Life Imitates Art as Pope Francis Fights Pneumonia while ‘Conclave’ Heads for Oscars
There has long been a Vatican taboo against openly talking about a conclave when a pope is sick: It’s considered gauche to speculate about the election of a new pope while the current one is fighting for his life. And that is certainly true as Pope Francis battles double pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli hospital.
But the surprising success of "Conclave" the film and its momentum going into Sunday’s Academy Awards have thrust the arcane rules, glorious ceremony, and supreme drama of one of the Catholic Church’s most solemn moments into popular culture. And it’s put the Catholic hierarchy in something of a bind as it simultaneously prays for Francis.
The film can’t be dismissed as distasteful or blasphemous, since it treats the gravity of a papal election with respect and accurately portrays the ancient rituals and contemporary problems facing today’s Catholic Church. Both the Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano and the Avvenire daily of the Italian bishops conference gave "Conclave" rave reviews.
Author Harris Knows it’s a Sensitive Time
Francis was in stable condition Saturday and seemingly improving, a day after he inhaled vomit during a coughing fit and had to be put on noninvasive mechanical ventilation. On Saturday, he was able to get off the ventilator for "long periods" and use high flows of supplemental oxygen instead. There was no evidence of fever or elevated white blood cells that would signal infection, in another positive sign, though doctors said his prognosis remained guarded.
But the gravity of his illness and ups and downs of his recovery have made "Conclave" the film a bit too close for comfort for anyone following Francis’ plight and concerned about what it means for the Catholic Church.
Mild Spoiler Alert
To recap: The film opens with the death of the pope and turns around the political maneuvering and manipulations behind the election of his successor. Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is dean of the College of Cardinals, who must organize the conclave amid his own crisis of faith.
Catholic Media Loved the Film
Avvenire, which hews to the Vatican establishment line, praised the film for its sumptuous beauty, twists of plot and "anything but trivial" commentary about the current state of the church.
But a Cardinal Close to Francis Didn’t
That said, someone who has actually participated in a conclave gave the film something of a thumbs down.
"My experience of being in at least one conclave was not that it was some sort of scene of political backroom plotting of how to get your candidate elected," Cardinal Sean O’Malley, the retired archbishop of Boston, wrote in a Feb. 7 blog post.
Conclusion
The film’s success has thrust the Catholic Church’s most solemn moment into the spotlight, leaving many wondering what will happen next. While some, like Cardinal O’Malley, think the film does not accurately portray the spiritual reality of a conclave, others, like Avvenire, have praised its commentary on the current state of the church.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current condition of Pope Francis?
A: Pope Francis was in stable condition Saturday and seemingly improving, with no evidence of fever or elevated white blood cells that would signal infection.
Q: What is the prognosis for Pope Francis’ recovery?
A: The prognosis remains guarded, with doctors noting that he has been able to get off the ventilator for "long periods" and use high flows of supplemental oxygen instead.
Q: What is the significance of the film "Conclave" for the Catholic Church?
A: The film’s success has thrust the Catholic Church’s most solemn moment into the spotlight, leaving many wondering what will happen next.
