The Vatican’s Unspoken Taboo: Discussing the Conclave Amid a Pope’s Illness

The Vatican has long maintained a delicate silence when it comes to discussing the election of a new pope while the current pontiff is battling illness. This unspoken rule is rooted in respect and sensitivity, avoiding any appearance of disrespect or eagerness for a transition. However, as Pope Francis fights double pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, the world’s attention is unavoidable. The timing of the Academy Awards-nominated film "Conclave" has inadvertently thrust the secretive and solemn process of papal succession into the spotlight, blending reality with fiction in a way that is both fascinating and uncomfortable.

"Conclave" the Film: A Glimpse into the Vatican’s Most Mysterious Ritual

The film "Conclave," directed by Edward Berger and based on Robert Harris’s novel, has become a cultural phenomenon, earning eight Oscar nominations and winning prestigious awards like the BAFTA for Best Picture. The movie delves into the intricate, often dramatic process of electing a new pope, revealing the political maneuvering, secrets, and spiritual struggles that accompany this sacred ritual. The film’s success has sparked widespread interest in the real-life procedures of a papal conclave, particularly as the world watches Pope Francis’s health with bated breath.

The story follows Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, played by Ralph Fiennes, who must navigate the complexities of the conclave while grappling with his own crisis of faith. The film’s portrayal of scandals, smear campaigns, and power struggles within the Vatican has resonated with audiences, offering a rare glimpse into one of the Catholic Church’s most secretive and sacred events. While the film takes creative liberties—such as allowing Cardinal Lawrence to communicate with the outside world during the conclave, which would be forbidden in real life—it captures the gravity and intrigue of the process.

The Vatican’s Mixed Response to "Conclave"

The Vatican and Catholic hierarchy have been placed in a precarious position by the film’s popularity. On one hand, "Conclave" treats the subject with respect and accurately portrays many of the challenges facing the modern Church, earning praise from the Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano and the Italian bishops’ daily Avvenire. The film’s sumptuous visuals and gripping narrative were commended, with critics noting its ability to balance entertainment with thoughtful commentary on the Church’s current state.

However, not all Catholic leaders have embraced the film. Cardinal Sean O’Malley, a close ally of Pope Francis, criticized "Conclave" for its portrayal of the conclave as a scene of political backroom plotting. From his firsthand experience in the 2013 conclave that elected Francis, O’Malley emphasized the deeply spiritual nature of the process, where cardinals pray for divine guidance and swear to act in accordance with God’s will. He argued that the film fails to capture the spiritual reality of a conclave, instead focusing on its more sensational aspects.

The Sensitivity of Timing: The Film and Pope Francis’s Health

The film’s release has coincided with Pope Francis’s prolonged hospitalization, creating a surreal juxtaposition of art and life. Francis, who has been hospitalized since February 14 with a severe lung infection, has undergone a challenging recovery, including a bout of noninvasive mechanical ventilation. While his condition has stabilized, the gravity of his illness has understandably heightened interest in "Conclave" and sparked wider conversations about the Church’s future.

Robert Harris, the author of the novel on which the film is based, has been acutely aware of the sensitive timing. Despite the film’s relevance to current events, Harris has refused to exploit the situation for publicity, calling it "extreme bad taste" to speculate about a future conclave while the pope is ill. His stance reflects the broader sentiment among Catholics and Church officials, who continue to pray for Francis’s recovery while also contemplating the inevitable questions about succession.

The Real-Life Drama of a Conclave: A Spiritual Process in a Political World

The film’s portrayal of a conclave as a high-stakes political drama has sparked debates about the balance between faith and power in the Catholic Church. While "Conclave" captures the intrigue and backroom negotiations that can accompany such an event, it also highlights the spiritual weight that rests on the shoulders of the cardinals. In reality, a conclave is a deeply sacred process, with cardinals swearing oaths to act in accordance with God’s will and seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit.

Yet, the film also sheds light on the challenges the Church faces in the modern era, from internal scandals to institutional instability. Theologian Massimo Faggioli noted that "Conclave" effectively illustrates the Church’s vulnerability to internal threats, such as sexual scandals, which loom large over its leadership. The film’s exploration of these issues has resonated with audiences, offering a nuanced portrayal of an institution grappling with tradition and modernity.

The Legacy of "Conclave" and the Future of the Catholic Church

The success of "Conclave" has proven that the story of a papal election can captivate audiences far beyond the Catholic faithful, transforming a secretive ritual into a cultural phenomenon. The film’s ability to balance entertainment with thoughtful commentary has earned it critical acclaim, even as it raises important questions about the Church’s past, present, and future.

As the world waits for news of Pope Francis’s recovery, "Conclave" serves as a poignant reminder of the drama and significance of the papal succession. While the film may not fully capture the spiritual essence of a real-life conclave, it has undeniably brought the Vatican’s most mysterious rituals into the spotlight, sparking conversations about faith, power, and the enduring legacy of the Catholic Church.