Why As Catholics We Should Not Support the Movie 'Conclave'

Defending the Integrity of Catholic Doctrine

The newly released film “Conclave,” inspired by the 2016 novel of the same name, has stirred considerable debate among Catholics. As a practicing Catholic, I am among those who have serious concerns about Hollywood’s portrayal of the Church in this film. I cannot support this blasphemous film, which completely misaligns with our values and mocks the Church. It is yet another anti-Catholic work that seeks to undermine the credibility of the Church and the faith of her members. But it only reinforces my belief that the Holy Catholic Church is the true Church, as She is attacked yet again by the evil forces of the world.

One major issue is the movie’s misrepresentation of the papal election process. It presents a narrative that undermines the sanctity and solemnity of the papal conclave. By dramatizing internal conflicts and depicting the Church as politically motivated, the film misleads audiences about the true spirit that guides the election of a new Pope by the College of Cardinals, which is the Holy Ghost. A movie that distorts the truth in this way can create scandal for both Catholics and non-Catholics alike. The Church is not simply an institution but a vessel of truth that holds the entirety of Divine Revelation.

The portrayal of the clergy and the Church’s hierarchy in “Conclave” is deeply troubling. The film focuses on scandals and power struggles, perpetuating negative stereotypes about Church leaders. This overshadowing portrayal diminishes the positive contributions of many clergy who serve with integrity and dedication. This negative illustration can erode the laity’s trust in the clergy and detract from the positive impact that many priests and bishops have in their parishes and dioceses. As a practicing Catholic who values guidance from our spiritual fathers, the representation in this movie feels unfair and harmful, especially to our faithful members of the presbyterate and episcopate who live each day faithfully serving the Church.

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The film glosses over the Church’s teaching on the papacy. According to Catholic doctrine and longstanding tradition, the Pope is a bishop, and the priesthood is reserved exclusively for men. This is not merely an opinion; it is a core teaching of the Church. The all-male priesthood is rooted in Divine Revelation, and no one has the authority to change this truth. No human authority is above God, which means the Church cannot alter the priesthood to permit biological women. The movie “Conclave” uses incrementalism to obscure the Church's clear teaching on the papacy and priesthood—reserved for men, by introducing an intersex character of a cardinal who becomes Pope. It is made known in the film that the character has a uterus, and is considering a hysterectomy. The intersex condition where an individual has female reproductive organs with external male characteristics results in XX chromosomes, making the person a biological female.

“It does seem odd that the church sticks so forcefully to its tradition of male celebrants," said "Conclave" star Ralph Fiennes. "I think the Church of England has proven that (having) women as priests is very effective. "

Jesus gave authority to twelve men; the Apostles were the Church’s first bishops, and St. Peter was chosen by Christ to be the first Pope. This authority, through Apostolic Succession, has been passed on to our bishops today through the Sacrament of Holy Orders. If Jesus had willed for a woman to be a priest or a bishop, would He not have given such authority to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the most blessed of all women?

The Pope is elected by the College of Cardinals, and technically, a layperson can be elected as Pope. However, a woman in no way, shape, or form can fulfill the role of the papacy since the Pope is the Bishop of Rome. If a layman were chosen to be Pope, he would first need to be ordained a deacon, then a priest, and finally a bishop. A woman cannot be ordained as a deacon, priest, or bishop, and therefore, she can never assume the papacy.

This matter is not open for discussion because women can never receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders. This is not an opinion, it is what the Church teaches. The truth does not change based on feelings or emotions. God does not call women to the priesthood. The Church is the Bride, and the priest, acting in persona Christi, is the Bridegroom. Christ became a man, not a woman, in all things but sin and ignorance. The priest is a visible sign of Christ, the Bridegroom. A woman cannot serve as priest in persona Christi as the Bridegroom; it is absurd and ridiculous, and makes no sense theologically. It is of utmost importance that, as Catholics, we do not support films that misrepresent Church teachings and risk causing scandal.

Art is a very powerful force in influencing cultural perceptions, and films like “Conclave” can shape how society views the Church and broader issues related to faith and morality. Supporting a film offensive to God and His Church contributes to a narrative that aims to sow confusion, even among Catholics. I have already seen the negative effects of this movie on Catholics who are now questioning the possibility of a biological woman serving as Pope.

It is clear that “Conclave” has an agenda, and I encourage Catholics with steadfast faith to stand up and defend the truth by refusing to accept this movie as just fiction and harmless entertainment. It is easy to go with the flow and remain silent, but we can speak through our actions. Let us send a message that if Hollywood wants to make films that defame our beloved Catholic Church, we will not support them.