Angels & Demons To Conclave: 6 Movies About Electing A New Pope; IN PICS

From high-stakes thrillers to quiet, introspective dramas, these films delve into the behind-the-scenes rituals of Vatican conclaves, exploring the intersection of faith, power, and human frailty.

Angels & Demons To Conclave: 6 Movies About Electing A New Pope

Movies about papal elections are compelling because they combine theological depth with real-world political tension. Whether grounded in fact or fiction, they offer rare glimpses into one of the world’s most mysterious institutions. From action-packed thrillers to poignant character studies, these films reveal the human side of faith, duty, and leadership.

The secretive process of electing a new Pope has long fascinated filmmakers, blending spiritual solemnity with political drama. From high-stakes thrillers to quiet, introspective dramas, these films delve into the behind-the-scenes rituals of Vatican conclaves, often exploring the intersection of faith, power, and human frailty. Here are six films that bring the mystery of papal succession to the big screen.

Angels & Demons (2009): Based on Dan Brown’s bestselling novel, Angels & Demons throws Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon into a race against time as a secret society infiltrates the Vatican during a papal conclave. The film is a high-octane blend of conspiracy, ancient symbols, and church politics, offering a stylized, albeit fictionalised, take on the papal election.

The Two Popes (2019): Inspired by true events, this acclaimed film dramatizes the relationship between Pope Benedict XVI (Anthony Hopkins) and Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, the future Pope Francis (Jonathan Pryce). While not centered on a conclave per se, it provides rare insight into the ideological clash and transition between two very different pontificates—making it a meditative companion piece to the politics of papal succession.

Conclave (2024): Based on the Robert Harris novel, this upcoming film stars Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Lomeli, who is tasked with overseeing a papal conclave after the Pope’s death. As the cardinals gather behind locked doors, secrets emerge that could shake the foundations of the Catholic Church.

Habemus Papam (We Have a Pope) (2011): This Italian film offers a refreshingly human perspective on the process of choosing a new pope. After a cardinal is unexpectedly elected, he suffers a crisis of confidence and flees the Vatican. A psychologist is brought in to help, but chaos ensues. The film balances satire and sensitivity, presenting the papacy as both burden and calling.

The Shoes of the Fisherman (1968): Starring Anthony Quinn as a former political prisoner turned Pope, this Cold War-era film imagines a newly elected pontiff navigating global tensions between East and West. Though fictional, the film portrays the conclave and election process in impressive detail and showcases the Vatican as a player on the world stage.

Pope Joan (2009): While largely considered a legend by historians, Pope Joan explores the story of a woman who allegedly disguised herself as a man and rose to the papacy in the 9th century. The film doesn't center on a traditional conclave but adds to the lore and mystery surrounding papal power and secrecy. (All Image: IMDb)