Ralph Fiennes in his red robes looking downward in Conclave
Warning: This post contains spoilers for Conclave.Edward Berger’s Conclave has drawn attention for its shocking conclusion, and a real-life pope expert now explains how realistic it is. The political thriller, based on Robert Harris's 2016 novel, follows the College of Cardinals as they convene to elect a new pope after the sudden death of the previous one.
Yes, an intersex person could be elected pope, just as there have undoubtedly been gay men elected pope. It’s not clear what it would mean though, and I think that’s a real weakness in the film. Robert Harris, it seems, wanted to make a statement about gender and the Catholic Church, which is fine. But it is less a statement than a Rubik’s Cube.
I was in Rome with a group of Fordham students in October for the global meeting of Catholic leaders, called a synod. During that time, Pope Francis met with a group of trans and intersex Catholics. It was a very powerful meeting. The pope’s affirmation of them as created by God with inherent dignity was extraordinarily moving. One of them, Nicole Santamaria, an intersex woman from El Salvador, wrote about her experience and to me, it’s a testimony more powerful than Conclave ’s surprise ending.
✕ Remove Ads Related 8 Ways Conclave Changes The Book: Biggest Differences Explained The film Conclave reimagines the novel’s tense Vatican drama, introducing fresh character motives, pacing shifts, and surprising plot changes.
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