26/40
Upon the death of the Pope, his ring (called the Fisherman’s Ring) is removed and destroyed
Tale
When Cardinal Lawrence is tasked with leading one of the world’s most secretive and ancient events, the election of a new pope, he finds himself at the center of a conspiracy that could shake the very foundation of the Catholic Church. The actions that Cardinal Lawrence and the other priests take during the film’s conclave are in keeping with Catholic faith and centuries of tradition. The Vatican declares that the throne of the Holy See (the governing body of the Catholic Church) is vacant.
Cardinal Benitez delivers his keynote address in Spanish
The Pope’s residence is closed with a crimson ribbon and sealed with a wax papal seal. The College of Cardinals are housed in apartments (called the Domus Sanctae Marthae, or Saint Martha’s House) to eat and sleep between votes. The windows and doors of the Sistine Chapel, where the actual election and ballots are held, are blacked out, closed, and locked to preserve the secrecy of the conclave.
All the cardinals speak fluent Latin, and many converse in Italian
Spanish and Italian are both derived from Latin, so the cardinals may have had a basic understanding of Spanish. Sister Agnes: Although we sisters are supposed to be invisible, God has nevertheless given us eyes and ears. Cited in The Saad Truth: My Review of Conclave (film) – Wokeism Destroys Everything (2024).
Fiennes’ portrayal is captivating, grounding the film with a subtle power that keeps you locked in
Allegri: Miserere Performed by Capella Musicale Pontificia Sistina, Massimo Palombella by permission of Deutsche Grammophon GMBH under license from Universal Music Operations Ltd. Conclave is a masterclass in quiet intensity, anchored by Ralph Fiennes, who gives an Oscar-worthy performance of the emotional complexity and calm determination needed to direct a high-stakes thriller. While much of the Conclave is just people talking, every line and every expression is filled with tension, making every conversation feel electric.
Visually, the film is stunning, capturing the pomp and ceremony of a papal election
The emotion behind every actor’s gaze will pull you to the edge of your seat, proving that sometimes words alone can create incredible suspense. The score is equally impressive, creating an atmosphere of unease that perfectly matches the weight of the story.