The passing of Pope Francis signals the start of the papal election process, known for its secrecy and tradition. The upcoming conclave to choose the next pope will commence on May 7.
After being elected in 2013, Pope Francis passed away at 88, setting the stage for his successor's selection. The process, also known as a conclave, inspired the 2016 movie "Conclave," depicting a fictionalized version of the event.
The film showcases the intense voting and political dynamics of a conclave, featuring renowned actors like Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci. Viewers can stream the movie on various platforms to witness the intricate details of the papal election.
The filmmakers conducted extensive research to accurately portray the Vatican setting and the conclave process. Despite the controversial themes in the movie, Vatican officials approved of the respectful yet realistic depiction of the Catholic Church.
Viewers of "Conclave" are taken through the unique rituals and rules of a papal election, shedding light on the behind-the-scenes intricacies of the conclave. From the strict isolation of the cardinals to the solemn voting process, the movie offers a glimpse into this ancient tradition.
While the Vatican does not allow filming on its premises, the movie creatively reconstructs the conclave setting in Rome, capturing the essence of the historic event. Experience the tension and drama of a papal election in "Conclave," a cinematic exploration of a centuries-old tradition.
(This story has been updated with new information.)
Contributing: Taijuan Moorman and Kim Willis