Films and series to understand the conclave

The echo of the death of Pope Francis has rekindled global attention on one of the most fascinating, symbolic and mysterious moments of the Catholic Church: he conclave. For centuries, behind the closed doors of the Sistine Chapel, the spiritual future of over one billion faithful has been decided. But what really happens during those days? And what we can know – or imagine – Thanks to the cinema?

Cinema and TV series have often tried to tell this millennial rite, between sacred and profane, faith and politics, prayer and power. Some titles try to remain faithful to the facts, others let themselves go to suggestions, thrillers and visionary drifts. In any case, these stories offer us a lens to observe – or at least fantasize – on what happens between cardinals, secret votes and waiting for a white smoke.

Movies and TV series on the Pope and Conclave

Here then is a selection of films and series that, at this moment so loaded with waiting and meaning, it is worth rediscovering.

Conclave (2024)

The film of the moment. Directed by Edward Berger and taken from Robert Harris' novel, Conclave He brings us straight into the Vatican walls after the death of a Pope. Ralph Fiennes is Cardinal Lawrence, called to guide one of the most tense and mysterious elections in history, between alliances, secrets and revelations that could change everything. A religious thriller that oscillates between sacredness and Hollywood twists.

• Director: Edward Berger
• Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Lucian Msamati
• Year of exit: 2024
• Curiosity: The film is based on the novel Conclave by Robert Harris, former journalist and author of historical thrillers.
• Prizes and awards: Waiting – presented out of competition in various European festivals

I due Papi (2019)

A true fictional, but powerfully human story. Jonathan Pryce and Anthony Hopkins give face to Bergoglio and Ratzinger, telling their meeting (real and imagined) and dilemmas that led to the resignation of Benedict XVI. A film that reflects on change, dialogue and weight of consciousness.

• Director: FERNANDO MEIRELLES
• Cast: Anthony Hopkins, Jonathan Pryce
• Year of exit: 2019
• Curiosity: The script is by Anthony McCarten, the same author of The theory of everything e Bohemian Rhapsody. The film is inspired by real facts but inserts imaginary dialogues.
• Prizes and awards:
  • 3 Oscar nominations (best actor, supporting actor, non -original screenplay)
  • Golden Globe e BAFTA nomination

The Young Pope e The New Pope (2016–2020)

Paolo Sorrentino signs two series that divide and fascinate. Jude Law is a young Pope, mysterious and ultra -treatment of, but also visionary and charismatic. With surreal atmospheres, irony and provocation, Sorrentino stages a Gothic and pop church, in which holiness coexists with ambiguity.

• Director: Paolo Sorrentino
• Cast: Jude Law, Diane Keaton, Silvio Orlando, John Malkovich (second season)
• Year of exit: 2016 (The Young Pope), 2020 (The New Pope)
• Curiosity: It is the first series in English of Sorrentino. The production is Italian-French-American, with a pop-Baroque aesthetic that has made people discuss and fall in love.
• Prizes and awards:
  • Pasinetti Prize in Venice (event series)
  • Application for the European Film Awards

Karol (2011)

Nanni Moretti explores with delicacy and irony the personal trauma behind a papal election. Michel Piccolo is Cardinal Melville, who after being elected Pope enters crisis and … runs away. A touching and profound film about the weight of expectations and on humanity hidden under mitria.

• Director: Nanni Moretti
• CastPictures, dam of, Jerse, Leerzy Stuhr
• Year of exit: 2011
• Curiosity: The Conclave scene has turned entirely at the Argentina Theater in Rome. The film was presented in competition at the Cannes Film Festival.
• Prizes and awards:
  • 7 silver tapes (including best direction and best leading actor)
  • David di Donatello for the best scenography

Angels and demons (2009)

For those who love mystery and action, this adventure signed by Ron Howard puts Tom Hanks as the symbolist Robert Langdon, committed to thwarting a conspiracy of the Illuminati right during a conclave. Surreal, yes. But also irresistible.

• Director: Ron Howard
• Cast: Tom Hanks, Ewan McGregor, Ayelet Zurer
• Year of exit: 2009
• Curiosity: Based on Dan Brown's novel, it is the film sequel of The Da Vinci codebut chronologically is the first book of the saga.
• Prizes and awards:
  • Saturn Award nomination for best scenography
  • International commercial success with over 480 million dollars collected

La Papessa (2009)

A journey into the most fascinating (and controversial) myth of the history of the papacy: that of Giovanna, a woman who became Pope. Between medieval legend and contemporary reflection on the role of women in the church, a film to be recovered to watch the past with new eyes.

• Director: Sönke Wortmann
• Cast: Johanna vocal, David Wenham, John Goodman
• Year of exit: 2009
• Curiosity: Based on the novel of the same name by Donna Woolfolk Cross, tells the myth of Papessa Giovanna. The film divided the criticism by his mix between history and legend.
• Prizes and awards:
  • Nomination AI German Film Award (Oscar Tedeschi)
  • Public prize at the Bavarian Film Awards

The man who came from Kremlin (1968)

A vintage film, with Anthony Quinn as a Pope elected among the tensions of the Cold War. Fantasi, perhaps, but a mirror of a time when world politics entered overwhelming in the rooms of spiritual power.

• Director: Michael Anderson
• Cast: Anthony Quinn, Laurence Olivier, Oskar Werner
• Year of exit: 1968
• Curiosity: Inspired by the novel by Morris West. It tells the election of a Pope of Soviet origin during the Cold War.
• Prizes and awards:
  • Oscar nomination for scenography and soundtrack
  • Golden Globe for best original soundtrack

A moment that cinema has tried to tell, for centuries

After all, the Conclave is one of the few rites that, while changing very little over the centuries, continues to speak at all times: of power, mystery, responsibility, and of what moves us – inside and outside the faith.

While we wait to know the name of the next Pope, let us be inspired by these stories that, in their way, try to reveal the secret heart of the Vatican.

Post Views: 3