Photo credit: www.yahoo.com
The passing of Pope Francis at 88 has sparked renewed focus on the Conclave, a pivotal event rooted in the secretive traditions of the Vatican, as described in the process of electing a new Pope.
Recent reports indicate that viewership of the film surged by 283% after the announcement of the Pope’s demise.
Adapted from a novel by Robert Harris and crafted by Oscar-winning writer Peter Straughan, Edward Berger’s film portrays the election of a new Pope as rife with intrigue, rivalries, and strategic gameplay among the cardinals.
While the film aims to authentically depict a Papal Conclave, the true nature of the conclave remains largely unknown due to the vow of secrecy taken by the participants.
Ralph Fiennes portrays Cardinal Lawrence in Conclave (Philippe Antonello/Focus Features)
Broadly, the film accurately represents the logistical aspects of a conclave, showcasing cardinals like Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and John Lithgow residing and dining together at the Casa Santa Marta, the guesthouse situated within the Vatican grounds. Although the guesthouse in the film was created for cinematic purposes, in reality, the cardinals will indeed be sequestered there from early May.
The depiction of the voting process, held within the Sistine Chapel, is also faithfully represented. Cardinals cast their votes for the next Pope by writing names on paper and placing them in a sealed container. An official then counts the votes aloud. Should a two-thirds majority not be achieved, the votes are burned with an additive that creates black smoke. It is only when a consensus is reached that the smoke will be white, signaling the election of a new Pope.
One significant deviation in the film is the conflation of roles within the church hierarchy. Cardinal Lawrence, played by Ralph Fiennes, merges the duties of two positions. In the film, he acts as both the camerlengo, responsible for governing the Vatican after the Pope’s death, and as the dean of the College of Cardinals overseeing the election.
Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell serves as the camerlengo (Reuters)
In actuality, Cardinal Kevin Farrell holds the title of camerlengo. An Irish-American, he was the one to announce the passing of Pope Francis, secure the papal apartment, and break the fisherman’s ring, which signifies a vacancy in the Vatican. Meanwhile, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, an Italian, is the current dean of the College of Cardinals and will convene the conclave, as well as inquire what name the newly elected Pope will adopt, a role portrayed by Fiennes’ character in the movie.
White smoke signaling the election of a new pope rises from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel during the conclave on March 13, 2013 (AFP/Getty)
Additionally, the film inaccurately depicts a “cardinal in pectore” participating in the conclave. A cardinal in pectore is one appointed in secrecy by the Pope, and unlike the influential role assumed by Cardinal Vincent Benitez (played by Carlos Diehz) in Conclave, such cardinals would not be permitted to vote in a Papal election.
In a discussion with The Hollywood Reporter last year, director Berger shared that he consulted with cardinals involved in past conclaves for general insights and engaged a religious advisor, but did not seek direct input from the Vatican, describing such an approach as futile.
Source
www.yahoo.com