Cardinals Consult Oscar-Winning Film Before Papal Vote

In a surprising blend of faith and film, Catholic cardinals reportedly turned to the Oscar-winning movie Conclave for insight before casting their votes for the next pope. With many participants new to the process, the film served as an unconventional yet helpful guide, offering a cinematic peek into the secretive and sacred tradition of papal selection. 

Cardinals Turn to Hollywood: 'Conclave' Film Guides Papal Election 

In a remarkable fusion of faith and film, Catholic cardinals participating in the 2025 papal conclave have reportedly sought guidance from the 2024 Oscar-winning movie Conclave to navigate the intricate process of electing the next pope. 

The film, known for its gripping portrayal of Vatican politics and procedural accuracy, has resonated with many first-time conclave participants. Its detailed depiction of the rituals, voting stages, and spiritual weight carried by the cardinals has made it more than just entertainment—it’s become an unexpected study guide, bridging cinematic storytelling with one of the world’s most solemn religious traditions. 

A Cinematic Compass for Sacred Tradition 

Directed by Edward Berger and featuring a stellar cast including Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and Isabella Rossellini, Conclave offers a dramatized yet detailed portrayal of the secretive Vatican proceedings that follow a pope's death. The film, based on Robert Harris's 2016 novel, has been lauded for its authenticity, capturing the solemnity and complexity of the conclave process. 

According to reports, several cardinals, many of whom are first-time participants in a conclave, found the film to be an invaluable resource. An unnamed priest described it as "remarkably accurate" and "a helpful research tool" for understanding the nuances of the election process.  

Streaming Surge Reflects Global Interest 

Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, viewership of Conclave skyrocketed. Data from Luminate indicates a 283% increase in streaming, with 6.9 million minutes viewed on the day of the pope's passing alone.  

This surge in viewership reflects the world’s growing curiosity about the inner workings of the Vatican and the highly secretive process of choosing a new pope. As headlines buzzed with speculation and anticipation, millions turned to Conclave not just for its drama, but for insight into a rare event steeped in centuries of tradition and mystery. 

Real-Life Conclave Mirrors On-Screen Drama 

The real-life conclave commenced on May 7, 2025, with 133 cardinals sequestered in the Sistine Chapel. The process involves multiple rounds of secret ballots, requiring a two-thirds majority to elect the new pope. As depicted in the film, black smoke signals an inconclusive vote, while white smoke announces the successful election of a new pontiff.  

Art Imitates Life: The Film's Impact on the Clergy 

The decision by cardinals to consult a Hollywood film underscores the movie's impact and the evolving ways in which media can intersect with religious practices. While Conclave is a work of fiction, its attention to procedural detail has provided clergy with a unique perspective on the conclave's inner workings. 

The 2025 papal conclave has not only captured global attention for its historical significance but also for the surprising role cinema has played in guiding its participants. The cardinals’ decision to turn to Conclave—a Hollywood production—for insight into the sacred papal election process reflects a broader trend of modern tools aiding ancient rituals. It’s a striking reminder that even the most time-honored traditions can find resonance in unexpected places. As the world awaits the unveiling of the next pope, the use of this film as an informal reference guide underscores how art and faith can intertwine, offering new pathways for understanding, reflection, and reverence.

This article was previously published on UAE Moments. To see the original article, click here