The Conclave

Every time a Pope dies, or resigns, the world expects a new great moral leader to emerge. Over the past 2000 years, the Catholic Church has been steered by no fewer than 265 popes through many storms and perils. What has made this unbroken chain of successions possible? How is a Pope elected? This new film gives the answers and introduces us to the extraordinary atmosphere of the Conclave. It begins with the surprise announcement of Pope Benedict s resignation, and some interpretations and commentary on the pontificate of Benedict by Vatican observers. Then the intricate electoral proceedings for the Conclave are presented, which are the result of two thousand years of supernatural wisdom and human experience. It goes back to the origins of the papacy with historical highlights of the succession from Peter to the 2013 Conclave and surprise election of Pope Francis. It concludes with a discussion of the challenges and opportunities facing the new Pope.