Conclave plot recap, spoiler-light
Following the unexpected death of the pope, Cardinal Thomas Lawrence oversees the secretive and deeply political process of electing a new pontiff within the Vatican walls. As cardinals from around the globe gather, ideological factions immediately form. Progressive reform is championed by some, while traditionalists push for a hardline return to the past.
Tensions mount as hidden scandals emerge regarding the leading candidates. Cardinal Adeyemi's campaign is derailed by the revelation of a past relationship, and Cardinal Tremblay is exposed for attempting to buy votes. Lawrence attempts to maintain order amidst the political maneuvering and backroom deals.
The arrival of the surprise candidate, Archbishop Vincent Benítez from Kabul, further scrambles the political landscape. Just as the voting reaches a critical juncture, a sudden bomb blast rocks the Vatican compound, escalating the tension among the assembled church leaders and forcing them to confront external turmoil alongside their internal power struggles.
What happens at the end of Conclave?
Key takeaways
