Synopsis & Basic Details

What is Conclave about?

• Secret election, global impact: Conclave centers on the election of a new Pope following the unexpected death of the previous one, exploring the intense political maneuvering, personal ambitions, and spiritual crises of the 118 cardinals locked inside the Vatican to choose his successor.
• Secrets and revelations surface: As the Conclave progresses, hidden secrets, unexpected alliances, and moral dilemmas come to light, challenging the cardinals' faith and testing the integrity of the Church.
• Unexpected candidate emerges: The arrival of a previously unknown cardinal, created in pectore (in secret) by the late Pope, further complicates the election and forces the cardinals to confront their prejudices and preconceptions.

Why should I read Conclave?

• Intriguing Vatican thriller: Conclave offers a suspenseful and captivating glimpse into the secretive world of papal elections, filled with political intrigue, personal drama, and unexpected twists.
• Exploration of faith and power: The novel delves into the complex relationship between faith, power, and morality, raising thought-provoking questions about the nature of leadership and the challenges facing the Catholic Church in the 21st century.
• Compelling character studies: Harris creates a cast of memorable characters, each with their own motivations, flaws, and spiritual struggles, making for a rich and engaging reading experience.

What is the background of Conclave?

• Historical context of papal elections: The novel draws on the long history and traditions of papal elections, including the rules and procedures governing the Conclave, the role of the College of Cardinals, and the influence of political and social forces.
• Contemporary issues facing the Church: Conclave addresses contemporary issues facing the Catholic Church, such as the abuse scandal, the role of women, the relationship with other faiths, and the challenges of modernity.
• Geopolitical influences: The novel reflects the global reach of the Catholic Church, with cardinals from diverse backgrounds and regions bringing their own perspectives and concerns to the election.

What are the most memorable quotes in Conclave?

• Bellini on the Church's crisis: "What he had lost faith in was the Church." This quote encapsulates the central theme of disillusionment within the Church's hierarchy and the struggle to maintain faith in the institution itself.
• Lomeli on the danger of certainty: "Certainty is the great enemy of unity. Certainty is the deadly enemy of tolerance." This quote highlights the importance of humility and open-mindedness in matters of faith and the dangers of dogmatism and intolerance.
• Tedesco on the Church's identity: "The abandonment of Latin will lead eventually to the abandonment of Rome." This quote reflects the traditionalist view that the Church's identity is inextricably linked to its historical traditions and that any deviation from these traditions will lead to its decline.

What writing style, narrative choices, and literary techniques does Robert Harris use?

• Third-person limited perspective: The story is primarily told from Cardinal Lomeli's point of view, allowing the reader to experience the Conclave through his eyes and gain insight into his thoughts and feelings.
• Suspenseful pacing and plot twists: Harris masterfully builds suspense throughout the novel, using unexpected revelations, plot twists, and cliffhangers to keep the reader engaged.
• Detailed descriptions and vivid imagery: Harris brings the Vatican and the Conclave to life with rich descriptions and vivid imagery, creating a sense of atmosphere and realism.

Hidden Details & Subtle Connections

What are some minor details that add significant meaning?

• The broken Fisherman's Ring: The severing of the Pope's ring, described with the phrase "Sede vacante," marks not just the end of a papacy but also the beginning of a power vacuum, setting the stage for the political machinations to come.
• The traveling chess set: The chess set, which the late Pope always lost at, symbolizes the intellectual battles and power dynamics within the Church, as well as the Pope's humility in accepting defeat.
• The three cassocks in the Room of Tears: The presence of three cassocks in different sizes foreshadows the uncertainty of who will be the next Pope and the challenges of fitting into the role, both literally and figuratively.

What are some subtle foreshadowing and callbacks?

• Lomeli's prostate cancer: Lomeli's earlier cancer diagnosis and supposed cure are a subtle reminder of his mortality and the possibility that he might not live to see the end of the Conclave, adding to the suspense.
• The story of Pope John Paul I: The mention of Pope John Paul I's death and the rumors surrounding it foreshadows the potential for scandal and conspiracy within the Church, as well as the importance of controlling the narrative.
• Bellini's chess losses: Bellini's consistent losses to the Pope at chess foreshadow his ultimate defeat in the Conclave, suggesting that he lacks the strategic cunning and political savvy to win.

What are some unexpected character connections?

• Benítez and the Holy Father: The close relationship between Benítez and the Holy Father, revealed through the in pectore appointment and the private meetings, highlights the Pope's unconventional approach to leadership and his willingness to elevate those who serve the poor and marginalized.
• Woźniak and Tremblay: The conflict between Woźniak and Tremblay, stemming from the Holy Father's alleged dismissal of Tremblay, reveals the deep divisions and power struggles within the Curia.
• Lomeli and Bellini: The long-standing friendship and mutual respect between Lomeli and Bellini, despite their differing views and ambitions, underscores the importance of unity and collaboration within the Church.

Who are the most significant supporting characters?

• Archbishop Woźniak: As the Pope's personal secretary, Woźniak provides a crucial insider perspective on the Holy Father's final days and the events leading up to the Conclave, revealing hidden tensions and power struggles.
• Monsignor O'Malley: As the Secretary of the College of Cardinals, O'Malley is responsible for managing the logistics of the Conclave and providing information to Lomeli, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the practical challenges of organizing the election.
• Sister Agnes: As the head of the nuns at the Casa Santa Marta, Sister Agnes represents the quiet strength and unwavering faith of the Church's women, and her actions ultimately play a pivotal role in uncovering the truth.

Psychological, Emotional, & Relational Analysis

What are some unspoken motivations of the characters?

• Lomeli's desire for redemption: Lomeli's actions are driven by a desire to atone for his past failures and to ensure that the Church is led by a worthy successor, even if it means sacrificing his own ambitions and comfort.
• Tremblay's hunger for power: Tremblay's ambition is fueled by a deep-seated desire for power and recognition, leading him to manipulate events and exploit his position for personal gain.
• Benítez's sense of duty: Benítez's decision to accept the papacy is motivated by a sense of duty to the Church and a desire to serve God, despite his personal doubts and the potential for scandal.

What psychological complexities do the characters exhibit?

• Lomeli's self-doubt: Despite his high position, Lomeli struggles with self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy, questioning his own worthiness and ability to lead the Conclave.
• Bellini's internal conflict: Bellini is torn between his desire to serve the Church and his fear of the burden of the papacy, leading to a sense of internal conflict and indecision.
• Adeyemi's pride and vulnerability: Adeyemi's charismatic persona masks a deep-seated pride and vulnerability, which are exposed when his past indiscretion is revealed.

What are the major emotional turning points?

• Lomeli's realization of the Holy Father's doubts: Lomeli's discovery that the Holy Father had lost faith in the Church is a major turning point, challenging his own beliefs and forcing him to question the institution he has dedicated his life to.
• The explosion in the Sistine Chapel: The terrorist attack is a major emotional turning point, creating a sense of fear and urgency and forcing the cardinals to confront the real-world consequences of their decisions.
• Benítez's confession: Benítez's revelation of his intersex identity is a major emotional turning point, challenging Lomeli's understanding of identity and faith and forcing him to confront his own prejudices.

How do relationship dynamics evolve?

• Lomeli and Bellini's friendship: The friendship between Lomeli and Bellini is tested by the pressures of the Conclave, but ultimately their mutual respect and shared commitment to the Church endure.
• Lomeli and Adeyemi's rivalry: The rivalry between Lomeli and Adeyemi is transformed by the revelation of Adeyemi's past, leading to a sense of empathy and understanding between the two men.
• Lomeli and Benítez's mentorship: The relationship between Lomeli and Benítez evolves from one of curiosity and suspicion to one of mentorship and mutual respect, as Lomeli recognizes Benítez's spiritual depth and potential for leadership.

Interpretation & Debate

Which parts of the story remain ambiguous or open-ended?

• The true nature of the Holy Father's intentions: The Holy Father's motivations for creating Benítez a cardinal in pectore and for commissioning the report on Tremblay remain open to interpretation, leaving the reader to speculate about his true agenda.
• The extent of corruption within the Curia: The novel hints at widespread corruption within the Curia, but the full extent of it remains unclear, leaving the reader to wonder about the true state of the Church's finances and administration.
• The future of the Church under Pope Innocent XIV: The novel ends with the election of Pope Innocent XIV, but his long-term impact on the Church remains uncertain, leaving the reader to imagine the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

What are some debatable, controversial scenes or moments in Conclave?

• Lomeli's decision to break into the Holy Father's apartment: Lomeli's decision to break into the Holy Father's apartment and steal the report on Tremblay is a controversial act that raises questions about the ethics of his actions and the limits of his authority.
• The revelation of Benítez's intersex identity: The revelation of Benítez's intersex identity is a controversial moment that challenges traditional notions of gender and sexuality within the Church.
• The terrorist attack on the Sistine Chapel: The terrorist attack is a controversial event that raises questions about the role of violence and extremism in the modern world and the Church's response to it.

Conclave Ending Explained: How It Ends & What It Means

• Benítez's election as a symbol of hope: The election of Benítez as Pope Innocent XIV represents a triumph of humility, compassion, and spiritual depth over political ambition and ideological division, offering a message of hope and renewal for the Church.
• Lomeli's acceptance of God's will: Lomeli's ultimate acceptance of God's will and his support for Pope Innocent XIV demonstrate the importance of humility and selflessness in leadership, as well as the power of faith to guide one through difficult times.
• The Church's uncertain future: The novel's ending leaves the future of the Church uncertain, but it also suggests that by embracing diversity, promoting justice, and remaining true to its core values, the Church can overcome the challenges it faces and continue to serve as a beacon of hope in the world.