take risks, as guided by Lawrence’s sermon urging them to accept uncertainty. As Pope, Benitez, who chooses the name Innocent, will champion social justice and reform instead of adhering strictly to tradition. This new spiritual leader embodies inner purity and will likely push for change rather than preserving the past.

Through his identity as intersex, as Benitez explains, he understands what it means to coexist in the gaps of societal norms. In the film, the term “intersex” isn’t explicitly mentioned, leaving some viewers puzzled about Benitez’s revelation to his fellow cardinal. Unlike Lawrence, who has grappled with self-doubt throughout the movie, Benitez is self-assured and at ease with himself. Their dialogue represents a moment of understanding and acceptance, yet it serves as a reminder that Benitez’s unique status could be groundbreaking, even revolutionary, within the hierarchical structure of the Catholic Church.

The film “Conclave” revolves around hidden truths being exposed. Each contender for the papacy has something they’re desperate to conceal – from Tremblay’s bribes, Adeyemi’s affair, and even Lawrence’s personal doubts about the Church. These men are driven by either guilt or unyielding ambition, but Benitez remains innocent in all this. Lawrence decides to shield him, once more welcoming ambiguity. At the end, as we leave Lawrence alone in his room, he is opening a window to allow daylight into his life.

What the cast and crew has said about Conclave

In the movie “Conclave”, the surprising ending may lean towards the “Disturbing Gender Disclosure” narrative pattern, often portraying transgender and gender non-conforming individuals in a sensationalist and inhumane manner. However, director Edward Berger clarified to Vanity Fair that the pivotal scene between Lawrence and Benitez was not intended for “shock value”. Instead, he aimed to depict it as subtly and sensitively as possible.

Film editor Nick Emerson spoke with The Wrap about the twist in the movie and how the filmmakers worked diligently to avoid it being perceived as a mere joke. Emerson underscored that the critical scene, predominantly featuring close-ups, was meticulously designed to reflect the serene demeanor of Cardinal Benitez.

In this film, Benitez stands as the ethical core, and his election symbolizes a fresh era of optimism and transformation in a world marked by turmoil and flaws. Actor Carlos Diehz expressed his personal regard for Benitez to FilmSlop, stating that the character embodies individuals within the Church who are genuinely dedicated to living out the teachings of the gospel in a tangible way, providing hope and justice to people. Will the Catholic Church carry on the path set by Pope Innocent, fostering progress? With no plans for another “Conclave” at present, spectators can only hold onto their faith.

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2025-04-25 21:30