GAGASAN merilis berita ini merupakan sebuah upaya kaum beriman agar kita tidak terhanyut dengan narasi film Conclave (2024). Karena paparan film itu pun juga bukan merupakan sebuah kenyataan, melainkan hanya fiksional saja.
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On May 7, 2025, the Church will experience a profound and sacred moment in history: the gathering of the College of Cardinals in Rome to elect the next Pope.
This solemn assembly, called the Conclave, is not just a political event, but a deeply prayerful, structured, and Spirit-guided process. It is rooted in centuries of tradition and theology, with each cardinal seeking to follow God’s will.
For those who have seen or heard about the 2024 movie Conclave, you may be aware of how the film portrays the election of a new Pope. Set within the high-stakes drama of a papal election, Conclave (2024) presents a thrilling narrative filled with ambition, betrayal, and political maneuvering.
While the movie is entertaining and loosely based on historical events, it is crucial for us, as Catholics, to distinguish between fiction and the sacred reality of the Conclave.
So, what’s the difference between the movie version and the real-life event that will take place this May?
1. Purpose of the Conclave: political thriller vs. spiritual discernment
In the Movie:
In Conclave (2024), the papal election is portrayed as a political thriller where cardinals engage in power struggles, forming alliances, betraying one another, and scheming for personal gain. The movie focuses heavily on ambition and personal motivations, often downplaying the religious and spiritual significance of the event.
In Reality:
In contrast, the real conclave is a solemn, prayerful, and Spirit-led process. The cardinal-electors are called to discern the will of the Holy Spirit, not their own ambitions. Their purpose is to choose the Successor of Peter, the shepherd of 1.3 billion Catholics, guided by prayer and faith, not political strategy. It is a deeply spiritual moment of unity and grace, not a contest of wills.
Theological Note:
The Church teaches that the Holy Spirit guides the conclave. While human frailty can affect the cardinals, the process itself is an act of divine discernment. The Church believes that God’s will will always prevail in the selection of the Pope.
2. Setting and Process: suspense vs. liturgical precision
In the Movie:
The film heightens the drama with its secrecy, tense negotiations, and personal rivalries, reducing the election process to behind-the-scenes political maneuvering. The movie’s portrayal often glosses over the structured rituals and procedures that govern a real conclave.
In Reality:
The real conclave is governed by strict liturgical and canonical procedures outlined in the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis (1996), and updated by Popes Benedict XVI and Francis. The process is designed to ensure reverence, order, and prayerful discernment.
- Cardinals are secluded in the Sistine Chapel, without any outside communication.
- They begin each day with Mass and prayer, asking for the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
- The balloting procedure is conducted with extreme care, with ballots being burned after each vote to produce black or white smoke to signify the results.
Practical Insight:
There is no room for political campaigning. Cardinals cannot communicate with the outside world or engage in any form of lobbying. The conclave is a sacred process, and its outcome is never determined by human intrigue, but by the Spirit’s guidance.
3. Portrayal of Cardinals: power struggles vs. prayerful discernment
In the Movie:
The cardinals in Conclave (2024) are often depicted as self-serving, engaging in backdoor deals and compromising their integrity to secure a win. The characters are shown plotting, scheming, and focusing on personal ambition.
In Reality:
In contrast, the real-life cardinals are typically chosen for their faithfulness to the Church, their spiritual maturity, and their dedication to pastoral leadership. They are men of prayer, preparing for the conclave with daily Mass, reflection, and discussion about the future of the Church. The cardinals know the grave responsibility that they bear in electing the Pope and approach the process with humility and a deep sense of sacred duty.
Catechetical Point:
The cardinal-electors understand the spiritual nature of their role. They are not choosing a political leader, but a spiritual father for the entire Church.
4. The Role of the Holy Spirit: Political Games vs. Divine Guidance
In the Movie:
The film’s portrayal of the conclave often leaves out the central role of the Holy Spirit, focusing on human conflict and political maneuvering. The Spirit’s guidance is barely addressed, and the election seems like the outcome of human decisions alone.
In Reality:
In the real conclave, prayer and the Holy Spirit’s guidance are central. The Church prays earnestly for divine help, trusting that the Holy Spirit will lead the cardinals to choose the Pope. At the start of the conclave, the hymn Veni, Creator Spiritus is sung, invoking the Holy Spirit to guide the election.
Liturgical Symbolism:
The presence of the Holy Spirit is emphasized throughout the conclave. The cardinals and the worldwide Church pray that the Spirit will guide the discernment of the electors, ensuring the right decision is made for the good of the Church.
5. Outcomes: political fallout vs. unity and hope
In the Movie:
After the election in Conclave (2024), the aftermath is marked by political fallout, personal ambition, and scandal. The focus shifts to the power struggles that continue even after the election is over.
In Reality:
In the real conclave, the outcome is celebrated as a moment of unity and hope. When a new Pope is elected, the cardinal-electors turn to the people of the world and proclaim, “Habemus Papam. (We have a Pope). This moment is filled with joy, prayer, and gratitude for the continuity of the Church and Christ’s guidance.
Pastoral Reflection:
The real fruit of the conclave is not media drama or political intrigue but a new spiritual leader for the Church, a man who will shepherd the flock with humility and dedication. The new Pope’s election is a sign of hope, reminding us that Christ continues to guide His Church despite human frailties.
Conclusion: A call to prayer and hope
While Conclave (2024) may provide an intriguing fictionalized account of the papal election, the real conclave is a sacred, Spirit-led process. As Catholics, we must approach the upcoming papal election on May 7, 2025, with: reverent prayer and trust in the Holy Spirit: hope for the future of the Church, and a deep belief that Christ remains the Head of His Church.
Let us prepare for this sacred event with open hearts, and encourage others to recognize not just the event itself, but the profound spiritual significance it holds for the life of the Church.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and kindle in them the fire of Your love.
PS: Paparan ini disampaikan oleh Fr. JM Manolo A. Punzalan STL, MA-HRS dan muncul di sebuah grup Katolik.
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