Ciao miei cari lettori🎥 This spring, I found myself standing in St. Peter’s Square during one of the most emotional and historic moments in recent memory. I had just arrived in Rome at the end of April, and though I couldn’t have planned it, my visit coincided with the passing of Pope Francis and the lead-up to the Conclave. The city was hushed, reverent, and filled with an undercurrent of anticipation that you could feel even in the cobblestones beneath your feet.
Just days later, white smoke rose over the Vatican, and the world welcomed a new pope. And now, reflecting on that experience, I found myself drawn to the film Conclave, a fictional depiction of what happens behind the closed doors of the Sistine Chapel. Watching it so soon after standing in that square added layers of weight and wonder I never expected.
About the Film
Conclave is a gripping political and religious thriller that delves into the clandestine process of electing a new pope. The narrative centers on Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, portrayed by Ralph Fiennes, who is tasked with overseeing the conclave following the sudden death of the pope.
As 118 cardinals are sequestered within the Vatican’s walls, the film unravels a tapestry of ambition, faith, and secrecy. The arrival of Vincent Benitez, a Mexican missionary recently appointed as a cardinal in pectore, adds complexity to the proceedings. His unexpected presence challenges the traditional dynamics and introduces themes of inclusivity and transformation.
The film’s meticulous attention to detail, from the grandeur of the Vatican settings to the nuanced performances, creates an immersive experience that mirrors the gravity of the real-life conclave. It invites us not to watch, but to listen — to the unspoken questions of faith, leadership, and what it means to serve.
A Personal Parallel
Having been in St. Peter’s Square at night, surrounded by people holding candles and whispering prayers, I couldn’t help but carry that energy with me into the viewing experience. The fictional scenes in Conclave felt almost too real. I kept thinking: just days ago, this wasn’t a movie. It was history unfolding.
The film captures the sense of sacred responsibility that hung in the Roman air last week. It reminded me that while the Church’s rituals may seem ancient or mysterious to some, they are deeply human at their core. The cardinals in the film wrestle with personal conscience, ambition, and tradition. And so, I imagine, do their real-life counterparts.
Faith, Power, and the Unknown
One of the things I appreciated most about Conclave was how it didn’t try to offer answers. Instead, it posed questions. Who do we trust to lead? What does moral leadership actually look like? Can a single decision echo across generations?
For anyone who’s visited the Vatican — or even dreamed of it — this film is a beautiful, thought-provoking companion. And for me, having just been there, it felt like a way to continue holding space for a moment I will never forget.
Final Thoughts
Conclave isn’t just a film about religion or ritual. It’s a story about humanity, humility, and the quiet weight of responsibility. If you’ve ever stood in St. Peter’s Square and looked up at that dome wondering what happens behind the scenes, this film offers a glimpse — thoughtful, fictional, and yet emotionally resonant.
As Rome turns the page and a new chapter of history begins, I’m grateful to have witnessed the moment firsthand. And I’m even more grateful to have art that helps us process what our hearts sometimes struggle to say.
xoxo,
Bubbly 💖
