Beyond the White Smoke: A Cinematic Look at Papal Politics

The passing of Pope Francis at the age of 88 will now trigger a conclave, the Catholic Church's process for electing a new pontiff. This traditionally secretive event gained a degree of public visibility through the 2024 film, 'Conclave.'  

Directed by Edward Berger and starring Ralph Fiennes, 'Conclave' blends fictional drama with an exploration of the conclave's intricate workings. Fiennes portrays Cardinal Lomeli, tasked with overseeing the election. The film delves into the rituals, political maneuvering, and subtle power dynamics that unfold behind the Vatican's closed doors, as Lomeli uncovers hidden agendas among his fellow cardinals.  

The cardinals, all under 80 years old, are sequestered within the Vatican, conducting their votes in the Sistine Chapel and residing at the Casa Santa Marta hotel. The world outside observes the chimney, awaiting the signal: black smoke for an inconclusive vote, white smoke for a new pope.  

Adapted from Robert Harris's bestselling novel, the film garnered critical acclaim, receiving eight Academy Award nominations, ultimately winning Best Adapted Screenplay. However, it also sparked controversy.  

One Catholic writer criticised the film, arguing that it undermines the Church's divine authority and promotes a 'doctrine of despair.' This critic cited dialogue delivered by Fiennes's character as evidence:

'To work together, to grow together, we must be tolerant, no one person or faction seeking to dominate another. And over many years of service to our Mother, the Church, there is one sin which I have come to fear above all others: certainty. Certainty is the great enemy of unity. Certainty is the deadly enemy of tolerance. Even Christ was not certain at the end. "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?" he cries out in his agony at the ninth hour on the Cross. Our faith is a living faith precisely because it walks hand in hand with doubt. If there was only certainty and no doubt, there would be no mystery and therefore, no need for faith. Let us pray that God grants us a pope who doubts...'  

These words, particularly the sentiment 'The greatest sin is certainty,' resonated deeply with many, highlighting the contrast between rigid dogma and the humility of genuine faith. Certainty belongs to fanatics, not the humble faithful.