Edward Berger's gripping papal thriller, *Conclave*, captivated audiences last year by unveiling the seldom-seen ritual of electing a new pope. This film, which delves into the intricacies of Catholicism's conclave process, has now taken on a surprising real-world significance. As Cardinals from across the globe prepare for an actual conclave following the death of Pope Francis, some of these religious leaders have turned to Berger's film for guidance and understanding of the process.

According to a papal cleric involved in the conclave ritual, as reported by Politico, *Conclave*—featuring the esteemed actor Ralph Fiennes as the dean of the College of Cardinals—has been praised for its accuracy. The cleric noted that "some [Cardinals] have watched it in the cinema," underscoring the film's impact on those about to participate in this sacred event.

Pope Francis passed away in late April, just months after *Conclave*'s release, triggering the need for a conclave. Starting on Wednesday, May 7, 133 high-ranking clerics from around the world will gather in the Sistine Chapel to vote for the next leader of the global Catholic Church.

A significant number of these Cardinals were appointed by Pope Francis and have never experienced a conclave before. This lack of firsthand experience makes the film particularly valuable, especially for those from smaller, more remote parishes who might otherwise struggle to grasp the full scope of the ritual. Thus, it's understandable that *Conclave* would serve as a helpful resource for these Cardinals as they navigate this pivotal moment in the Church's history.