How much do you want to know about the Roman Catholic church?

The movie CONCLAVE has received mixed reviews. Not sure why. Maybe some reviewers don’t like movies about church politics. Perhaps some find the film too slow and devoid of the pyrotechnics that many big budget movies rely on. And there are, no doubt, some critics who aren’t sure what it’s all about. Never matter – all good!

Today I decided to see for myself. I had been (via on-line) part of a very respectful Remembrance Service from A&P in Montréal so I thought that going to a midday movie might give me another perspective on things theological and contemporary. Thus I went at 12:45, sitting in a very nice theatre with perhaps a dozen others (maybe even in Penticton, that’s too early for retired or religious folk)!

The story is very methodically laid out, starting with the death of the Pope. Such an event is a major moment in the Roman Catholic polity and the procedures and responsibilities that result are well articulated. This alone makes the film a worthwhile study for those with theological interests and people within a Christian faith who want to know more about the structure of the hierarchy of the largest denomination. Moreover the acting is very solid; the key individuals actually remind me of different theologians I have encountered in the Presbyterian church.

Not sure who I like the best, as several characters rise to prominence at different times in the film. Nevertheless Stanley Tucci & Ralph Fiennes have always been among the favourites of mine and they don’t let me down. They along with John Lithgow, & an Italian actor whose name I can’t recall (and I’m too lazy to Google it) really demonstrate the humanity in the College of Cardinals. They argue, accuse, fight and even try to forgive at times. They certainly show off some interesting political savvy and organizational internal turmoil. The election of the Holy Father is no different than your local mayor or perhaps a provincial government. While all protest they are doing this by seeking out the will of God, there are times when they resemble more the federal Liberal caucus.

There is intrigue, as with any significant leadership selection process. The way the Conclave votes is also staged in a very educational process. The sense of cloister is for all to see and while the outside world is somewhat shut out, the seclusion is not as many might imagine it would be. The film takes the voting through a number of rounds and while everyone has their own secret ballot, it is less private as there are no ballot boxes and there are shared meals and special group meetings where alliances and strategic voting conversations happen in full view.

If one has little understanding of how church leadership, particularly when men are involved, this film helps clarify it. Churches are run by humans and the College of Cardinals is no different. There is process; there is procedure; there is polity. There is also a fair amount of sin-influenced decision-making. Based on my own experiences within the Presbyterian Church (both in Canada & the USA) I’d say the screen tells a fairly accurate story. If you have any interest in such machinations, see the film. If you often have wondered just how we get to either black smoke or white smoke, see the film. If you want some great acting set in some very old traditions and buildings, see the film. BUT, if none of this interests you, wait a bit, there are some good films just around the corner such as Blitz…

CONCLAVE was worth my money; but then I am more interested than most in theological intrigue and the potential results from human interaction in theological settings.

Reflectively
g.w.