Faith accompli

This papal drama is a provocative and mildly funny take on the process involved in the appointment of a Pope.

A Pope is appointed for life as head of the Catholic Church and Vatican City. His words are held as the gold standard by believers of the Christian faith. So, his selection is as dramatic as it is antiquated.

Since the current Pope is dead, the cardinals have gathered for the ritual involved in selecting his successor. Cardinal Lawrence, as Dean, will preside over the College of Cardinals, sequestered in a special dormitory. They meet in the Sistine Chapel, fill out votes counted by hand and then, burn them. They are not allowed to communicate, other than by using smoke signals. Gray is for a ballot that did not result in a selection, white is for when the selection is made.

Lawrence, a doubtful soul, was going to renege on his role but eventually does his best to meet the conflicting needs of the opinionated cardinals. Much of the drama revolves around the suitability of the candidate. Does a past sin warrant a no or an unethical ploy, or does a reactionary and harmful outlook matter more?

John Lithgow as the candidate who may have crossed a line veering to the unethical and Lucian Msamati as an African bishop, whose selection could be controversial even though it could be seen as a sign that the church was open to inclusion, are first rate. Then there’s Lawrence’s good friend, Cardinal Bellini (Stanley Tucci), who is candid and liberal, and Cardinal Tedesco (Sergio Castellitto), who wants to bring back Latin — both actors leave their mark.

Isabella Rossellini makes her presence felt as a nun who has a lot to say about the cardinals and their unsuitable ways.

Cinematographer Stephane Fontaine creates striking visuals to augment the high drama. Rows of cardinals in their iconic red robes, striped uniforms of the Swiss guards, and the magnificent architectural details of the Vatican make for a vibrant and artistic setting.

The film does not shy away from raising sexual, predatory and racist prejudices within organised religion.

The movie, set almost entirely inside the Vatican, is adapted from the popular novel by Robert Harris, and is studded with austere performances. Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Lawrence is the pick of the lot.

‘Conclave’ is a dramatic and compelling exploration of the political wrangling involved in selecting a Pope. The film is likely to take your breath away.