Cardinals Study Conclave for Upcoming Event

Edward Berger's gripping papal thriller, *Conclave*, captivated audiences last year by unveiling the lesser-known ritualistic process of electing a new pope, a facet of Catholicism rarely seen by the public. As cardinals from across the globe prepare to engage in an actual conclave, the influence of this film is strikingly evident. Remarkably, some of these religious leaders have turned to the movie for guidance on the upcoming event.

A papal cleric involved in the conclave ritual shared with the politics and current events outlet Politico that Berger's film, featuring the esteemed actor Ralph Fiennes as the dean of the College of Cardinals, has been praised for its accuracy. The cleric noted that "some [Cardinals] have watched it in the cinema," highlighting the film's role as a preparatory tool for the real-life event.

The passing of Pope Francis in late April, just months after the film's release, set the stage for the conclave. This significant event will see 133 high-ranking clerics from around the world gather in the Sistine Chapel to deliberate and vote on the next leader of the global Catholic Church.

The majority of the cardinals arriving in Rome on Wednesday, May 7, were appointed by Pope Francis and have never experienced a conclave before. This lack of firsthand experience makes it understandable that they would seek insights from *Conclave*, especially those from smaller and more remote parishes who might find it challenging to access such information otherwise.