Revealed: Does ‘Conclave’ Get the Papal Election Right?

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In Robert Harris’s namesake book, the movie Conclave features Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rossellini. This film provides an intriguing look at the closed-door proceedings involved in selecting a new pope following the enigmatic demise of the current pontiff. After the mysterious passing of the sitting pope depicted in Conclave, the papal conclave gathers to select his successor. The character of Cardinal Lawrence, portrayed by Fiennes, is responsible for managing the election while grappling with a stunning revelation that could bring ruin upon the Church.

The thrilling and tense atmosphere portrayed in the book “Conclave” may be fictional, but it mirrors the intensity that arises during actual papal conclaves. Inside secret chambers, the College of Cardinals follows a sequence of procedures to select the next head of the Catholic Church, while the global audience holds their breath with keen curiosity. Lately, the passing of Pope Francis has sparked renewed curiosity about “Conclave“, as people are eager to learn once more about how a new pope is chosen when one departs.

The College of Cardinals Meets for the Conclave Within Days of a Pope’s Death

In the role of the Roman Catholic Church’s leader, the Pope serves as a spiritual guide for millions across the globe. Following the demise or resignation of a Pope, it is the College of Cardinals who are responsible for selecting his successor. This assembly, known as the College of Cardinals, was set up during the 11th century and includes cardinals from churches worldwide. Initially quite small and centered around Rome, cardinals have gradually spread out geographically. Due to this dispersion, there is a need for sufficient time for cardinals to travel and reach Rome for a conclave. Typically, cardinals arrive in Rome approximately two to three weeks after the death of a Pope.

Approximately 100 cardinal electors are eligible for the role of the occupying Holy See in the modern Catholic Church, as they are under the age of 80. This number brings about both political and religious considerations during a papal conclave. During this time, these cardinals reside at a common location, known as the Domus Sanctae Marthae (or Santa Martha House), which is located within Vatican City. Alongside the cardinals, individuals responsible for fulfilling the personal and official needs associated with the election process also stay at this facility.

Members of the Conclave Are Eligible to Become Pope

Upon reaching Rome for a conclave, cardinals are given a “titular” church as their base. From there, they lead Mass services, serving as representatives to the Christian community while simultaneously enhancing the recognition of their names and faces.

To be eligible for becoming a pope, an individual must have been baptized as a Christian male. This is the sole official prerequisite; however, since the 14th century, popes have primarily been selected from the College of Cardinals. As stated by John Thavis, former bureau chief for Catholic News Service:

Usually, it’s not through their activities within their local dioceses, which is most significant to their community, that candidates gain prominence. Instead, it’s through their actions at the heart of the global church.

In simple terms, Monsignor Anthony Figueiredo from the Institute for Continuing Theological Education at the North American College in Rome stated that the most important factor during this conclave will be the individual and their personality. Is this person someone who can genuinely connect with people in our modern, increasingly secular and non-religious society? A person who can effectively communicate and draw individuals back to the church, as many are departing and require a compelling message.

During the gathering at the College of Cardinals, they adhere to a rule when they step within the secluded grounds of the Sistine Chapel, where they cast their votes for the new head of the Catholic Church. Throughout this procedure, the participants in the conclave are prohibited from engaging in dialogue with both the general public and the media.

A White Smoke Plume Signals the Conclave Has Chosen a New Pope

The voting procedure within a papal conclave is formal and strictly organized. Often referred to as “the ultimate election” by Robert Harris, author of the book on which ‘Conclave’ is based, this process unfolds within the confines of the Sistine Chapel. While Jesuit Reverend Thomas J. Reese rated ‘Conclave’ a B+ for its accuracy in depicting conclave procedures, he noted that some details about the Sistine Chapel layout were off. Interestingly, in the movie adaptation, a beige floor was used instead of the real red one, which director Davies clarified was done to intensify that particular sequence and enhance the contrast of the vibrant costumes.

It’s crucial that confidentiality is strictly maintained since the participants cast their single vote using a paper ballot on the initial day. Additional votes occur on successive days, with up to four taking place on the second, third, and fourth days of the gathering. If the assembly needs an extra day, there will be a pause for rest. Voting recommences on the sixth day, with seven rounds in total. If a two-thirds majority is not achieved after these rounds, the assembly takes another day for contemplation and prayer before the process is repeated.

When someone votes, they write the name of their preferred candidate (except that they can’t vote for themselves) under the line: “I elect as supreme pontiff”. This phrase is Latin for “Eligo in Summun Pontificem”. After voting, they take the ballot and walk it to the altar, where they place it into a chalice.

As an observer, I witness the ritual unfold. When a vote doesn’t yield the desired outcome, the unsuccessful ballots are consumed in a unique furnace, leaving a somber trail of black smoke ascending from the chimney, signaling to the world the result of the vote. But when at last a successful vote is cast, the ballots are once more set ablaze, this time with a distinct mix of potassium chlorate, milk sugar, and pine rosin, producing a white plume that soars skyward, heralding to the world that the conclave has chosen a new pope.

Pope Francis’ Recent Passing and How it Imitates the Themes Explored in ‘Conclave’

The novel “Conclave” explores issues that arise during the interval between one Pope’s demise and the election of another, focusing particularly on doctrinal disagreements within the church. These disputes could influence the voting process, as it remains uncertain whether the church will maintain its progressive trajectory under Pope Francis or return to traditional, conservative moral teachings. Pope Francis was known for his openness towards media and high-profile figures in Hollywood. The question of whether the Church will persist with this approach is also up for debate, given that each Pope has had a unique style when interacting with non-church members. The choice between conservatism and liberalism could potentially split voting factions, as depicted in “Conclave“.

In the selection process for the next pope, regional blocs may hold significant influence, as was the case with the unexpected choice of Pope Francis when the role had traditionally been filled by Italians. The Argentinian Pope, it is suggested, was partly chosen due to the decreasing number of European followers compared to those in Africa and Asia, whose populations are rapidly expanding.

In the closed-door discussions that will take place, there may emerge a power struggle similar to what occurs during a Conclave, as the church grapples with the decision of choosing a pope who either continues the values set by Pope Francis or shifts towards a more conservative approach.

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2025-04-25 19:02