Overview

• The Vatican announced on April 21, 2025, that Pope Francis had died at age 88, initiating preparations for a new conclave to elect his successor.
• Conclave, a 2024 political thriller directed by Edward Berger, explores the secretive process of electing a pope and has drawn parallels to current Vatican dynamics.
• The film, adapted from Robert Harris's 2016 novel, has received widespread critical acclaim, winning major awards and earning eight Oscar nominations, including Best Picture.
• Conclave delves into themes of power, secrecy, and reform within the Catholic Church, making its storyline particularly timely in light of the real-world developments.
• Starring Ralph Fiennes and Carlos Diehz, the film's exploration of hidden identities and church politics has sparked renewed interest as audiences revisit its narrative during this pivotal moment for the Vatican.