How realistic is ‘Conclave,’ the movie that lifts the lid on how a pope is elected?

CNN - Apr 26th, 2025
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The Academy Award-winning film 'Conclave,' directed by Edward Berger and featuring stars like Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci, dramatizes the secretive and politically charged papal election process. Based on Robert Harris's 2016 thriller, the movie delves into the tension and ambition among cardinals as they navigate faith and power within the Vatican. However, it has faced criticism from Catholic figures such as Bishop Robert Barron for its portrayal of the church as politically divisive and for allegedly promoting progressive ideals.

The film's release reignites discussions about the Catholic Church's future direction and the balance between tradition and modernity. It highlights the internal struggle between progressive and conservative forces, reflecting real-life concerns about the church's leadership post-Pope Francis. Despite its dramatization, 'Conclave' captures the essence of the conclave's confidentiality and rituals, drawing both praise and skepticism. The movie's attention to detail, informed by insights from past conclaves, underscores the complexity of choosing a new pope, a process seen as both spiritual and political.

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RATING

6.6
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article about the film 'Conclave' provides a generally accurate and engaging overview of the movie's depiction of the papal election process. It balances factual reporting with subjective interpretations, offering insights into the film's reception and its portrayal of church politics. The article is well-structured and readable, making complex topics accessible to a general audience. However, it could benefit from greater source diversity and transparency regarding potential biases. While the article addresses topics of public interest and has the potential to spark discussion, its impact is somewhat limited by its focus on a fictional narrative. Overall, the article succeeds in informing and engaging readers, but could enhance its credibility with more comprehensive sourcing and context.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The article provides a generally accurate depiction of the film 'Conclave' and its portrayal of the papal election process. It correctly describes the setting in the Sistine Chapel, the voting procedures, and the seclusion of cardinals during the conclave. However, it notes some inaccuracies in minor details, such as the layout of tables and the way cardinals address each other. The film’s depiction of politicking and the influence of the Holy Spirit during the conclave is presented as subjective, reflecting common perceptions rather than verifiable facts. The claim about the movie winning an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay in March 2025 is speculative and unverified, as the story was published before that date. Overall, the article aligns with general knowledge about conclave procedures, but some claims, particularly those involving future events, require cautious interpretation.

6
Balance

The article attempts to present a balanced view by including both praise and criticism of the film. It highlights the movie's accurate depiction of conclave traditions while also addressing criticisms from figures like Bishop Robert Barron. However, the article leans slightly towards the criticisms, particularly those concerning the film's portrayal of church politics and its perceived 'woke' agenda. The inclusion of Steven P. Millies' perspective adds some balance by offering a more positive interpretation of the film's message. Despite this, the article could benefit from a broader range of viewpoints, especially from more neutral or supportive voices within the church.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear language to convey its points. It effectively summarizes the film's plot and the real-life conclave process, making these complex topics accessible to readers unfamiliar with Catholic traditions. The inclusion of specific examples, such as the depiction of the Sistine Chapel and the cardinals' seclusion, helps to illustrate the film's accuracy. The article maintains a neutral tone throughout, avoiding sensationalism and focusing on factual reporting. However, the narrative could benefit from clearer distinctions between verified facts and subjective interpretations.

7
Source quality

The article references credible sources such as Bishop Robert Barron and Steven P. Millies, both of whom are recognized figures within the Catholic community. These sources lend authority to the article's claims about the film's reception and the depiction of church politics. However, the article lacks a diversity of sources, relying heavily on these two individuals without incorporating additional perspectives from film critics or other church officials. This limits the depth of analysis and the range of insights offered to the reader.

5
Transparency

The article provides some context for its claims, particularly regarding the film's plot and its basis in Robert Harris's novel. However, it lacks transparency in explaining the methodology behind its evaluations of the film's accuracy and the selection of sources. The article does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest, such as the relationships between the filmmakers and the church, which could impact the impartiality of the reporting. Greater transparency in these areas would enhance the credibility of the article.

Sources

  1. https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/films/news/conclave-movie-new-pope-election-how-accurate-b2739406.html
  2. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/263615/conclave-fact-vs-fiction-what-does-the-hit-movie-get-right-and-wrong
  3. https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/how-accurate-was-conclave-compared-to-real-search-for-new-pope
  4. https://news.sky.com/story/how-accurate-is-conclave-what-the-film-gets-right-and-wrong-about-choosing-a-new-pope-13353568