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How to watch Conclave: Papal movie focused on cardinal election of new pope
Plus a look a the main cast and shooting locations
CONCLAVE was released in 2024 to critical acclaim, which was backed by a plethora of plaudits including eight Oscar nominations.
The process to elect a new pope has begun - making now the best time to give it a watch. Here's everything you need to know about where you can catch Conclave.
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Where to watch Conclave
Conclave is a critically-acclaimed thriller that delves into the secretive process of electing a new pope, offering viewers a gripping look behind the Vatican’s closed doors.
Directed by Edward Berger, the movie has garnered multiple awards on top of its Oscar, including four Baftas, a Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award.
After the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, the film has received more even interest than when it was released.
The movie is widely available for home viewing on numerous streaming services.
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It can be rented or purchased on major platforms including:
- YouTube: Rent for £3.49 in standard definition and £4.99 in high definition, or buy in high-def for £9.99
- Apple TV: Available to rent from £4.99, or to buy from £13.99
- Amazon Prime Video: Rent from £4.99 or purchase for £13.99 — if you have an Amazon Prime subscription, you can stream Conclave at no additional cost
And for those who prefer physical copies, the movie is also available to buy on both DVD and Blu-ray.
Main Cast
Ralph Fiennes
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Ralph Fiennes portrays Thomas Lawrence, the dean of the College of Cardinals.
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He is tasked with overseeing the conclave and managing the diverse and often conflicting ambitions of the cardinals gathered to elect a new pope.
His character must navigate a complex web of political intrigue, secrets and shifting alliances as the conclave unfolds.
Stanley Tucci
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Stanley Tucci plays Aldo Cardinal Bellini, the Cardinal Secretary of State.
He's a progressive American candidate deeply involved in the Vatican’s political and diplomatic affairs.
Bellini is a close friend of Lawrence, but the pressures and rivalries of the conclave put their relationship to the test.
John Lithgow
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John Lithgow takes on the role of Joseph Cardinal Tremblay, a leading conservative candidate from Canada.
He is considered a frontrunner for the papacy.
Tremblay is outwardly charming and persuasive, but beneath the surface harbors secrets and ambitions that threaten to unravel his campaign.
Sergio Castellitto
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Sergio Castellitto delivers a powerful performance as Cardinal Goffredo Tedesco.
He is an outspoken and staunchly traditionalist Italian papal candidate.
Tedesco is depicted as the film’s villain, advocating for a hardline return to the Church’s past, even suggesting militant responses to contemporary crises.
Isabella Rossellini
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Isabella Rossellini plays Sister Agnes, the head caterer and housekeeper at Casa Santa Marta, where the cardinals reside during the conclave.
Though her role is largely silent, Sister Agnes wields subtle influence through her observations and quiet authority.
She represents marginalised and often-overlooked voices within the Church.
Shooting locations
Cinecitta Studios, Rome
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This was the main filming location for Conclave.
This studio has been home to many large-scale international productions having previously been used for Gladiator and The Godfather.
Cinecittà Studios was used primarily for the Sistine Chapel scenes where the papal election process happens.
Production designer, Suzie Davies, admitted that the set had been made out of scenery stored in a container at the studio.
Caserta Palace, Italy
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Located in the south of Italy, The Royal Palace of Caserta in Italy — a Unesco World Heritage Site — provided many of the foundations for Conclave.
Conclave mostly used Caserta's sweeping corridors and intricate artwork as a substitute for much of the detail of the Sistine Chapel.
Caserta Palace is shown during shots of Cardinal Thomas Lawrence in conversation with his fellow clergymen while they descend the grand staircase.
Eagle-eyed Star Wars fans will recognise the palace which was also used in Episode 1: The Phantom Menace.
Villa Medici, Rome
The Vatican Gardens scenes were filmed at Villa Medici in Rome, with its sweeping views and lush landscaping standing in for the Vatican’s private gardens.
Davies said Villa Medici was chosen for Conclave "because it had elements that had an essence of the Vatican gardens — a similar style, and some amazing views of Rome."
However, Villa Medici was undergoing construction work which meant that it was covered in scaffolding making filming difficult, but it was smartly concealed by hedges and tall plants by the production team.
Santo Spirito, Rome
Santo Spirito is a 12th-century titular Church of the Holy Spirit in Sassia, Rome.
The Cloister of Santo Spirito was used to film the arrival of the cardinals, in which the pillars can be seen in the background of Berger's replicated Vatican.
The Museum of Roman Civilization, Rome
The Museum of Roman Civilization or Museo della Civiltà, as the Italians call it, has been closed to the public since 2014 in order for it to be renovated.
Museo della Civiltà is featured early on in Conclave when we see a large-scale room with beautiful silk wallpaper.
We are then introduced to the choir, in a luscious gold room shortly prior to one of Cardinal Lawrence's first speeches.
Why Conclave Did Not Film At The Vatican?
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The Vatican has banned filming from taking place anywhere on its grounds, in order to retain its sacredness.
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Since Conclave was unable to use the Vatican to film, Berger and his team had to be innovative to depict the film accurately.
Moreover, photography is not permitted in the Sistine Chapel, as flash photography can cause irreparable damage to artwork.
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