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The passing of Pope Francis has sparked a surge in interest around the inner workings of the Catholic Church, with the film Conclave seeing a dramatic 283% spike in streams in the immediate aftermath of the Pope's death.
The former head of the Catholic Church died on Monday morning at the age of 88, prompting a global outpouring of mourning and reflection. As the world turned its attention to what comes next for the Vatican, many sought a deeper understanding of the ancient traditions that govern the selection of a new Pope. and found it in Conclave, a gripping political-religious drama that first hit UK cinemas in November last year.
According to viewing data tracked by Luminate (via Variety), Conclave drew 1.8 million minutes of viewership on April 20. Just one day later, following confirmation of Pope Francis’ passing, that number had soared to 6.9 million minutes, a staggering increase that highlights the film’s renewed relevance and emotional impact.
The film centres on the secretive and sacred process of the papal conclave, a centuries-old tradition wherein the College of Cardinals gathers behind closed doors to elect a new pontiff. Filmed with a meticulous attention to detail and featuring a stellar cast, Conclave offers a rare dramatic glimpse into the rituals, political manoeuvring, and spiritual weight of this momentous event.
The timing of the viewership surge couldn’t be more poignant. The Vatican is now preparing for the real-life version of the process depicted in the film. Cardinals from around the globe will soon begin arriving in Rome, where they will engage in a highly confidential voting procedure under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, according to Catholic belief. Only when a candidate receives two-thirds of the votes is white smoke released from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney, a centuries-old signal that a new Pope has been chosen.
Religious scholars and commentators have praised Conclave for its respectful and accurate portrayal of the conclave process. With the Church now entering a time of both grief and transition, the film has served not only as a source of insight, but also as a powerful reminder of the spiritual and political gravity that comes with the selection of a new leader for the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics.
As the world waits for the next chapter in Church history to unfold, Conclave has clearly struck a chord, turning a moment of global mourning into one of curiosity, reflection, and renewed faith.
