I went to see the movie Conclave not expecting to enjoy it much. Its subject matter does not personally appeal to me.  The word conclave comes from the Latin word clavis (key) and the prefix con, which means a place that can be locked up.

Based on ancient church custom, the cardinals that elect the next pope are sequestered in the Sistine Chapel until a pope is chosen. It’s a very political process. Back through the ages, they just had to be locked in, but in today’s world of communication devices, mobile phones, and “bugs” this is a little more challenging. As everything related to the old Catholic religion, the process is terribly ritualized.

After the previous pope dies unexpectedly, his good friend, Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is assigned the task of running the conclave. What he didn’t expect  was that he’d discover a trail of secrets and intrigues that could upset the politics of the church.

There are some tremendous plot twists along the way that make the movie not only an educational experience, teaching about this obscure process in the church, but give it the feel of a thriller.