The allure of papal elections has proven irresistible to filmmakers, with three major 2000s films – ”Angels & Demons” (2009), ”We Have a Pope” (2011), and ”The Two Popes” (2019) [Note: The prompt mentioned ”Konklaven” (The Conclave) as a 2023 Christmas film, but it appears to be referring to ”The Two Popes” which aligns with the provided summary] – exploring the intricacies and drama surrounding this momentous event. The vivid imagery of crimson-clad cardinals and purple-robed bishops provides a cinematic richness surpassing the more austere aesthetics of Protestant clergy, though films like ”Fanny and Alexander” and the Danish series ”Ride Upon the Storm” demonstrate that dramatic potential exists even within those settings. The Catholic Church possesses a unique ability to present religious themes with compelling theatricality and dramatic flair.
At the heart of this fascination lies the Vatican, a timeless and enigmatic institution. The Pope, as Europe’s last absolute monarch, requires not only power but also legitimacy to maintain stability. Dynastic succession, the traditional method of securing legitimacy, proves impractical for an institution bound by celibacy. The Vatican’s intricate political machinations, reminiscent of a Renaissance court, are vividly portrayed in films like ”The Two Popes.” Whispers, conspiracies, counter-conspiracies, and a constant flow of rumors create an atmosphere of intrigue, mirroring the real-world complexities faced by those within the Vatican. Unraveling the truth from this web of deception becomes a crucial challenge, resembling a high-stakes game of Mastermind. The secrecy surrounding such internal matters is exemplified by the still-unknown contents of the report that led to Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation.
Historically, Popes wielded significant political influence in Europe, a dynamic explored in series like ”Wolf Hall.” The frescoes in the Sala Regia, depicting the Battle of Lepanto, serve as a visual reminder of the Church’s past military and political power. While the Pope no longer commands armies or controls territories, his influence as the spiritual leader of 1.2 billion Catholics remains substantial. Papal pronouncements command global attention, sparking reactions ranging from outrage, as seen with Benedict’s comments on condoms and AIDS, to cautious scrutiny, as with Pope Francis’s initial hesitancy to directly label Russia as the aggressor in Ukraine.
The significance of a papal conclave as a political event is undeniable. The strategic maneuvering, coalition building, and candidate assessment depicted in films like ”The Two Popes” bear resemblance to real-world political processes, such as the selection of EU Commissioners or NATO Secretaries General. While personal ambition and power dynamics inevitably play a role, the conclave also encompasses a profound spiritual dimension. The film underscores that the Church, while a human institution, strives towards a higher ideal, ultimately concerned with the salvation of souls.
The portrayal of women within the Catholic Church forms another key aspect of these cinematic narratives. Figures like Sister Agnes, depicted with a commanding presence, reflect the real-world influence wielded by some nuns, even within a male-dominated hierarchy. While films like ”The Two Popes” may not explicitly address contemporary issues such as the growing advocacy for women’s full participation in the Church, they acknowledge the presence and often understated power of women within the institution. Recent reports of sexual abuse of nuns by priests further highlight the complex power dynamics at play within the Church.
Finally, the film’s portrayal of the interplay between tradition and change within the Church is noteworthy. While ”The Two Popes” focuses on a fictional narrative, the eventual selection of a Pope who prioritizes the future over tradition reflects a tension that exists within the real-world Catholic Church. The institution’s long history allows for varying interpretations of doctrine and tradition. Should the Church ever decide to embrace female ordination, it could potentially justify the decision by pointing to historical examples of women holding priestly roles, effectively framing the change as a rediscovery of a forgotten tradition rather than a radical departure. This adaptability, woven into the very fabric of the Church, allows for both continuity and evolution, ensuring its relevance across centuries.
