The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Francis has died – and a timely political thriller delving into the customs and conflicts of a papal election is now available for home viewing
The Catholic Church braces itself for a new conclave, just as a gripping political thriller about the rites and rivalries of a papal election hits the home screens.
Tragedy struck the Vatican today (April 21) with the announcement of Pope Francis’s demise. The pontiff had a bout of hospitalization in Rome earlier this year for bronchitis – a condition inflaming the air passages to the lungs.
His health took a downward turn as doctors shifted gears on his treatment due to a “complex clinical situation”. A subsequent X-ray unveiled that he was battling a case of double pneumonia.
The beloved Pope bid his final farewell at 88, mere hours after offering Easter blessings to the faithful from the Vatican’s iconic balcony atop St Peter’s Basilica.
Starring Ralph Fiennes and helmed by Edward Berger, ‘Conclave’ (2024) is the big-screen rendition of Robert Harris’ gripping bestseller. The movie pulls audiences behind the hallowed walls of the Vatican, where cardinals gather under a shroud of secrecy to pick a new pope after the incumbent’s death, reports the Daily Record.
Fiennes steps into the shoes of Cardinal Lomeli, a high-level cleric charged with the complex task of regulating the tense and ritual-laden election. Amid several tension-filled days, he starts to peel back veils of secrecy among his peers in the clergy, stumbling upon a bombshell that threatens to steer the holy office onto an unforeseen path.
The film’s narrative primarily takes place in the Sistine Chapel and surrounding Vatican areas, showcasing the rituals, politics, and power struggles that occur in private.
Set against the backdrop of a secretive and highly traditional global religious event, Conclave delves into the intricacies of a mysterious process that rarely receives public scrutiny, but may gain global attention in the near future, according to the Express.
For those wanting to watch Conclave (2024), various streaming options exist.
Amazon Prime Video offers a rental choice for £5.99 in high-definition and 4K, while purchasing costs £13.99. The rental remains accessible for 30 days, and upon activation, you’ll have 48 hours to finish the film.
It is also available to rent or buy on Apple TV, starting at £5.99, in 4K with Dolby Atmos technology for enabled devices.
Additionally, you can find it on YouTube Movies, offering rental and purchase options from £5.99, enabling viewership across different devices.
Conclave has a total runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes and holds a 12A rating for intermittent threat and strong language. The film features both English and Latin dialogue.
This release comes in the wake of the announcement of Pope Francis’s passing earlier today.
Released on Monday, a statement revealed: “At 7.35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church.”
The statement read: “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalised. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite, merciful love of God, One and Tribune.′′”.
Pope Francis had taken the reins in 2013, following the resignation of his predecessor, Benedict XVI.
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