Conclave

Plot Summary

The Pope's Death and Gathering Storm

Robert Harris's "Conclave" opens with the death of a progressive Pope who has been steering the Catholic Church toward reform. Cardinal Jacopo Lomeli, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, receives the solemn duty of organizing the papal conclave to elect the successor. As the story unfolds, Lomeli grapples with the enormous responsibility placed upon his shoulders while dealing with his own crisis of faith and doubt about his worthiness for such a sacred task.

The novel immediately establishes the intricate world of Vatican politics as cardinals from around the globe converge on Rome. Harris masterfully depicts the tension and anticipation that permeates the air as 118 cardinals prepare to enter the Sistine Chapel for one of the Church's most secretive and consequential rituals. Lomeli finds himself thrust into the center of ancient traditions and modern political maneuvering, serving as both guardian of the process and reluctant participant in the power struggles that emerge.

The atmosphere grows increasingly charged as various factions begin to form around potential candidates. Harris introduces us to the key players who will dominate the conclave: Cardinal Bellini, the liberal favorite who champions the dead Pope's progressive agenda; Cardinal Tedesco, a conservative traditionalist who seeks to reverse recent reforms; Cardinal Tremblay, a smooth Canadian politician with ambiguous loyalties; and Cardinal Adeyemi, a charismatic African cardinal whose conservative social views complicate his candidacy despite representing the Global South.

As Lomeli oversees the preparations, he becomes aware of the undercurrents of ambition, ideology, and personal rivalry that threaten to overshadow the spiritual nature of their mission. The weight of history bears down on the proceedings as the cardinals prepare to make a decision that will affect over one billion Catholics worldwide and determine the Church's direction for years to come.

Secrets and Scandals Emerge

Once the conclave begins and the cardinals are sequestered in the Sistine Chapel, the voting process reveals deep divisions within the Church hierarchy. The first few ballots fail to produce a clear winner, with votes scattered among the main candidates. As the deadlock persists, Lomeli begins to uncover disturbing secrets that threaten to derail the entire process and shake the foundations of the Church itself.

The most explosive revelation involves Cardinal Tremblay, who initially appears to be gaining momentum as a compromise candidate. Lomeli discovers evidence of financial misconduct involving Tremblay's handling of Vatican funds, including suspicious transfers to a Swiss bank account. This discovery forces Lomeli into an agonizing moral dilemma: whether to expose the scandal and potentially throw the conclave into chaos, or remain silent and allow a potentially corrupt cardinal to ascend to the papacy.

"The Church had always been a human institution as well as a divine one, and humans were fallible. But surely the Holy Spirit would not permit the election of a man who had stolen money?"

Simultaneously, Cardinal Adeyemi faces his own crisis when rumors surface about his past relationships and potential violations of his vow of celibacy. These allegations, whether true or fabricated, highlight the complex intersection of personal conduct, political expedience, and spiritual authority that characterizes the papal election. Harris skillfully weaves these scandals into the narrative, showing how personal failings and institutional politics become inextricably linked in the rarefied atmosphere of the conclave.

The revelation of these secrets creates fractures within the various factions, leading to shifting alliances and new strategic calculations. Cardinals who had previously supported certain candidates begin to reconsider their positions, while others see opportunities to advance their own preferred choices. Lomeli finds himself increasingly isolated as he struggles to maintain the integrity of the process while grappling with information that could destroy reputations and reshape the Church's future.

Unexpected Revelations and Divine Intervention

As the conclave reaches its climax, Harris introduces the most surprising element of the entire narrative: the arrival of Cardinal Benitez, a previously unknown archbishop from Baghdad whose existence had been kept secret by the late Pope for security reasons. Benitez's sudden appearance throws all previous calculations into disarray and provides a potential solution to the deadlock that has gripped the assembly.

Cardinal Benitez represents something entirely different from the other candidates. Working in one of the world's most dangerous locations for Christians, he embodies the Church's mission to serve the persecuted and marginalized. His humility, genuine spirituality, and lack of involvement in Vatican politics make him an attractive alternative to the increasingly tainted frontrunners. However, his candidacy also raises questions about the legitimacy of his participation and the circumstances surrounding his secret appointment.

The novel reaches its most dramatic moment when a terrorist attack near the Vatican sends shockwaves through Rome and the conclave. This external threat serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the modern Church and the dangerous world in which the new Pope must lead. The attack also provides a moment of clarity for many cardinals, helping them recognize the need for a leader who understands persecution and can guide the Church through turbulent times.

"Perhaps this was how the Holy Spirit worked – not through miraculous intervention, but through the slow, patient accumulation of human choices, each one seeming insignificant in itself, but together forming a pattern that revealed God's will."

As the final votes are cast, Lomeli experiences his own spiritual transformation. His initial doubts and crisis of faith give way to a deeper understanding of divine providence and the mysterious ways in which spiritual truth can emerge from human frailty and political complexity. The election of Cardinal Benitez represents not just a victory for one candidate, but a affirmation that authenticity and genuine faith can triumph over ambition and manipulation.

The Shocking Conclusion

The novel's most startling revelation comes in its final pages, when Lomeli discovers that the newly elected Pope Benitez harbors a profound secret that challenges fundamental assumptions about gender, identity, and Church doctrine. Through medical records that come to light after the election, Lomeli learns that Benitez was born intersex, possessing both male and female biological characteristics. This discovery creates an unprecedented theological and canonical crisis that threatens to shake the very foundations of the Catholic Church.

The revelation forces Lomeli to confront questions that go to the heart of Church teaching about gender, sexuality, and divine creation. Harris uses this twist not as a mere plot device, but as a profound exploration of how rigid institutional structures can clash with the complex realities of human existence. The new Pope's condition challenges traditional binary understandings of gender while raising questions about the nature of divine calling and spiritual authority.

Lomeli faces the ultimate test of his faith and judgment as he must decide whether to reveal this information or protect the newly elected Pope. The discovery puts him in an impossible position: exposing the truth could destroy the Church's credibility and plunge it into unprecedented crisis, while remaining silent makes him complicit in what some would consider a fundamental deception of the faithful.

The novel concludes with Lomeli's decision to remain silent, choosing to trust in divine providence and believing that God's will has been accomplished despite – or perhaps because of – the extraordinary circumstances. This choice reflects the complex moral universe that Harris has created, where absolute truth and institutional stability exist in constant tension, and where human judgment must sometimes yield to faith in a higher wisdom.

"Who was he to question God's choice? If the Almighty could speak through a burning bush, or in a still small voice, or through the mouth of an ass, why not through the mystery of this? Perhaps the Church needed such a mystery. Perhaps the world did."

The ending leaves readers with profound questions about the nature of religious authority, the role of institutional power, and the ways in which divine truth might manifest in unexpected forms. Harris's conclusion suggests that the Church's future may depend not on rigid adherence to traditional categories, but on its ability to embrace mystery and recognize the sacred in forms that challenge conventional understanding.

Character Analysis

Cardinal Lomeli: The Reluctant Leader

Cardinal Jacopo Lomeli serves as the novel's central figure and moral compass, embodying the complex tensions between faith, duty, and personal doubt that permeate the Catholic Church. As Dean of the College of Cardinals, Lomeli finds himself thrust into the position of overseeing the papal conclave following the sudden death of the Pope. Harris masterfully portrays Lomeli as a man caught between his institutional obligations and his personal spiritual crisis.

Lomeli's character is defined by his intellectual honesty and his willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. Throughout the novel, he grapples with what he perceives as a crisis of faith, confessing his doubts about his vocation and his place within the Church hierarchy. This internal struggle makes him deeply relatable and human, despite his exalted position. His famous reflection that "the only sin is certainty" becomes a recurring theme that drives both his character development and the novel's broader exploration of faith.

"Lord, grant me the grace to doubt, for doubt is not the opposite of faith, but an element of faith."

Harris presents Lomeli as fundamentally decent and principled, yet not naive about the political machinations within the Vatican. His investigation into the mysterious circumstances surrounding Cardinal Tremblay's past demonstrates his commitment to truth over convenience. Lomeli's evolution throughout the conclave reveals a man who discovers that true faith often requires embracing uncertainty rather than seeking absolute answers. His ultimate decision regarding the papal election reflects this hard-won wisdom and his growth as both a spiritual leader and a human being.

Cardinal Bellini: The Progressive Idealist

Cardinal Aldo Bellini represents the liberal wing of the Catholic Church and serves as one of the primary papal candidates throughout the conclave. Harris crafts Bellini as an intelligent, articulate advocate for progressive reform within the Church, making him both an appealing candidate and a target for conservative opposition. His character embodies the tension between the Church's traditional teachings and the pressures of modernization in the contemporary world.

Bellini's progressive stance on issues such as climate change, social justice, and the Church's role in addressing global poverty makes him attractive to younger cardinals and those seeking reform. However, Harris doesn't present him as a simple idealist; Bellini demonstrates political acumen and an understanding of the compromises necessary to achieve meaningful change within such a traditional institution. His speeches during the conclave reveal a deep theological knowledge combined with a pragmatic approach to leadership.

The character's complexity emerges through his relationship with Lomeli and his handling of the various crises that arise during the conclave. Bellini's response to the revelations about his fellow candidates shows both his integrity and his political instincts. Harris uses Bellini to explore the question of whether progressive ideals can survive the realities of institutional power, and whether reform can come from within established hierarchies.

Cardinal Tedesco: The Conservative Traditionalist

Cardinal Goffredo Tedesco stands as the primary representative of conservative Catholic tradition within the novel, serving as both a formidable papal candidate and an ideological counterpoint to Bellini's progressivism. Harris portrays Tedesco as a man of unwavering conviction who believes that the Church's salvation lies in returning to its fundamental teachings and rejecting modern compromises.

Tedesco's character is marked by his eloquence and his ability to articulate a compelling vision of traditional Catholicism. His speeches during the conclave demonstrate deep theological knowledge and a passionate commitment to what he sees as eternal truths. Harris avoids caricaturing Tedesco as merely reactionary; instead, he presents him as a sincere believer who genuinely thinks his approach offers the best path forward for the Church in a secular age.

"The Church is not a democracy. It is not a business. It is not a social club. It is the mystical body of Christ."

The complexity of Tedesco's character emerges through his interactions with other cardinals and his response to the various revelations that surface during the conclave. While he maintains his conservative positions, Harris shows moments where Tedesco's humanity breaks through his rigid exterior. His ultimate fate in the election process serves as commentary on the challenges facing traditional religious authority in the modern world, and whether unbending adherence to doctrine can provide effective leadership in times of change.

Cardinal Tremblay: The Ambitious Politician

Cardinal Joseph Tremblay embodies the political machinations and personal ambitions that can corrupt even the highest levels of religious hierarchy. As the Camerlengo and a leading papal candidate, Tremblay initially appears as a competent administrator with a strong claim to the papacy. However, Harris gradually reveals the darker aspects of his character, using him to explore themes of ambition, deception, and moral compromise within the Church.

Tremblay's character serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of prioritizing political advancement over spiritual calling. His carefully constructed public persona masks a willingness to manipulate situations and people to achieve his goals. The revelation of his past associations with a disgraced archbishop demonstrates how personal ambition can lead to moral blindness and the rationalization of unethical behavior.

Harris uses Tremblay's downfall to examine how institutional power can corrupt even those who begin with good intentions. The character's response to being exposed reveals both his desperation to maintain his position and his fundamental inability to accept responsibility for his actions. Tremblay's arc serves as a warning about the seductive nature of power and the importance of maintaining moral integrity even in the pursuit of ostensibly noble goals.

Cardinal Adeyemi: The Outsider's Perspective

Cardinal Joshua Adeyemi brings a crucial African perspective to the conclave, representing the global nature of the modern Catholic Church and the shift in Christianity's demographic center away from Europe and North America. Harris uses Adeyemi's character to explore issues of cultural diversity, post-colonial dynamics, and the challenges of representing a truly universal Church.

Adeyemi's background as a Nigerian cardinal who has experienced both the vitality of African Christianity and the complexities of leading a Church in a developing nation gives him a unique viewpoint on the challenges facing modern Catholicism. His practical experience with poverty, political instability, and religious persecution provides a stark contrast to the more theoretical approaches of his European colleagues.

The character's strong conservative stance on social issues, particularly regarding homosexuality and traditional family structures, creates tension with progressive cardinals while aligning him with traditionalists like Tedesco. Harris uses this complexity to explore how cultural backgrounds shape religious interpretation and the challenges of maintaining unity within a diverse global institution. Adeyemi's ultimate position in the papal election reflects broader questions about the future direction of the Catholic Church and the role of the Global South in its leadership.

Themes and Literary Devices

Power and Ambition in Sacred Spaces

Robert Harris masterfully explores the tension between spiritual devotion and earthly ambition within the hallowed walls of the Sistine Chapel. The novel presents the papal conclave not merely as a religious ceremony, but as a political battlefield where personal ambitions clash with divine calling. Cardinal Lomeli, the protagonist, observes how even the most devout men of God are susceptible to the intoxicating allure of ultimate power.

Harris illustrates this theme through the character of Cardinal Tremblay, whose outward piety masks a calculating politician. The author demonstrates how the pursuit of the papacy transforms these spiritual leaders into strategic players, forming alliances and calculating votes with the precision of seasoned politicians. The irony is palpable as men who have dedicated their lives to humility and service find themselves consumed by the very worldly desires they have supposedly renounced.

"The Holy Spirit, Lomeli had long ago concluded, rarely entered the Sistine Chapel during a conclave. The Spirit moved where it willed, but it seemed to avoid ecclesiastical elections."

The novel's exploration of power extends beyond individual ambition to examine institutional power structures within the Catholic Church. Harris reveals how centuries-old traditions and protocols serve not only to maintain order but also to perpetuate existing power dynamics. The conclave's elaborate rituals, from the burning of ballots to the symbolic locking of doors, become metaphors for the Church's resistance to change and its protection of established hierarchies.

Through Lomeli's perspective, Harris questions whether true spiritual leadership can emerge from such a politically charged environment. The cardinal's internal struggle between his duty as Dean and his growing suspicion of his colleagues reflects the broader tension between institutional loyalty and moral integrity that runs throughout the narrative.

Secrecy and Revelation

The theme of secrecy permeates every aspect of "Conclave," beginning with the fundamental premise that what happens within the Sistine Chapel during papal elections is meant to remain forever confidential. Harris uses this enforced secrecy as both a plot device and a broader commentary on institutional transparency. The oath of secrecy that binds the cardinals becomes a source of moral conflict, particularly for Lomeli, who must balance his vow of silence with his duty to expose corruption.

The novel's structure mirrors this theme, as Harris gradually peels back layers of concealment to reveal hidden truths. Each revelation—from Cardinal Tremblay's financial improprieties to the shocking discovery about Cardinal Benitez—demonstrates how secrecy can protect both the innocent and the guilty. The author skillfully builds tension by showing how information becomes currency within the confined space of the conclave, with cardinals trading whispers and half-truths to advance their causes.

Harris employs the literary device of dramatic irony throughout the novel, allowing readers to learn secrets alongside Lomeli while keeping other cardinals—and sometimes the protagonist himself—in the dark. This technique creates a sense of complicity between reader and narrator, as we become privy to information that could alter the course of the election.

"Secrets were the currency of the Vatican, more valuable than euros or dollars."

The revelation of Cardinal Benitez's intersex condition serves as the novel's ultimate exploration of secrecy and identity. Harris uses this disclosure to examine how the Church's rigid doctrines often fail to account for the complexity of human existence. The secret that Benitez has carried throughout their career becomes a metaphor for the hidden struggles of countless individuals who don't fit neatly into institutional categories.

Tradition Versus Reform

Harris positions the conclave as a microcosm of the broader struggle between tradition and reform that has characterized the Catholic Church throughout its history. The competing candidates represent different visions for the Church's future: Cardinal Tedesco embodies reactionary traditionalism, while Cardinal Bellini represents progressive reform. This ideological divide drives much of the novel's conflict and provides Harris with opportunities to explore the challenges facing modern religious institutions.

The author uses the physical setting of the Sistine Chapel—with its Renaissance art and centuries-old traditions—to emphasize the weight of history that influences every decision. The cardinals conduct their modern political maneuvering beneath Michelangelo's "Last Judgment," creating a powerful juxtaposition between eternal spiritual truths and temporal concerns. Harris suggests that this tension between past and present is not merely incidental but fundamental to the Church's identity.

Through Cardinal Lomeli's observations, Harris examines how tradition can serve both as a source of strength and as an obstacle to necessary change. The elaborate protocols of the conclave, while maintaining the ceremony's dignity and historical continuity, also perpetuate systems that may no longer serve the Church's mission in the contemporary world.

"The Church was like a great ship that took an age to change course. But change course it must, or risk running aground on the rocks of irrelevance."

The election of Cardinal Benitez represents Harris's vision of how the Church might navigate between tradition and reform. Benitez embodies both conservative theological training and progressive social consciousness, suggesting that the future of religious leadership may require individuals who can bridge seemingly irreconcilable differences. The character's unique personal situation forces other characters—and readers—to reconsider rigid categories and embrace a more nuanced understanding of identity and faith.

Faith and Doubt

Perhaps the most profound theme in "Conclave" is the exploration of faith and doubt within the context of institutional religion. Harris presents Cardinal Lomeli as a man of deep faith who nevertheless struggles with questions that have no easy answers. The protagonist's spiritual journey throughout the novel reflects the broader challenge of maintaining personal faith while witnessing the human flaws of religious institutions.

The author uses Lomeli's internal monologue to explore how doubt can coexist with faith, presenting uncertainty not as a weakness but as an essential component of genuine spiritual seeking. The cardinal's moments of prayer and reflection provide counterpoint to the political machinations surrounding him, creating a dual narrative of external action and internal contemplation.

Harris employs the literary device of juxtaposition throughout the novel, contrasting moments of genuine spiritual experience with scenes of petty political calculation. This technique highlights the tension between the sacred and the profane that defines much of religious life. The author suggests that true faith may actually require the kind of questioning and uncertainty that institutional religion often discourages.

"Certainty was the enemy of faith. It was doubt that kept faith alive."

The novel's climax, with the terrorist attack on the Sistine Chapel, serves as a literal and metaphorical test of faith. Harris uses this external threat to strip away the cardinals' political posturing and reveal their essential humanity. In facing potential death, the characters must confront what they truly believe beyond the safety of theological abstractions.

The revelation about Cardinal Benitez's identity becomes a theological puzzle that challenges traditional understanding while affirming the mystery that lies at the heart of faith. Harris suggests that the Church's future may depend on its ability to embrace such mysteries rather than demand simple answers to complex questions.

Critical Analysis

Narrative Structure and Pacing

Robert Harris demonstrates masterful control of narrative tension in "Conclave," employing a classical three-act structure that mirrors the rising action of a political thriller while maintaining the solemnity befitting its religious setting. The novel's pacing is deliberately measured, reflecting the ritualistic nature of papal selection while building inexorable momentum toward its shocking conclusion. Harris wisely confines the action to a compressed timeframe, creating a pressure-cooker atmosphere within the Sistine Chapel that heightens every conversation and gesture.

The author's choice to narrate through Cardinal Lomeli's perspective proves particularly effective, as it allows readers to experience the conclave's intricacies through the eyes of someone both deeply embedded in Vatican politics and genuinely conflicted about the proceedings. This limited third-person viewpoint creates natural opportunities for exposition while maintaining narrative tension, as Lomeli's discoveries unfold in real-time alongside the reader's understanding.

Harris employs a technique of incremental revelation, where each ballot and each private conversation adds another layer to the complex web of ambitions, secrets, and theological disagreements among the cardinals. The structure mirrors detective fiction in many ways, with Lomeli serving as an reluctant investigator uncovering truths that threaten to destabilize not just the conclave, but the Church itself. The author's background as a journalist is evident in his methodical approach to unveiling information, creating a sense of inevitability while maintaining genuine surprise.

Character Development and Psychological Complexity

Cardinal Lomeli emerges as Harris's most nuanced protagonist, embodying the contradiction between faith and doubt that lies at the heart of modern Catholicism. His character arc follows a man grappling with a crisis of faith while simultaneously being called upon to shepherd one of the Church's most sacred traditions. Harris avoids the trap of making Lomeli either a saint or a cynic, instead presenting him as profoundly human—someone whose devotion is tested by his intimate knowledge of institutional corruption.

"Lomeli had always found it ironic that the moments when he felt closest to God were often those when he was most aware of his own inadequacy."

The supporting characters function as archetypal representations of different factions within the modern Catholic Church, yet Harris invests each with sufficient complexity to avoid caricature. Cardinal Bellini represents progressive reform, carrying the weight of liberal expectations while harboring personal secrets that complicate his candidacy. Cardinal Tedesco embodies conservative traditionalism, but Harris reveals the intellectual rigor and genuine conviction behind his seemingly reactionary positions. Cardinal Tremblay appears as the ultimate political animal, yet even his machinations stem from a particular vision of Church leadership.

Perhaps most intriguingly, Harris develops these characters largely through dialogue and small gestures rather than extensive internal monologue. The confined setting forces character revelation through interaction, creating a theatrical quality that emphasizes how these men perform their faith and ambitions for each other. The psychological pressure of the conclave strips away pretense, revealing core motivations and hidden vulnerabilities.

Themes of Power, Faith, and Institutional Reform

Harris explores the fundamental tension between spiritual calling and temporal power that has defined the Catholic Church throughout its history. The conclave becomes a microcosm for broader questions about how religious institutions navigate modernity while maintaining traditional authority. The author suggests that the Church's greatest challenges come not from external opposition but from internal contradictions between its spiritual mission and institutional necessities.

The theme of doubt as an essential component of faith runs throughout the novel, challenging conventional notions of religious certainty. Lomeli's struggle with his own belief becomes a metaphor for the Church's broader crisis of relevance in contemporary society. Harris suggests that authentic faith requires questioning and uncertainty, making Lomeli's spiritual journey paradoxically more profound than the unwavering certainty displayed by other characters.

"Doubt is not the enemy of faith, Lomeli reflected, but its most honest expression."

The novel interrogates the concept of divine providence versus human manipulation in the selection of religious leadership. As various schemes and revelations unfold, Harris questions whether God truly guides such earthly processes or whether human ambition inevitably corrupts even the most sacred institutions. The surprise ending forces readers to consider whether unexpected outcomes represent divine intervention or merely the logical conclusion of hidden human complexities.

Reform versus tradition emerges as a central dialectic, with Harris avoiding simplistic judgments about either position. The novel suggests that both progressive and conservative impulses serve necessary functions within religious institutions, but that meaningful change requires courage to confront uncomfortable truths about power and privilege.

Literary Style and Technique

Harris employs a deliberately restrained prose style that mirrors the formal, ceremonial atmosphere of the Vatican while maintaining accessibility for general readers. His background in historical fiction serves him well, as he seamlessly integrates authentic details about Catholic ritual and hierarchy without overwhelming the narrative with exposition. The author's journalistic training is evident in his clear, direct sentences and his ability to convey complex political maneuvering through concrete actions rather than abstract explanation.

The novel's dialogue reveals Harris's theatrical sensibilities, with conversations that feel both naturalistic and heightened. Characters speak in ways that reflect their education, nationality, and theological positions while advancing plot and revealing character. The author particularly excels at capturing the multilingual environment of the Vatican, where conversations shift between languages and cultural assumptions create subtle misunderstandings.

Harris's use of symbolism is subtle but effective, employing the physical space of the Sistine Chapel and its famous artwork to reinforce thematic elements. Michelangelo's "Last Judgment" looms over the proceedings, serving as a constant reminder of ultimate accountability while the locked doors create an atmosphere of enforced introspection. The author uses weather and lighting to enhance mood without becoming heavy-handed, allowing natural elements to underscore emotional and spiritual states.

The novel's structure mirrors classical drama, with strict unities of time, place, and action that intensify focus on character interaction and moral choice. Harris demonstrates that contemporary commercial fiction can employ sophisticated literary techniques while maintaining narrative drive and popular appeal, creating a work that operates successfully on multiple levels of engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Conclave by Robert Harris about?

Conclave follows Cardinal Lomeli, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, as he oversees the papal conclave to elect a new Pope following the sudden death of the Holy Father. Set within the Sistine Chapel, the novel explores the intense political maneuvering, personal ambitions, and spiritual struggles of the cardinals vying for the papacy. As Lomeli manages the election process, he uncovers secrets about the deceased Pope and the leading candidates, including financial scandals, hidden relationships, and moral compromises. The story combines elements of political thriller with religious drama, culminating in an unexpected revelation about Cardinal Benitez that challenges traditional Church doctrine and the very nature of papal succession.

Is Conclave based on a true story?

While Conclave is a work of fiction, Robert Harris draws extensively from real Vatican procedures and historical papal elections. The novel accurately depicts the actual process of papal conclave, including the burning of ballots, the two-thirds majority requirement, and the isolation protocols within the Sistine Chapel. Harris researched genuine Vatican politics and incorporated realistic elements such as the influence of different national factions, financial scandals reminiscent of real Vatican Bank controversies, and the Church's ongoing struggles with modernization. However, the specific characters, events, and the dramatic revelation about Cardinal Benitez are entirely fictional, though they reflect contemporary debates within the Catholic Church about inclusion, tradition, and reform.

How does the papal election process work in Conclave?

Harris meticulously details the papal conclave process, beginning with the sequestration of 118 cardinals in the Sistine Chapel under the motto "extra omnes" (everyone out). The cardinals vote four times daily using paper ballots, requiring a two-thirds majority to elect a Pope. After each unsuccessful round, the ballots are burned with chemicals producing black smoke; white smoke signals a successful election. The novel shows how Cardinal Lomeli, as Dean, manages the logistics while navigating complex voting blocs representing different theological and geographical factions. Harris includes authentic details like the removal of all electronic devices, the sealing of the chapel, and the traditional procedures that have governed papal elections for centuries, creating an atmosphere of both ancient ritual and modern political maneuvering.

What happens at the end of Conclave?

The novel concludes with the shocking revelation that Cardinal Benitez, who emerges as an unexpected papal candidate, is intersex. This discovery comes through medical records that Lomeli uncovers, revealing that Benitez was born with both male and female characteristics and underwent surgery as an infant. Despite this revelation—or perhaps because of it—Benitez is elected Pope, taking the name Pope Innocent XIV. The ending suggests a radical shift in Church leadership, as Benitez represents a figure who transcends traditional gender binaries while maintaining deep spiritual conviction. Lomeli ultimately chooses to support Benitez's election, seeing divine providence in the selection of someone who embodies both the masculine and feminine aspects of humanity, potentially ushering in a new era of inclusivity for the Catholic Church.

Who are the main candidates for Pope in Conclave?

The primary papal candidates represent different factions within the Church. Cardinal Tedesco leads the traditionalist wing, advocating for a return to conservative values and Latin mass. Cardinal Bellini represents the liberal faction, supporting modernization and reform, though his candidacy is damaged by personal scandals. Cardinal Tremblay, initially seen as a moderate compromise candidate, is revealed to have engaged in financial improprieties. Cardinal Adeyemi from Nigeria represents the global South but faces opposition due to his conservative stance on homosexuality. The surprise candidate, Cardinal Benitez from the Philippines, emerges late in the conclave as a dark horse. Each candidate embodies different theological and political positions, reflecting the real tensions within the contemporary Catholic Church between tradition and progress, European influence and global diversity.

What is Cardinal Lomeli's role in the story?

Cardinal Lomeli serves as both protagonist and narrator, functioning as the Dean of the College of Cardinals who must oversee the papal election while struggling with his own crisis of faith. Throughout the conclave, Lomeli acts as detective, uncovering secrets about various candidates that influence the election's outcome. His character represents the internal conflict between duty and conscience, as he must remain impartial while possessing information that could sway the vote. Lomeli's spiritual journey forms the novel's emotional core—he begins questioning his faith after the Pope's death but gradually rediscovers his spiritual purpose through the election process. His ultimate decision to support Cardinal Benitez despite the shocking revelation about Benitez's intersex condition demonstrates his evolution toward a more inclusive understanding of divine will and Church leadership.

Why does Cardinal Benitez become Pope despite the revelation?

Cardinal Benitez's election occurs because Lomeli recognizes that his intersex condition might represent divine providence rather than disqualification. Lomeli sees theological significance in Benitez embodying both masculine and feminine aspects, viewing this as potentially fulfilling spiritual ideals about transcending gender binaries. The other cardinals, unaware of the medical revelation, are drawn to Benitez's genuine spirituality, his work with the poor, and his fresh perspective from the Global South. His late arrival and mysterious background actually enhance his appeal as an outsider untainted by Vatican politics. Lomeli's decision to withhold the medical information and support Benitez reflects his belief that God works through unexpected means. The election suggests that the Church, perhaps unconsciously, is ready for leadership that challenges traditional categories while maintaining authentic spiritual commitment to serving the marginalized and poor.

What does Conclave say about faith versus politics?

Harris explores the tension between spiritual calling and political ambition throughout the conclave process. The novel demonstrates how even sacred religious institutions are susceptible to human failings—cardinals engage in vote-trading, personal attacks, and strategic manipulation that mirrors secular political campaigns. However, the story also suggests that divine providence can work through flawed human systems. Lomeli's character arc illustrates this theme most clearly: he begins the conclave questioning his faith but gradually recognizes spiritual purpose in his administrative duties. The election of Benitez represents the triumph of authentic spirituality over political calculation, as his genuine commitment to serving the poor and marginalized ultimately prevails over the machinations of more politically savvy candidates. The novel suggests that while politics may dominate the process, faith can still guide the outcome toward unexpected but divinely inspired conclusions.

How does Conclave address Church scandals and corruption?

The novel directly confronts contemporary Catholic Church issues through various scandals affecting papal candidates. Cardinal Tremblay's involvement with questionable financial dealings reflects real Vatican Bank controversies, while hints about sexual misconduct echo ongoing clerical abuse scandals. The deceased Pope's secret reforms and mysterious final actions suggest attempts to address institutional corruption from within. Harris shows how these scandals influence the election, with cardinals using damaging information as political weapons while struggling to maintain moral authority. The novel presents corruption not as aberrant behavior but as systemic challenges requiring fundamental reform. Through Lomeli's investigations and moral wrestling, Harris suggests that acknowledging and confronting these issues honestly, rather than covering them up, offers the Church's best path forward. The ultimate election of Benitez represents hope for leadership that prioritizes transparency and authentic spiritual service over institutional self-preservation.

What role does tradition play in Conclave?

Tradition functions as both anchor and obstacle throughout the novel, embodied in the ancient conclave rituals that govern the papal election. Harris meticulously details ceremonial elements—the Latin prayers, the ballot burning, the isolation protocols—that connect contemporary cardinals to centuries of Church history. Cardinal Tedesco represents extreme traditionalism, advocating for Latin mass and resistance to modern reforms, while Cardinal Bellini pushes for progressive changes. The tension between preserving sacred traditions and adapting to contemporary needs permeates every aspect of the election. Lomeli himself struggles with this balance, respecting traditional procedures while recognizing the need for evolution. The novel's resolution suggests that tradition should serve spiritual purposes rather than become rigid dogma. Benitez's election represents a synthesis—maintaining essential spiritual traditions while transcending limiting historical categories. Harris implies that authentic tradition should enable rather than constrain the Church's mission to serve all humanity.

How does power corrupt the cardinals in Conclave?

Harris illustrates various ways that the pursuit of papal power corrupts even dedicated religious leaders. Cardinal Tremblay's financial misconduct stems from his ambition to fund charitable projects while enhancing his own influence. Cardinal Tedesco's traditionalism becomes a vehicle for personal aggrandizement rather than genuine spiritual conviction. Even the well-intentioned Cardinal Bellini engages in political calculations that compromise his moral authority. The novel shows how proximity to power creates temptations for rationalization—cardinals justify questionable behavior by claiming to serve higher purposes. Lomeli observes this corruption while struggling with his own temptations to manipulate the election outcome. The deceased Pope's secret actions suggest that even successful Church leaders face constant moral challenges. However, the story also demonstrates that recognizing these corrupting influences can lead to redemption. Cardinal Benitez's appeal lies partly in his apparent immunity to such corruption, having spent his career serving the poor rather than seeking advancement within Church hierarchy.

What is the significance of the Sistine Chapel setting?

The Sistine Chapel serves as more than mere backdrop—it becomes a character representing both divine inspiration and human limitation. Harris emphasizes how Michelangelo's frescoes, particularly the Creation of Adam and the Last Judgment, oversee the proceedings, creating constant tension between spiritual ideals and political realities. The chapel's isolation intensifies psychological pressure on the cardinals, forcing confrontation with their motivations and fears. The famous artwork reminds participants of their spiritual responsibilities while the locked doors emphasize the weight of their decision for the global Church. The contrast between the chapel's eternal beauty and the temporal political maneuvering below highlights the novel's central themes. The burning of ballots beneath scenes of divine judgment creates powerful symbolic resonance. Harris uses the chapel's history—site of previous controversial elections and momentous Church decisions—to emphasize how current events connect to larger historical patterns of human ambition and divine providence working together.

How does Conclave explore gender and sexuality in the Church?

The novel's most provocative element addresses gender and sexuality through Cardinal Benitez's intersex condition, challenging traditional Church teachings about gender binary and clerical celibacy. Harris explores how the Church's historical exclusion of women from leadership might be transcended through someone who biologically embodies both genders. The revelation forces readers to consider whether divine calling transcends biological categories that humans use to organize religious authority. Throughout the story, Harris also addresses homosexuality through various characters and the Church's ongoing struggles with sexual identity among clergy. The novel suggests that rigid adherence to traditional gender roles may limit the Church's spiritual effectiveness. Lomeli's ultimate acceptance of Benitez represents openness to divine mystery that transcends human understanding of sexuality and gender. The story implies that authentic spirituality should focus on service and love rather than biological characteristics, potentially opening new possibilities for inclusive Church leadership in an evolving world.

What literary techniques does Robert Harris use in Conclave?

Harris employs thriller conventions within a religious setting, creating suspense through revelation of secrets rather than physical danger. The confined setting intensifies psychological drama while the strict timeline creates natural pacing through voting rounds. Harris uses limited third-person narration focused on Lomeli, allowing readers to experience the mystery and moral complexity through his perspective. The author incorporates extensive research into authentic Vatican procedures, lending credibility to fictional events. Symbolic elements like the chapel's artwork and the white/black smoke tradition reinforce thematic content about divine judgment and human choice. Harris structures revelations carefully, building toward the climactic disclosure about Benitez while maintaining multiple plot threads about different candidates. The prose style balances accessibility with literary sophistication, making complex theological and political concepts engaging for general readers. The novel's ending employs deliberate ambiguity, leaving readers to interpret whether the outcome represents divine providence or human coincidence.

How does the novel reflect contemporary Catholic Church issues?

Harris addresses numerous real challenges facing the modern Catholic Church, including financial scandals, clerical abuse, declining membership in Western countries, and tensions between conservative and progressive factions. The geographical diversity of candidates reflects the Church's shift toward the Global South, where membership is growing. The novel's treatment of traditionalist versus reformist positions mirrors actual debates about Vatican II reforms, Latin mass, and social justice priorities. Financial corruption allegations against Cardinal Tremblay echo real Vatican Bank scandals and transparency issues. The story's engagement with sexuality and gender reflects ongoing Church struggles with LGBTQ+ inclusion and women's roles. Harris presents these issues not as abstract theological debates but as personal struggles affecting real people. The novel suggests that the Church's future depends on addressing these challenges honestly rather than maintaining institutional denial. Through the conclave process, Harris explores how leadership selection in any institution balances competing interests, personalities, and visions for the future.

What does the white smoke symbolize at the end of Conclave?

The white smoke that signals Benitez's election carries multiple symbolic meanings beyond its traditional announcement of papal selection. In the context of the novel's themes, it represents hope for Church renewal and divine approval of an unconventional choice. The smoke's visibility to the waiting crowds suggests transparency triumphing over secrecy, as the hidden deliberations finally produce a public result. For Lomeli, the white smoke validates his decision to support Benitez despite knowing about his intersex condition, suggesting divine providence working through human uncertainty. The symbol also represents the Church's potential for transformation—just as the smoke changes from black to white, the institution might evolve beyond traditional limitations. Harris emphasizes the crowd's joyful response to the white smoke, indicating public hunger for spiritual leadership that transcends political calculation. The ancient ritual connecting to modern communication technology (television coverage) reinforces themes about tradition serving contemporary needs rather than constraining them.

How does Cardinal Lomeli's faith journey drive the narrative?

Lomeli's spiritual crisis provides the novel's emotional foundation, beginning with his doubt after the Pope's death and evolving toward renewed faith through the conclave experience. His initial skepticism about divine providence gradually transforms as he witnesses both human failing and unexpected grace during the election process. The administrative duties that initially feel spiritually empty become opportunities for moral leadership as he navigates various scandals and revelations. His investigation into candidates' backgrounds forces him to confront difficult questions about institutional integrity versus individual compassion. The climactic decision to support Benitez despite the medical revelation represents Lomeli's acceptance that divine will might work through means that challenge human understanding. His character arc suggests that authentic faith often emerges through doubt and struggle rather than unquestioned certainty. By the novel's end, Lomeli has discovered that spiritual leadership sometimes requires making difficult choices based on incomplete information while trusting in larger purposes beyond immediate comprehension.

What does Conclave suggest about institutional change?

The novel presents a nuanced view of how large institutions evolve, showing both resistance to change and unexpected possibilities for transformation. The conclave system itself represents institutional inertia—ancient procedures that resist modification—yet produces an outcome that could revolutionize Church leadership. Harris demonstrates how change often comes through individuals working within existing systems rather than external revolution. The deceased Pope's secret reforms and final instructions suggest that effective institutional change requires strategic patience and careful timing. Different candidates represent various approaches to institutional evolution: Tedesco's reactionary resistance, Bellini's progressive agenda, and Benitez's transformative potential that transcends traditional categories. The novel implies that lasting institutional change requires both respect for valuable traditions and willingness to abandon limiting practices. Through Lomeli's role as facilitator rather than candidate, Harris suggests that institutional transformation often depends on principled administrators who enable others to lead. The surprising election result indicates that institutions can exceed their apparent limitations when guided by authentic purpose rather than mere self-preservation.

How does Robert Harris balance historical accuracy with fictional narrative?

Harris seamlessly integrates extensive research about Vatican procedures, Church history, and contemporary Catholic politics with compelling fictional storytelling. The novel's conclave procedures accurately reflect actual papal election protocols, lending authenticity to the dramatic narrative. Real geographical and theological divisions within the Church provide realistic foundation for fictional character conflicts and alliances. Harris incorporates genuine contemporary issues—financial scandals, abuse crises, theological debates—while creating original characters and situations to explore these themes. The Sistine Chapel setting is meticulously researched, from architectural details to historical significance, yet serves fictional dramatic purposes. Historical papal elections provide precedent for the novel's political maneuvering and unexpected outcomes. Harris avoids naming real contemporary Church figures, allowing fictional exploration of sensitive topics without direct controversy. The author's background as a historical novelist enables him to create believable alternative scenarios that illuminate actual institutional dynamics. This balance allows readers to understand real Vatican complexity while enjoying engaging fictional narrative that explores deeper truths about power, faith, and human nature.

Why is the revelation about Cardinal Benitez significant for Church doctrine?

The disclosure that Cardinal Benitez is intersex challenges fundamental Church teachings about gender, sexuality