David Gibson, the Director of the Center on Religion and Culture at Fordham University, has provided a detailed analysis of the film Conclave, which is inspired by Robert Harris’ 2016 novel. The movie centers around Cardinal Lawrence as he presides over a conclave at the Vatican tasked with electing a new pope. With a commendable score of 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, Conclave has garnered rave reviews, complemented by a stellar cast featuring actors like Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Isabella Rossellini, and Carlos Diehz.
In a recent interview with GQ, Gibson delved into the intricate dynamics of how cardinals conduct themselves during a real-life conclave. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between ambition and discretion, noting that overt campaigning can jeopardize a cardinal’s chances of election. A recurring theme in the film, as portrayed through various characters, reveals the differing levels of ambition among cardinals.
Some cardinals do campaign, but they need to do it quietly because if you’re seen as ambitious, you’re done. The key is to have allies who campaign for you. If you are seen as an odds-on favorite, your fellow cardinals will not vote for you. As the Romans say, “He who enters the conclave a pope, leaves it a cardinal.”
There are some frontrunners but it’s usually a large group, 15 to 20 plausible candidates. In centuries past, it was much more predictable but since John XXIII was elected as an outsider in 1958, it’s been anyone’s guess. The cardinals don’t want to go for a total unknown — if they pick a dark horse, they want that cardinal to be a safe choice, a known quantity. But they can still be surprised by who the safe bet becomes, as it happened with Pope Francis.
Implications of Gibson’s Insights on Conclave
The Cardinals’ Reluctance Towards Selecting an Overly Ambitious Pope
The primary objective of the conclave is to identify the most suitable candidate for the papacy. Gibson’s observations on the subtlety of campaigning resonate with the portrayal of ambitious cardinals in Conclave, particularly figures like Cardinal Bellini, Cardinal Tremblay, and Cardinal Tedesco, each of whom has significant backing in the film. However, their ambition raises concerns about their suitability for the role of pope.
Throughout the movie, any interactions perceived as undermining a rival’s candidacy are met with skepticism, reinforcing the careful tactics cardinals must employ.
Cardinal Lawrence, played by Fiennes, often views the ambitious candidates with suspicion, yet he too faces accusations of plotting for the papacy. This complexity illustrates the intricate balance of strategy within the conclave. Ultimately, the narrative resolves with the election of a cardinal recognized for his altruistic motives, reflecting the underlying tensions and risks inherent in the selection process.
Analyzing Gibson’s Insights on Campaigning in Conclave
The Authenticity of the Campaigning Portrayed in Conclave
The depiction of the campaigning process in Conclave accurately mirrors the realities of a genuine conclave, reinforcing the film’s reception. Given the secretive nature of real-life conclaves, the exploration of such specific details adds an engaging layer to the narrative. Gibson’s critique affirms that the political maneuvers and campaigning seen in the film resonate with actual practices, thus enhancing its credibility and appeal.
Source: GQ