Sun Oct 13 04:10:00 UTC 2024: ## “Conclave” Explores Power Struggles and Controversy in the Vatican

**Baltimore, MD (OSV News)** – “Conclave,” a new film exploring the intricate world of papal elections, features a star-studded cast and high-stakes drama, but ultimately falls short due to its manipulative storyline and questionable ethical choices.

The film focuses on Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes), who must guide the cardinals through the selection of a new pope following the sudden death of the current pontiff. The story unfolds as several candidates vying for the papacy emerge, including the liberal Cardinal Bellini (Stanley Tucci), the conservative Cardinal Tedesco (Sergio Castellitto), and the African Cardinal Adeyemi (Lucian Msamati).

The film uses a number of plot twists to raise tension, including the arrival of Cardinal Benitez (Carlos Diehz), who claims to be the late pope’s secret appointee to the cardinalate. While the film raises important questions about the future of the Catholic Church and explores competing viewpoints within its ranks, it also presents a distorted and caricatured view of church leadership.

“Conclave” is criticized for its inaccuracy in depicting canon law and its implicit slandering of Benedict XVI. The film also resorts to sensationalistic and offensive plot points, including the inclusion of a rare anatomical anomaly as a key revelation. This choice raises concerns about the film’s ethical considerations and its prioritization of current trends over timeless truths.

While “Conclave” offers a visually engaging and captivating story, viewers are urged to approach the film with caution. The film’s manipulative storyline and ethically questionable choices ultimately overshadow its exploration of power dynamics within the church.

**OSV News classifies the film as L – Limited Adult Audience, due to its mature themes and potentially offensive content.**

Read More