Conclave Ending Explained: The political thriller Conclave, directed by Edward Berger and based on Robert Harris’s novel, immerses viewers in the intense and secretive world of the Vatican as cardinals gather to elect a new pope following the sudden death of their predecessor. The film explores themes of power, faith, and identity, culminating in a shocking conclusion that leaves audiences questioning the very nature of leadership within the Catholic Church. In this blog, we will dissect the film’s ending, address frequently asked questions about its plot and characters, and delve into the deeper meanings behind this gripping narrative.
A Brief Overview of Conclave
Conclave begins with the unexpected death of Pope Pius XIII, prompting a conclave of cardinals from around the world to convene in the Vatican. The film features a star-studded cast, including Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, who is tasked with overseeing the election process. As tensions rise and secrets unfold, viewers are taken on a journey filled with political maneuvering, moral dilemmas, and unexpected revelations.
The story is set against the backdrop of ancient traditions and modern challenges facing the Catholic Church. Each cardinal brings their own agenda to the table, leading to intense debates about the future direction of the church. The film ultimately raises questions about faith, authority, and what it means to lead in an increasingly complex world.
What Happens at the End of Conclave?
As Conclave reaches its climax, viewers witness a series of dramatic events that culminate in a surprising election outcome. After several days of voting and deliberation, Cardinal Vincent Benitez (played by Carlos Diez) is elected as the new pope. He chooses the papal name Pope Innocent.
However, before he is publicly announced as pope, Cardinal Lawrence learns a shocking secret about Benitez: he was born intersex but raised as male. This revelation is significant not only for Benitez’s character but also for the implications it holds for the Catholic Church’s views on gender and identity.
In a pivotal moment, Lawrence confronts Benitez about his medical history and his near decision to undergo gender reassignment surgery. Despite this revelation, Lawrence decides to keep Benitez’s secret from the other cardinals. He believes that Benitez’s unique perspective can bring much-needed change to the church, allowing it to evolve in an increasingly progressive world. (Conclave Ending Explained)
What Was the Point of the Conclave Movie?
The central theme of Conclave revolves around power dynamics within the Catholic Church and how they intersect with modern societal issues. The film examines how tradition can clash with contemporary values while exploring characters’ internal struggles with faith and identity.
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- Tradition vs. Change: Throughout the film, characters grapple with their beliefs about what it means to be a leader in a rapidly changing world. The conclave serves as a microcosm for broader societal debates about progressivism versus conservatism within religious institutions. (Conclave Ending Explained)
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- The Nature of Faith: The film delves into questions surrounding faith—what it means to have faith in God and how that faith can be challenged by personal experiences and societal expectations.
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- Identity and Acceptance: Benitez’s intersex identity challenges traditional notions of gender within a patriarchal institution like the Catholic Church. His election as pope symbolizes a potential shift towards greater inclusivity and acceptance within religious leadership.
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- Moral Ambiguity: The cardinals’ political maneuvering reveals moral complexities inherent in their pursuit of power. Characters must navigate ethical dilemmas that force them to confront their values and priorities.
What Is the Secret in Conclave?
The most significant secret revealed in Conclave is Cardinal Benitez’s intersex identity. This revelation not only adds depth to his character but also serves as a commentary on gender fluidity within religious contexts.
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- Intersex Identity: Benitez was born with both male and female anatomy but was raised as male without knowledge of his condition until later in life. This aspect of his identity becomes central to his character arc and influences his approach to leadership.
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- The Former Pope’s Knowledge: It is revealed that Pope Pius XIII was aware of Benitez’s condition before his death. He appointed him cardinal “in pectore,” meaning secretly or privately, indicating that he recognized Benitez’s potential despite societal prejudices.
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- Lawrence’s Dilemma: Cardinal Lawrence grapples with whether to disclose Benitez’s secret to other cardinals or protect him from potential backlash. This decision highlights Lawrence’s internal conflict between loyalty to his friend and duty to uphold traditional values within the church.
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- Implications for the Church: By keeping Benitez’s secret, Lawrence aims to foster an environment where progressive ideas can flourish within an institution often resistant to change. This decision reflects hope for a more inclusive future for both leadership roles within Catholicism and its followers. (Conclave Ending Explained)
Exploring Key Themes in Conclave
As we analyze Conclave, several key themes emerge that resonate throughout its narrative:
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- Power Dynamics: The conclave serves as an exploration of power struggles among cardinals vying for influence over church doctrine and direction. Their interactions reveal how ambition can corrupt even those who profess deep faith.
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- Faith vs. Doubt: Characters experience crises of faith that force them to confront their beliefs head-on—particularly Lawrence, who questions whether he is fit for leadership amidst uncertainty about his own convictions.
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- Gender Identity: Through Benitez’s character arc, Conclave challenges traditional notions surrounding gender roles within religious institutions—inviting discussions about inclusivity while highlighting societal biases against those who do not conform.
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- Tradition vs Progress: The film underscores tensions between maintaining longstanding traditions versus embracing progressive ideals—prompting viewers to reflect on how institutions evolve over time while grappling with their foundational principles. (Conclave Ending Explained)
Conclusion: A Bold New Direction for Leadership
The ending of Conclave leaves audiences contemplating not just who leads but how they lead—a powerful message relevant beyond religious contexts into broader societal conversations about representation and inclusivity.
By electing Cardinal Vincent Benitez as Pope Innocent while keeping his intersex identity under wraps, Conclave suggests that true leadership requires empathy and understanding rather than rigid adherence to tradition alone.
As we reflect on this thought-provoking narrative filled with intrigue and moral complexity, it becomes clear that Conclave serves as more than just a political thriller—it challenges us all to consider what kind of leaders we want guiding us into an uncertain future.
In conclusion, Conclave masterfully intertwines suspenseful storytelling with profound explorations into faith, identity, and morality—ultimately inviting viewers into an intricate web where secrets hold immense power over those who dare to reveal them! (Conclave Ending Explained)