Conclave, a 2024 political thriller film written by Peter Straughan and directed by Edward Berger, is based on Robert Harris' 2016 novel. The film features Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Sergio Castellitto, and Isabella Rossellini.
The film centres around Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (played by Fiennes) who hosts a conclave to choose the next pope and looks into the major contenders' scandals and secrets.
It made its theatrical debut at the 51st Telluride Film Festival on August 30, 2024, and was released by Focus Features in the US on October 25, 2024, and Black Bear UK in the UK on November 29.
Main cast of Conclave
Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Thomas Lawrence
The English actor Ralph Fiennes portrays Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, the British liberal and Dean of the College of Cardinals in the movie.
Ralph Fiennes is an English actor, director and producer widely recognized as one of Britain’s most renowned and popular actors. He has won several accolades and award nominations as well.
Stanley Tucci as Cardinal Aldo Bellini
The American actor and author Stanley Tucci portrays Cardinal Aldo Bellini, an American liberal in the film. Carlo Maria Martini's experiences at the 2005 papal conclave serve as the basis for Bellini's earlier failure to win the election despite being the early frontrunner.
John Lithgow as Cardinal Joseph Tremblay
The American actor John Lithgow portrays Cardinal Joseph Tremblay, a Canadian moderate, in the film.
John Lithglow is known for his versatile performances on screen as well as stage. The actor has won several awards and nominations for his work. He was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 2005 and was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2001.
Sergio Castellitto as Cardinal Goffredo Tedesco
The Italian actor Sergio Castellito portrays Cardinal Goffredo Tedesco, an Italian traditionalist, in the film.
The Italian director, actor and screenwriter Sergio Castellito is from Rome, Italy. He made his theatrical debut at the Teatro di Roma in Italy with Shakespeare's Measure for Measure.
Isabella Rossellini as Sister Agnes
The Italian actress Isabella Rossellini portrays Sister Agnes, the cardinals' head caterer and housekeeper, in the film. Rossellini has a well-established career in American and European film, and she was a successful Lancôme model.
Other cast of Conclave
Following are the additional cast of Conclave:
Lucian Msamati as Cardinal Joshua Adeyemi
Carlos Diehz as Cardinal Vincent Benitez
Brían F. O'Byrne as Monsignor Raymond O'Malley
Jacek Koman as Archbishop Janusz Woźniak
Merab Ninidze as Cardinal Sabbadin
Thomas Loibl as Archbishop Mandorff
Loris Loddi as Cardinal Villanueva
Balkissa Maiga as Sister Shanumi
Rony Kramer as Mendoza
Valerio Da Silvas as Father Haas
Joseph Mydell as Nakitanda
Vincenzo Failla as Guttoso
Garrick Hagon as Krasinki
Madhav Sharma as Landolfi
Roberto Citran as Lombardi
Antonio Toma as Jr. Cardinal-Deacon Guerrini
Romuald Andrzej Klos as Brotzkus (as Romuald Klos)
Willie Jonah as Lowenstein
FAQs about Conclave
The English actor Ralph Fiennes plays Cardinal Thomas Lawrence in Conclave.
No, Conclave isn’t based on a true story.
Conclave was filmed in Rome, Italy, and at Cinecittà Studios.
