Overview

• Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88 due to a stroke, setting the stage for a conclave to elect his successor within 20 days as mandated by church law.
• The conclave will involve 135 cardinal electors under the age of 80, with the process currently in its preparatory phase, including General Congregations and communal gatherings.
• The 2024 film 'Konklave,' based on Robert Harris's novel, has seen increased interest following the pope’s death and is available for purchase or rental on major streaming platforms.
• Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki, a participant in the upcoming conclave, emphasized the differences between the film's dramatic narrative and the more subdued, ritualistic reality of the election process.
• The Oscar-winning film, directed by Edward Berger and starring Ralph Fiennes, explores themes of power and faith but contrasts sharply with the real-world emphasis on prayer and unity during the conclave.