50/16

Upon the death of a pope, his ring (called the Fisherman’s Ring) is actually removed and destroyed

Tale

When Cardinal Lawrence is tasked with leading one of the world’s most secretive and ancient events, the election of a new pope, he finds himself at the center of a conspiracy that could shake the very foundation of the Catholic Church. The actions of Cardinal Lawrence and the other cardinals during the film’s conclave are true and accurate to the Catholic faith and centuries of tradition. The Vatican actually officially declares that the throne of the Holy See (the governing body of the Catholic Church) is vacant. The pope’s residence is actually sealed with a crimson ribbon and sealed with a wax papal seal. The College of Cardinals is actually sequestered in apartments (in real life called the Domus Sanctae Marthae, or Saint Martha’s House) to eat and sleep between votes.

Featured on The 7PM Project: Episode 10 December 2024 (2024)

And finally, the windows and doors to the Sistine Chapel, where the actual elections are held and the ballots are cast, are actually darkened, closed and locked to preserve the secrecy of the conclave. Ayendin is claimed to be the first African Pope. The Roman Catholic Church has had three African Popes: Victor The First (189-199 AD), Miltiades (also known as Melchiades, 311-314 AD) and Gelasius The First (492-496 AD). Sister Agnes: Although we sisters are supposed to be invisible, God has nevertheless given us eyes and ears. Allegri: Miserere Performed by Capella Musicale Pontificia Sistina, Massimo Palombella by permission of Deutsche Grammophon GMBH under license from Universal Music Operations Ltd.

Other contenders rise and fall

The death of a Pope and the subsequent election of a new Pope is an event that the Catholic world follows with great interest. As the mourning period for the deceased Pope is observed, tension builds and a global audience learns the names and nationalities of the main contenders. This film shows the protocols that follow the death of a Pope and takes the viewer inside the walls of the Vatican as we see the various contenders. Ralph Fiennes is brilliant as Cardinal Lawrence, Dean of the College of Cardinals, the church prelate who organizes and leads the conclave. Stanley Tucci as Cardinal Bellini is the liberal favourite, while Sergio Castellito is Cardinal Tedesco, the conservative alternative.

This film lends drama to what can happen during a conclave

There is tension and infighting that accentuates the competition because the stakes are so high. The outside world never knows what form the discussions take or the potential conflicts, because the process is so secret. Some conclaves are over in a short time; others take longer to play. In this film, a deadlocked vote is followed by a surprise and then another. We see how the Vatican and the world are not at odds, but rather intertwined.

A great film and a great performance by Ralph Fiennes

As an observer of these conclaves, I became interested in the character of Cardinal Lawrence and how he had to cope with the challenges and limitations of his role. The ending seems like a pleasant surprise and is followed by another surprise that is just a step too far and detracts from the otherwise great drama.