Papal Conclave: Speculation Surrounds Next Pope Amid Streaming Success of 'Conclave'

In the wake of Pope Francis's recent passing on April 21, interest in papal elections has surged dramatically, evidenced by the Oscar-winning film 'Conclave' soaring to a viewership of 3 million—up from just 15,000 the day prior to his death. The film, featuring actors John Lithgow and Ralph Fiennes, explores the intricacies of a papal election set against the backdrop of clandestine church politics. Fiennes, who portrays Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, encapsulated the film's essence by stating, 'They are in a structure which massages their political instinct about the thing they're in called the church.' This reflection urges viewers to think critically about the nature of leadership within a religious context. Observations made by Robert Harris, the author of the novel that inspired the film, reveal a trend wherein the dynamics of traditionalists and reformers emerge during conclaves, creating a scene ripe for political maneuvering.