It has been reported that Ralph Fiennes’ hit Oscar-winning movie Conclave is having an unusual impact as selection for the next pope begins.
As bizarre as it may sound, reports have suggested that some of the 133 high-ranking clerics who are set to choose the next Pope have turned to the 2024 film for pointers.
‘Some have watched it in the cinema,’ a cleric involved in the real thing told POLITICO.
Apparently, the film is considered a useful research tool as the cleric told the outlet that many believe it is ‘remarkably accurate’, particularly as so many people involved in the decision-making will have little experience of Vatican protocol.
Some of the cardinals who were appointed by the late pontiff and have arrived in Rome since the death of Pope Francis on April 21 have never experienced a conclave before.
The cardinals are set to gather at the Sistine Chapel today, on May 7, when the conclave begins.
The 2024 historical drama Conclave follows Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) organising a conclave to elect the next pope.
The cardinal soon finds himself investigating secrets and scandals about the major candidates, as the election process goes seriously awry.
The movie also stars John Lithgow, Stanley Tucci, and Isabella Rossellini, with Edward Berger directing.
While Conclave is not based on a true story, there are a lot of moments in the selection of a new pope that are accurate.
The film is based on the novel of the same name by Robert Harris, who consulted with the late English cardinal Cormac Murphy O’Connor on the details of his book.
Conclave was a huge smash during awards season taking home four awards in total, including best film and best British film at the Baftas.
The film was nominated for 12 Bafta awards in total, making it the one to beat during the awards season.
During the Academy Awards, the film only managed to snag one award for best adapted screenplay, despite being nominated for eight awards.
The film also won two Critics’ Choice Awards after being nominated for 11 awards.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.