The ending of Conclave left viewers in awe, but what does it all mean? Let’s break down the wild twists and turns.

As reported by Today, Conclave follows a group of Catholic leaders debating who should become the next pope. The film unveils the intense political intrigue behind Vatican doors, complete with alliances and feuds among the College of Cardinals, the body responsible for electing the Roman Catholic Church’s next leader.

What is ‘Conclave’ about?

Ralph Fiennes stars as Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, the head of the college tasked with navigating these contentious debates. On one side, Cardinal Bellini (Stanley Tucci) pushes for a liberal direction, while Cardinal Tedesco (Sergio Castellitto) advocates for a more conservative choice. Adding unpredictability to the mix is Vincent Benitez (Carlos Diehz), a newcomer from Afghanistan, whose wildcard presence shakes up the dynamics.

A new pope emerges amid chaos

The papal selection process hits several roadblocks as scandals eliminate top contenders. When it falls to Lawrence to cast the deciding vote, an explosion disrupts the proceedings. Though no one is hurt, the incident forces the Cardinals to regroup in a safer area. There, Benitez delivers a stirring speech recounting his harrowing experiences during the war in Afghanistan. His emotional appeal shifts the group’s perspective, and he is unanimously elected pope despite his lack of political clout.

The final twist: Benitez’s secret

The drama doesn’t end with the election. Rumors emerge about Benitez planning a medical procedure in Switzerland. When confronted by Lawrence, Benitez reveals a deeply personal truth: he was born with intersex characteristics, including female reproductive organs. A prior appendicitis surgery uncovered this, and he had planned to undergo another procedure to remove his uterus but ultimately canceled it.

Benitez shares that the late pope advised him to embrace his identity as God’s creation. This guidance led him to reject further surgeries. Despite this revelation, Benitez is installed as pope, taking the name Pope Innocentius.

The significance of Pope Innocentius

Pope Innocentius’ story is an allegory for embracing difference. As an intersex person, the character embodies living in the “gray areas” of gender, politics, and religion. This unique perspective positions him to bridge divides and foster unity across opposing ideologies.

Ralph Fiennes, in an interview with Today, expressed the importance of this message, saying, “And I think [the movie] is saying, you know, that is actually interestingly a wise position to be in. You’re neither this nor that. You’re just here, in between.”

What did you think of ‘Conclave’?

Does the unexpected ending resonate with you? Share your thoughts on the powerful conclusion of Conclave and its message of unity and difference.