A Plot Synopsis of the Movie ‘Conclave’

Plot Synopsis written by Michael Lee

*All Media used in this article is courtesy of Focus Features

Photo via Focus Features

Official Trailer: Conclave (2024)

Video via Focus Features

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Plot Synopsis

Ralph Fiennes stars as Cardinal Lawrence in director Edward Berger’s ‘Conclave’ - Courtesy of Focus Features

Soon after the current Pope dies suddenly from a heart attack, the College of Cardinals gathers themselves in seclusion, also known as the papal conclave, with the mission of choosing a new pope. The papal conclave is headed by Cardinal Dean Thomas Lawrence. The conclave meets another member amongst their ranks, named Archbishop Benitez of Kabul, who informs them that the recently deceased pope had secretly made him a Cardinal.

‘Conclave’ Film Clip: It Is A War - Video Courtesy of Focus Features

We learn that there are four candidates for the Pope. There is Bellini, a somewhat liberal man that largely follows in the footsteps of the late Pope. Then there is Tremblay, a mainstream conservative, then Adeyemi, a socially conservative man with progressive views on the economy, and then there is Tedesco, a radical traditionalist, who wants to change elements of the Second Vatican Council, mostly concerning the language used in masses as well as the policy that details peaceful coexistence with other religions. The man Tedescao is a vile man, known racist who has come under fire for mistreating his assistants. It is also implied that two candidates, Adeyemi and Tremblay, used their ranking in the Vatican bureaucracy to literally overwork the Pope, hoping he would die under the immense pressure.

Ralph Fiennes stars as Cardinal Lawrence in director Edward Berger’s ‘Conclave’ - Courtesy of Focus Features 

The men Lawrence and Bellini are leaders of the liberal wing of the Church, but both claim they do not want the job. With Belini, he feels as if he feigns reluctance, that this will earn the voters respect and that he will be chosen regardless. The position that Lawrence holds is much more complicated, however. We learn that Lawrence had recently attempted to resign from being Dean due to a crisis of faith. Though Lawrence does vote for Belllini, Bellini senses that Lawrence is actually withholding his support for him.

‘Conclave’ Film Clip: Pass The Chalice - Video Courtesy of Focus Features

Soon before the first vote is cast, the man Lawrrence gives a speech to the Cardinals, encouraging them to embrace diversity. This is seen by the other Cardinals as a campaign speech. Though they are demanded by Cardinal law not to pursue the outside world, Lawrence gathers information in opposition to the leading candidates. Even though this is against the rules of the conclave, Lawrence attempts to rationalize his sins, believing himself to be researching only to protect the Church. The late Pope’s confidant tells Lawrence that the Pope had actually fired Tremblay prior to his death. Tremblay denies this only to offer an eyewitness who defends him, but also mentions that the official report was withdrawn.

Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Lawrence and Stanley Tucci as Cardinal Bellini in director Edward Berger’s ‘Conclave’ - Courtesy of Focus Features 

The first vote is collected and no candidate is remotely close to the two-thirds majority needed for a successful Papal election. Adeyemi is leading the votes, however, though by a very slim margin. Lawrence and Bellini have completely split the liberal vote so the liberal conclave rallies behind Adeyemi. Bellini, who knows Adeyemi to be a homophobe, hates him for this, so he decides to secretly support Tremblay's Papal candidacy in exchange for an appointment in the new Pope’s papal council.

‘Conclave’ Film Clip: This Conclave Is Mine - Video Courtesy of Focus Features

During lunch in the cardinals cafeteria, one of the catering nun’s admits to Lawrence that she actually had a son with Adeyemi when she was only nineteen, him over thirty. Lawrence confronts Adeyemi about this, who confirms it. Though Lawrence is bound to keep the secret, a whisper campaign begins, thus derailing Adeyemi’s candidacy. Adeyemi expects that this is a setup of some kind, as the catering nun had not once left Nigeria before appearing at the conclave. Sister Agnes, the head nun, confirms to Lawrence that Tremblay transferred the nun to the Vatican. Lawrence attempts to blackmail Tremblay into stepping down, but Tremblay proudly admits to transferring the nun and exposing Adeyemi. Tremblay then accuses Lawrence of coveting the papacy for himself.

Brían F. O’Byrne as Cardinal O’Malley and Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Lawrence in director Edward Berger’s ‘Conclave’ - Courtesy of Focus Features 

Later, Lawrence then breaks into the former Pope’s apartment and discovers documents that Tremblay had previously bribed cardinals for votes. Bellini begs Lawrence to burn the documents, but eventually reconsiders, ultimately switching his allegiance to Lawrence. Sister Angnes and Lawrence go forth with revealing the documents and therefore ruin Tremblay’s reputation, which leaves Lawrence and Tedesco as the only viable candidates for the Papacy.

‘Conclave’ Film Clip: You Should Be Careful - Video Courtesy of Focus Features

Then, during the fifth vote, an attack on the Vatican by a suicide bomber takes place. He manages to kill fifty-two people and severely damage the Sistine Chapel. Tedesco blames radical Islamists and calls for the Catholic Church to fight against Islam. Archbishop Benitez retorts that Tedesco knows nothing of true war, as he, Benitez, had seen the roughage during his time serving in Afghanistan. he claims that the Church must move forward and reject tradition that ultimately does not serve them. He then goes to scold the cardinals for prioritizing their political games instead of their religious duty to the Catholic Church.

Sergio Castellitto stars as Cardinal Tedesco in director Edward Berger’s ‘Conclave’ - Courtesy of Focus Features 

Moved by this courageous and impassioned speech, the cardinals elect Benitez as Pope. But not too long before Benitez’s Papal election is announced, Lawrence is informed that the late Pope had paid for Archbishop Benitez to visit a gender reassignment clinic. If this is revealed to the public, this news would ultimately force Benitez to step down. After Lawrence confronts Benitez, Benitez explains that he is actually intersex, meaning his genitalia include a uterus, ovaries, and a penis. He chose to keep his female organs, citing to Lawrence “I am as God made me”. Lawrence chooses to keep the secret, as his loyalty to the former pope outweighs his political ambition. The film ends with Lawrence staring out a dormitory window as the crowd in Vatican Square cheer on the election of Benitez as the new Pope.