Ralph Fiennes on Cardinal Lawrence’s ‘Crisis of Faith’ in ‘Conclave’: ‘We Mustn’t Underestimate the Importance of Doubt’

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For director Edward Berger, the captivating movie “Conclave,” with eight nominations at the Oscars, including best picture, is actually two narratives. You could describe it as a thriller, but it’s also an enchanting exploration of character. At its core, it delves into Cardinal Lawrence’s personal voyage.

At the Harmony Gold Theater on Feb. 8, Barco’s EbMaster Screening Series showcased an intriguing thriller about the election of a new pope. The event brought together Berger, producers Tessa Ross and Mike Jackman, editor Nick Emerson, composer Volker Bertelmann, costume designer Lisy Christl, and leading actor Ralph Fiennes, who portrays Cardinal Lawrence. Upon his entrance, Fiennes received a hearty standing ovation that lasted quite some time.

Throughout the discussion, the creators explored various aspects of the film production such as editing, costume design, and Bertelmann’s unique sound design for movies, along with the intricate workings behind the breathtaking finale scene.

Fiennes explored the character’s voyage, a man tasked with arranging a conclave to choose the next pope. Throughout this process, hidden truths emerge. He points out that the viewers become aware of the Cardinal’s spiritual turmoil, as he expresses doubts about prayer early on in the narrative. “Prayer is a vital, fundamental focus similar to meditation … it’s your personal conversation with the divine,” he remarked, adding that for priests, this dialogue is critical, and if it’s disrupted, it can cause significant distress and shake the very core of their vocation, leading to a disturbing upheaval.

In my perspective, the core message in Cardinal Lawrence’s sermon revolves around the crisis of doubt. To me, it symbolizes rigidity – a fragile structure that eventually crumbles or breaks. On the other hand, doubt and questioning embody flexibility, they represent an openness to explore different paths.

As a moviegoer who appreciates thought-provoking dialogues, I can’t help but admire Cardinal Lawrence’s opening sermon at the conclave. When Ralph Fiennes added, “to speak such words as ‘we mustn’t underestimate the importance of doubt’ to a room full of cardinals is a daring and ingenious proposition,” it struck a chord with me. I believe this idea echoes far beyond the confines of the Vatican and the Catholic Church, resonating in our everyday lives. It encourages us to question, to probe, and I think we should all be doing just that. The world is filled with individuals who cling to absolute certainty, and it’s our role, I believe, to challenge this with our gentle, questioning spirit. This, in my view, is the key to growth and evolution.

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2025-02-11 18:17