‘Conclave’ Film Surges in Popularity After Pope Leo XIV’s Election

The 2024 film Conclave, a political thriller starring Ralph Fiennes, has garnered renewed attention following the recent election of Pope Leo XIV. The film, which dramatizes the secretive process of electing a new pope, has been notably referenced during the actual Vatican conclave that led to Pope Leo XIV's selection.

Reports indicate that several cardinals, many of whom were participating in their first conclave, watched Conclave to familiarize themselves with the procedures and dynamics of the papal election process. The film's depiction of the conclave's rituals and political intricacies provided a cinematic primer for these clerics.

Even Pope Leo XIV himself watched the film prior to the conclave. According to his brother, John Prevost, the then-Cardinal watched Conclave as a light-hearted way to understand the gravity of the upcoming event. This anecdote adds a humanizing touch to the new pope's profile. The film's influence extended beyond the Vatican. Following Pope Francis's death on April 21, 2025, viewership of Conclave skyrocketed, with millions of people streaming the film to gain insight into the papal selection process.

While Conclave offers a dramatized portrayal, its resonance with real-world events underscores the intersection of art and reality. The film's storyline, focused on themes of secrecy, power, and faith, reflects the intricate complexities embedded in the Vatican's traditions.

As Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy, the renewed interest in Conclave highlights the public's fascination with the inner workings of the Catholic Church. The film serves as both entertainment and a lens through which audiences can explore the profound rituals that shape the Church's leadership.