Conclave (Film): Church Response, Reviews, Where to Watch

Conclave is a Vatican thriller that won the Academy Award for Best Writing while sparking fierce criticism from Catholic publications that call it anti-Catholic propaganda. Ralph Fiennes delivers a commanding central performance as Cardinal Lawrence navigating a papal election, yet Catholic reviewers across the theological spectrum have characterized the film as theologically inaccurate and offensive in its portrayal of sacred rituals.

Director: Edward Berger · Lead Actor: Ralph Fiennes · Release Year: 2024 · Genre: Political thriller · Based On: Novel by Robert Harris

This table consolidates the essential production and distribution details for the film.

Is the movie Conclave approved by the Catholic Church?

The Catholic Church has not issued any formal approval of Conclave, and sources reviewed for this article contain no record of an official statement from Vatican authorities. What Catholic outlets have published instead amounts to critique rather than endorsement.

Official statements

No Vatican press office statement or official Church communication endorsing the film appears in verified sources. The silence from the highest institutional level contrasts sharply with the volume of criticism from Catholic media outlets.

Key concerns raised

Catholic World Report described Conclave as “both anti-Catholic propaganda and secular confession,” while Pauline.org argued the film “offends by taking this sacred ritual and turns it into a travesty.” These characterizations come from Catholic publications rather than institutional Church bodies, but they represent the most detailed responses available from the Catholic side.

Why doesn’t the Catholic Church like Conclave?

The stronger framing is “why has Conclave drawn criticism from Catholic outlets,” and the answer centers on how the film depicts the conclave process itself alongside specific theological and moral choices in its plot.

Theological inaccuracies

Catholic critics have flagged several elements they consider theologically implausible. Angelus News called the film “simplistic, ignorant, and shallow” in its portrayal of Catholic governance. OnePeterFive reserved particular scorn for the film’s ending, calling it “absurd” that any Pope would permit certain events depicted. Benedictine Media argued the film “causes confusion about the Church” for viewers unfamiliar with actual Catholic doctrine.

Portrayal of conclave process

The film adds conspiracy elements and political maneuvering that Catholic reviewers say distort the actual conclave process. Pauline.org specifically objected to the film treating a sacred election as material for a political thriller. Catholic Review noted the film contains “murky moral values” that complicate viewer understanding of Catholic teaching.

Responses from Catholic outlets

Multiple Catholic publications reviewed the film negatively, with particularly strong language from traditionalist outlets. YouTube personality Fr. Mike Schmitz also reviewed the film critically, though his video represents a personal clergy opinion rather than institutional positioning. The consistency of negative Catholic media response is notable, even if the sources vary in their specific objections.

Is the Conclave movie worth watching?

The answer splits clearly along audience expectations. Conclave delivers polished filmmaking and strong performances, but whether those qualities outweigh its controversial subject matter depends on what you want from a Vatican thriller.

Critical reception

The film won the Academy Award for Best Writing, along with the Golden Globe for Best Screenplay and BAFTA recognition for Best Film. Peacock lists internal ratings of 93% and 86%, suggesting strong viewer satisfaction among those who stream the film on that platform. These accolades come from mainstream industry bodies rather than Catholic outlets, and their focus is on craft rather than accuracy.

Audience scores

For secular audiences seeking political intrigue with Catholic Church backdrop, the film delivers what it promises. For Catholic viewers seeking faithful representation of conclave procedures, reviews from their own publications indicate significant disappointment. The question of worth depends entirely on which audience category applies to you.

Is the Conclave movie on Netflix?

Conclave is not currently available on Netflix. US viewers have several other options for streaming and purchase, with availability shifting over time as licensing agreements evolve.

Current streaming options

The film streams on Peacock Premium and Premium Plus, according to JustWatch. Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV also carry the title, per TV Guide. Users outside the United States may need a VPN to access US platforms like Prime Video, TV Guide notes.

Alternatives while waiting

Those without Peacock access can rent or purchase digitally. Apple TV rental costs $5.99, with purchase at $19.99 per TV Guide. Amazon Video and Fandango At Home offer rent and purchase options as well, JustWatch confirms. Philo has scheduled the film to join its library from June 13, 2026.

How did the Catholic Church respond to the movie Conclave?

While no official Vatican statement exists in verified sources, Catholic publications have published detailed critical responses that collectively represent the most substantial institutional reaction available for analysis.

Reviews from Church publications

Catholic World Report’s analysis called the film “both anti-Catholic propaganda and secular confession,” framing it as a film that serves mainstream entertainment audiences at Catholic expense. Pauline.org took stronger language, arguing Conclave “offends by taking this sacred ritual and turns it into a travesty.” These two reviews from Catholic-affiliated publications represent the clearest institutional voices in the Catholic media ecosystem.

Clergy opinions

Fr. Mike Schmitz reviewed the film negatively on YouTube, though his video reflects a personal clergy opinion rather than official positioning. Benedictine Media published an analysis arguing the film “causes confusion about the Church” for viewers who lack background in Catholic procedure. OnePeterFive, representing traditionalist Catholic perspective, praised production values but called the ending “absurd” in light of actual Church governance.

Quotes

“Conclave is both anti-Catholic propaganda and secular confession.”

Catholic World Report

“Conclave offends by taking this sacred ritual and turns it into a travesty.”

Pauline.org

“Anti-Catholic bias aside, ‘Conclave’ is just plain bad.”

Angelus News

“The sheer absurdity that any Pope would ever allow a woman to pretend to be a priest.”

OnePeterFive

Summary

Conclave occupies a rare position in contemporary cinema: a politically charged thriller that succeeds by industry measures while facing sustained criticism from the faith community it depicts. The film earned the Academy Award for Best Writing on the strength of Edward Berger’s direction and Ralph Fiennes’s lead performance, yet Catholic outlets across the theological spectrum have characterized it as anti-Catholic in framing and inaccurate in detail. Streaming availability centers on Peacock for US audiences, with purchase and rental options through Apple TV and Amazon. No official Vatican condemnation appears in verified sources, though Catholic publications have published detailed critical responses. Ralph Fiennes’s commanding portrayal elevates the material for mainstream audiences, but the consistent negative reception from Catholic outlets suggests viewers seeking faithful Church portrayal may find the film disappointing.

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Edward Berger’s Vatican thriller Conclave, starring Ralph Fiennes, features full cast and release details that enhance its Oscar-winning script amid church backlash.

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