Movie – Conclave

Most of us know well the procedure followed at the Vatican after the death of a Pope. This film shows a lot of that, complete with the red and purple garments, the ceremonies, the crucifixes and images around the huge halls and spaces of the Vatican, and the mostly elderly cardinals. But along with that, we get an intriguing story.

We don’t see much serious prayer time but opportunities for bargaining, gossiping, campaigning and comparing notes are plentiful. The struggles come from what we would expect – those who want the Church to go back to former practices and those who hope for change and modernity.

The main character, the Dean, Cardinal Lawrence, superbly portrayed by Ralph Fiennes, is responsible for organizing and carrying out the conclave. He comes upon some secrets to sort out, and he perseveres. The nuns flutter around, preparing and serving meals, involved in housekeeping duties, and largely ignored. We admire Sister Agnes, (Isabella Rosselini) a courageous woman who does what she needs to do at the right time. It’s a movie. It’s a gripping story, right to the end!