The Story of Conclave: A Glimpse into the World of the Catholic Church
The start of Conclave, a 2023 film, begins with a narrative that raises questions about the authenticity of its portrayal of the Catholic Church’s secretive process of electing a new pope. According to David Gibson, Director of the Center on Religion and Culture at Fordham University, the film Conclave gets one aspect correct: the concept of a “secret cardinal” named by the previous pope.
In the film, Cardinal Benitez arrives at the conclave, revealing that he was secretly named a cardinal by the previous pope, a revelation that is met with skepticism by Cardinal Lawrence, the protagonist. Gibson explains that in reality, the pope can secretly name someone a cardinal, particularly if they believe the person would face persecution if their status was known. This is done through the custom of “in pectore,” which means “in his heart” or “in his breast,” and is known only to the pope.
However, Gibson notes a significant flaw in the film’s portrayal. The pope’s death would technically render the secret cardinal’s status invalid, preventing them from entering the conclave, even with a permission slip. Cardinal Benitez, who is the central character in the film’s twist, should not have been able to participate in the conclave.
Benitez’s character, who is intersex, also raises questions about representation and inclusion within the Catholic Church. The film’s portrayal of Benitez, who is the first intersex pope in the history of the Church, is significant, but it is unclear if this would be a realistic representation of the Church’s policies and practices.
Overall, while Conclave makes a valiant effort to depict the intricacies of the Catholic Church’s internal politics, it falls short in its portrayal of the rules surrounding the election of a new pope and the representation of marginalized communities within the Church.