Imagine this: 100+ cardinals locked inside the Sistine Chapel, cut off from the outside world, tasked with choosing the next spiritual leader of over a billion people. No phones. No media. Just ancient rituals, whispered alliances, and the pressure of divine duty. Sounds like the perfect setup for a mind-blowing movie, right?
The buzz around a potential “Conclave” movie isn’t just speculation anymore. With the death of Pope Francis, the real-life drama unfolding inside the Vatican has captured global attention. People from the U.S., Canada, and the UK aren’t just watching—they’re hooked. And Hollywood? They smell a blockbuster.
What is a Conclave? The Real-World Vatican Event That Inspires the Drama

Meaning and Historical Significance
The word “conclave” comes from Latin cum clave, which literally means “with a key.” Why? Because when a pope dies, eligible cardinals are locked inside until they elect a new one. No one gets in. No one gets out.
The tradition dates back to 1274, when the cardinals were taking too long to elect a pope. Locals, fed up, locked them in and fed them bread and water. Brutal. But effective. A pope was chosen.
Key Rituals and Traditions That Influence Film Scripts
The moment the conclave begins, the drama ignites:
- The chapel is swept for bugs.
- Jammers block outside signals.
- Each cardinal swears an oath of secrecy.
- Voting begins. Ballots are burned after every round.
- Black smoke = no pope yet. White smoke = a new leader has emerged.
Visual Examples and Scenes That Could Appear in a Film
Picture this: candle-lit halls of the Vatican echoing with Latin chants. Cardinals in crimson robes placing handwritten ballots into a silver urn. The rising tension as black smoke curls from a copper chimney. Then, silence. A final vote. White smoke. A name whispered. A world waiting. You couldn’t write this better—unless you were making a movie.
Real-Life Drama: The 2025 Conclave After Pope Francis’ Death
How the Church Prepares for a Pope’s Passing
When a pope dies, the Church doesn’t just grieve. It moves into action. A strict nine-day mourning period, known as the Novemdiales, begins. During this time:
- The pope’s body lies in state.
- Masses are held.
- Flags fly at half-staff in Vatican City.
Meanwhile, preparations for the conclave start. Cardinals from around the globe fly in. Hotels are booked. The Sistine Chapel gets its tech sweep. Everything is prepped like a royal coronation meets a Cold War spy op.
What Happens During a Modern Conclave
Only cardinals under 80 can vote. They file into the Sistine Chapel and take their oaths in solemn silence. The doors are sealed. Voting begins.
Each day includes four ballots—two in the morning, two in the afternoon. A two-thirds majority is required to elect a new pope. Ballots are burned after each session. Black smoke means indecision. White smoke? History.
Unique 2025 Context — Modern Politics Meet Ancient Ritual
This year’s conclave is different. It’s happening in a world dominated by digital media, AI rumors, and political polarization. The Vatican is a centuries-old institution, but it’s not immune to modern influence.
Speculation is rampant. Is the next pope going to be a reformist? Conservative? From Africa or Asia? These questions aren’t just theological. They’re geopolitical.
Who Could Be the Next Pope? Real-World Speculation Feeds Script Potential
Current Papal Contenders
Here’s the unofficial shortlist making waves:
- Cardinal Peter Erdo from Hungary: conservative, law-focused
- Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines: media-savvy, progressive, multilingual
- Cardinal Matteo Zuppi from Italy: known for peace-building and pastoral care
How This Creates Movie-Worthy Character Arcs
Each of these men could be a lead character in a film:
- The reformist challenging ancient norms
- The ultra-traditionalist fighting to keep the old ways alive
- The outsider with global appeal and a secret past
That’s screenplay gold. Throw in internal rivalries, a whispered betrayal, maybe a health scare or two—and boom, you’ve got a suspense-packed thriller with theological stakes.
The “Conclave Movie” Concept: Blending Fact With Fiction
What Would a Great Conclave Movie Look Like?
Think The Two Popes meets House of Cards. Or better yet, The Godfather III, minus the mob but with way more incense.
The movie could center around:
- A young, idealistic cardinal thrust into the conclave unexpectedly
- A mysterious death or leak shaking the process
- Tension between progressive and conservative factions
Potential Storylines Based on Real Events
You could spin a fictional tale inspired by the real 2025 conclave:
- A document is found that could sway the vote
- A secret deal from decades ago resurfaces
- A journalist risks everything to uncover what really happens behind closed doors
Tutorial Section – Writing a “Conclave Movie” Script
Writers, take notes:
- Symbolism is your best friend: red robes, burning ballots, white smoke
- Characters need depth: belief, doubt, ambition, guilt
- Setting should feel enclosed and atmospheric: candle-lit chapels, echoing cathedrals, whispering corridors
- Dialogue should be intellectual but emotional: faith, philosophy, fear, and ego collide
Pop Culture & Conclave: How the Vatican Has Appeared in Film Before
Previous Films That Touched on Papal Elections
A few notable examples:
- The Two Popes (2019): Intimate, philosophical, based on Benedict and Francis
- Angels & Demons (2009): Fast-paced thriller with a conclave at its core
- Habemus Papam (2011): A cardinal runs away after being elected—darkly comic
Lessons from These Films
They show us that people crave:
- Human stories behind holy rituals
- Tension and conflict within sacred settings
- Insight into an otherwise hidden world
Behind the Scenes: How a Real Conclave Could Inspire Authentic Film Production
Location Scouting & Set Design
Since filming in the Vatican is basically impossible, filmmakers must recreate it. That means:
- Rebuilding the Sistine Chapel from scratch
- Getting lighting right: natural light, candles, shadows
- Authenticity in every detail: cassocks, papal rings, Vatican stamps
Casting the Cardinals
This movie would need seasoned actors who carry weight:
- Anthony Hopkins as the wise, weary elder
- Ben Kingsley as the calculating strategist
- Oscar Isaac as the conflicted outsider
Consultation with Church Historians
Any studio doing this right would hire Vatican scholars. Why? To:
- Nail the Latin phrases
- Respect theological nuance
- Avoid misrepresentation (or lawsuits)
Conclusion – Why the World is Ready for a “Conclave Movie”
The timing is perfect. Pope Francis has passed. The conclave is underway. People are glued to the news. There’s curiosity, suspense, and emotion. This isn’t just a Church story. It’s a global human story.
And if someone turns it into a movie? You can bet people will show up. Not just Catholics. Everyone. Because power, mystery, and belief are universal themes. And the conclave delivers all three—locked inside the Vatican.
FAQs About the Vatican Conclave and the Potential Movie
Is a conclave really that secretive?
Yes. Cardinals swear an oath of absolute secrecy. Breaking it can get you excommunicated. No phones, no emails, nothing leaks.
Can a non-European be elected pope?
Absolutely. Pope Francis was from Argentina. And many now expect a future pope from Africa or Asia.
How long does a conclave typically last?
It varies. Some last a day, others go on for weeks. The longest one in history? Nearly 3 years in the 13th century.
Have movies ever been filmed inside the Vatican?
Rarely. Most Vatican-themed movies build replicas or shoot in European churches. Permissions are tough to get.
Who decides when the conclave starts?
The College of Cardinals manages the schedule, starting 15-20 days after a pope’s death. The Dean leads the actual voting process.