Conclave, differences between the actual conclave and the film
In my presentation, I want to tell you some differences I found watching the movie compared to
the real conclave. But first, I want to tell you what a real conclave is.
A papal conclave is the gathering of the College of Cardinals convened in a secure and private
location to elect the new Pope, the bishop of Rome and the successor of St. Peter, that is the head
of the Catholic Church. The term conclave comes from the latin phrase: ‘cum clave’ meaning
‘with a key’, highlighting the historical practice of locking the cardinals in seclusion until they
reach a decision.
History of the conclave:
Before the conclave system, popes were elected by the clergy and laity of Rome, sometimes
influenced by the Roman nobility or even emperors. In the early centuries, there was no fixed
procedure. Elections could take months or even years, and political interference was common.
This tradition dates to the 13th century, when Pope Gregory X established strict rules for the
election of a new pope at the Second Council of Lyon in 1274. His reforms were prompted by
the chaotic and unusually long papal election following the death of Pope Clement IV, which
lasted nearly three years (1268–1271) and frustrated both the Church and secular rulers.
Gregory X’s solution was to confine the cardinals in a single location without contact with the
outside world until a new pope was chosen. These early conclaves were held in various locations
across Italy and France (Avignon, Viterbo, Perugia), but since the 15th century the customary
venue of the conclave was the Sistine Chapel, and since 1878, the Sistine Chapel has been the
designated venue for papal conclaves.
Throughout history, conclaves have evolved in terms of rules and rituals. For example, Pope Pius
XII and later popes made reforms to reduce political influence and to speed up the election
process.
Over the centuries, the secrecy and sacredness of the conclave have remained constant. Cardinals
take a solemn oath not to disclose any information about the proceedings under penalty of
excommunication. This deep tradition is intended to preserve the spiritual integrity of the process
and to shield it from external pressures, whether political, media-driven, or cultural.
What Happens Before the Papal Conclave?
Before the Papal Conclave begins, several important steps take place to ensure that the process of
electing a new pope is conducted in a solemn, orderly, and sacred manner. These preliminary
phases are steeped in tradition and reflect the seriousness of choosing the next spiritual leader of
the Catholic Church.
The first step is the death or resignation of the pope. Upon this event, the Camerlengo—
currently Cardinal Kevin Farrell—is responsible for officially verifying the pope’s death. He
ceremonially calls the pope by his real name three times, and once there is no response, he
declares the seat vacant. The papal ring (Ring of the Fisherman) is then broken to prevent
forgeries of papal documents.
Following the confirmation of the vacancy, a period known as “sede vacante” begins. During
this time, the governance of the Church is overseen by the College of Cardinals, but only in
limited matters. No major decisions can be made, ensuring that the future pope will not inherit
irreversible actions taken in his absence.
The next major event is the General Congregations, daily meetings held by all cardinals under
the age of 80 (the electors) and sometimes older cardinals as well. These sessions allow cardinals
to discuss the needs of the Church, review procedures, and get to know one another—especially
important in modern times when many cardinals have never worked closely together. These
conversations often influence voting decisions later in the conclave.
During these days, preparations are also made for the logistics of the conclave, including the
sealing of the Sistine Chapel and arranging living quarters for the electors at the Domus Sanctae
Marthae inside Vatican City. Security and confidentiality measures are extreme: electronic
jamming devices, oath-taking ceremonies, and even inspections for recording devices—all aimed
at preserving the secrecy of the election.
Spiritual preparation is also key. The cardinals participate in a special Mass "Pro Eligendo
Romano Pontifice" (For the Election of the Roman Pontiff) to invoke the guidance of the
Holy Spirit. This Mass takes place on the morning the conclave begins and sets the tone for the
sacred duty they are about to perform.
In summary, the time before the conclave is marked by mourning, reflection, intense discussion,
and prayer. It is designed to purify the process and to center the minds and hearts of the cardinals
on their spiritual responsibility—not political agendas or public pressure.
What Happens During and After the Papal Conclave?
Once the preliminary preparations are complete, the Papal Conclave formally begins. The
cardinal electors—those under 80 years old—are the only ones allowed to participate in the
voting process.
The cardinals process into the Sistine Chapel chanting the Veni Creator Spiritus, a hymn
invoking the Holy Spirit for divine guidance. Once inside, the Master of Ceremonies calls out the
phrase "Extra omnes!" (“Everyone out!”), and all non-electors must leave. The doors are then
locked from the outside, symbolizing the beginning of the sacred isolation.
Inside, the cardinals cast their votes using handwritten ballots that they fold and place into a
chalice atop an altar. To be elected pope, a candidate must receive a two-thirds majority. If no
one achieves that, voting continues in cycles—usually two votes in the morning and two in the
afternoon. After each round, the ballots are burned in a special stove inside the chapel.
The color of the smoke signals the outcome:
Black smoke (fumata nera) means no pope has been elected.
White smoke (fumata bianca) signals that a new pope has been chosen.
If a cardinal receives the required number of votes, he is asked if he accepts the papacy and by
what name he wishes to be known. Upon acceptance, he becomes the pope immediately—even
before stepping out to greet the public.
Once the election is complete, the new pope dons the white cassock and is led to the Room of
Tears, a small chamber off the Sistine Chapel where he gathers himself before facing the world.
Then, the senior Cardinal Deacon appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and proclaims to
the crowd: “Habemus Papam!” (“We have a pope!”). The new pope then steps forward and
gives his first apostolic blessing: Urbi et Orbi ("To the city and the world").
After the conclave, the focus shifts to introducing the new pontiff to the world and beginning his
ministry. He usually meets with the cardinals, prays at major basilicas, and outlines early
priorities. For the global Church, the pope represents both continuity and renewal—leading the
faithful, shaping doctrine, and acting as a spiritual figurehead on the international stage.
This entire process, from the moment of vacancy to the white smoke, is a profound expression of
the Church’s tradition, unity, and faith in divine guidance.
Differences between the real conclave and the film:
Catholics don’t approve all the aspects the film shows, it’s a good representation but it has some
big differences, some of them are not that important, but there are some things that in real life it
is not like that at all.
1. Cardinals as a fiction character more than what a real cardinal is.
One of the most pointed things for Catholics in the film, is how this one represents the
College of Cardinals. They show a divided college by two different ideologies, and they
show being a pope as something political, more than a spiritual charge. During the film,
cardinals are separated by two political parties, liberals and traditionalists. In the film,
God is barely named and they don’t celebrate mass. In real life, obviously, cardinals
might have some differences in their political opinions or what they think it’s a need for
the church, but in real life they show brotherhood and union by God and their prays for
electing a new Pope.
3. Cardinal Roles and Actions:
The Film: The film might take liberties with the roles and actions of specific cardinals
for dramatic effect. For example, the Dean of the College of Cardinals (a real role) might
be portrayed making decisions or taking actions that wouldn't be permissible in a real
conclave.
The Papal Conclave: The roles of individuals within the conclave are well-defined by
Church law. For instance, the Dean of the College of Cardinals has specific duties, such
as asking the elected cardinal if he accepts and what name he will take. Other cardinals
have roles as scrutineers or infirmarians (caring for sick electors)
2. Secrecy vs. Dramatic Revelation:
The Film: The film uses the backdrop of the conclave to unveil secrets and build
suspense for the audience. Characters might break rules or leak information to advance
the plot.
The Papal Conclave: Absolute secrecy is paramount in a real conclave. Cardinals take a
strict oath, and measures are in place to prevent any communication with the outside
world. Any breach of this secrecy carries severe consequences (excommunication). The
aim is to ensure the cardinals can deliberate freely without external pressure.
4.. "Cardinal in Pectore":
The Film: The film features a "cardinal in pectore" (a cardinal whose name was secretly
appointed by the previous Pope) playing a significant role in the conclave.
The Papal Conclave: In reality, a cardinal whose name has not been publicly announced
before the death of the Pope would not be eligible to participate in the conclave. Their
rights and duties as a cardinal are only active once their appointment is made public.
