David Gibson, who serves as the Director of the Center on Religion and Culture at Fordham University, has raised crucial points regarding a notable oversight in the film Conclave. The narrative centers on Cardinal Lawrence, who is responsible for orchestrating a conclave where cardinals convene to elect a new pope. The plot thickens when Cardinal Benitez arrives with the surprising news that he was covertly appointed cardinal by the deceased pope. The film features prominent actors, including Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Isabella Rossellini, and Carlos Diehz.
There is a real custom by which a pope can name a cardinal “in pectore,”which is Latin for “in his heart”or “in his breast.”The name is known only to the pope usually, because the bishop would face persecution if his status were known. This is never explained in the film for reasons of time, I’m sure. One technical problem is that as soon as a pope dies, if he has not revealed this name, that secret cardinal would not be a cardinal and would not be able to enter a conclave even with a permission slip, as Cardinal Benitez does.
Implications of Gibson’s Observations on Secret Cardinals in Conclave
The Climactic Reveal of Cardinal Benitez as the New Pope
During the conclave depicted in the film, Cardinal Benitez produces a permission slip allegedly issued by the late pope, allowing him to participate. However, Gibson contends that Cardinal Benitez should not have been permitted to join the conclave, as he would have lost his status as a cardinal upon the pope’s demise. This pivotal point raises the stakes of the film’s ending, wherein Benitez is ultimately elected the new pope.
The film’s inclination to present Cardinal Benitez as the first intersex pope—the existence of which is a secret known only to Cardinal Lawrence—could symbolize a transformative moment for the Catholic Church.
An unexpected twist unfolds when it is revealed that Cardinal Benitez is intersex. The late pope was aware of Benitez’s condition and had facilitated a hysterectomy, which Cardinal Benitez later chose to forgo in order to retain his natural identity. This character development contributes to an essential narrative arc for Conclave.
Analyzing Gibson’s Critique of the Secret Cardinal Narrative in Conclave
The Significance of Cardinal Benitez in Conclave
Cardinal Benitez emerges as one of the most compelling figures in Conclave, and it is disheartening to learn that his inclusion in the conclave contradicts established protocols of papal elections. Nevertheless, the film’s liberties in portraying the conclave process offer an engaging narrative that captivates the audience. Thus, while Gibson’s critique holds merit, it is reasonable to overlook this narrative inconsistency, particularly since Cardinal Benitez’s character instills depth and complexity into the film’s storyline.
For further reading, refer to GQ.
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