Conclave ending explained: Who is chosen as the new Pope?

Conclave is a 2024 mystery thriller directed by Edward Berger, based on the 2016 novel by Robert Harris. The film was released theatrically in the United States on October 25, 2024, and in the United Kingdom on November 29, 2024.

Set in the Vatican, the film follows the College of Cardinals' conclave to elect a new pope. Secrets and conspiracies unfold as the cardinals elect the next Catholic Church leader, leading to a shocking conclusion.

The movie follows Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes), dean of the College of Cardinals, during the papal election. Despite his distrust of the church, Cardinal Lawrence manages the election and Cardinal Benitez is elected as the new pope.

Several cardinals vie for the papacy in the film, but unexpected twists and a complicated investigation into Cardinal Benitez complicate matters. It ends with a shocking reveal about the new pope.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers of Conclave. Readers’ discretion is required.

Explaining the ending of Conclave

The Cardinals and their secrets

Conclave ending explained: Who is chosen as the new Pope? (Image via Focus Features)

Since the pope's death, Cardinals from around the world have started the conclave at the Vatican. Each cardinal wants to be the new Catholic Church leader, but the process is secret and ritualistic. Some famous cardinals are running for office. Cardinals Tedesco (Sergio Castellitto) and Adeyemi (Lucian Msamati) are the leading candidates. Each is running for the papacy with charm and drive.

Dean Cardinal Lawrence, played by Ralph Fiennes, oversees the election. Although respected and authoritative in the church, his doubts about the institution and reluctance to become pope cause conflict.

Stanley Tucci's Cardinal Bellini advises Lawrence to consider the role, even though he's unsure. Lawrence worries about more than winning the popeship. He's concerned about election fairness and candidate secrets.

Cardinals must know every vote counts in a tense situation. The church's fate is in their hands, but revelations about the cardinals emerge during the election. One of the conclave's most intriguing and mysterious figures is Cardinal Benitez (Carlos Diehz), who arrives late but immediately captivates with his calm and thoughtfulness.

A shocking revelation of the rise of Cardinal Benitez

Cardinal Benitez is quiet and reserved at first, but his role at the conclave grows. His secret nomination by the late pope makes him a wildcard. Cardinal Lawrence is intrigued by Benitez's mysterious past. Lawrence finds documents suggesting the late pope sent Benitez to Switzerland for medical treatment, casting doubt on Benitez's health and church leadership.

As conclave votes continue, Benitez remains a mystery. He always votes for Lawrence, even though Lawrence has stated he does not want to be the pope. Benitez's actions raise suspicions, and Lawrence's past investigation intensifies. Benitez's commitment and beliefs begin to show through despite his quietness, making him an attractive candidate.

Despite this uncertainty, the conclave chooses Benitez as pope. The decision is met with mixed reactions, as many cardinals expected a more conventional choice. However, Benitez's election is a bold step toward change and a break from tradition.

Also read: Is The Land Before Time remake releasing in 2025? Viral poster debunked

The secret of Cardinal Benitez: Gender identity and the shocking twist

Cardinal Lawrence grows increasingly concerned about Benitez's mysterious Swiss medical procedure as the election winds down. Lawrence is shocked to learn that the procedure was meant to remove Benitez's uterus. Lawrence's discovery that Benitez was born inters*x—with reproductive organs that don't match gender norms—deepens the revelation.

A heated argument between Lawrence and Benitez reveals this. Lawrence asks the newly elected pope about the Swiss trip. Benitez responds that he discovered his inters*x condition during a routine medical exam. He discovered his biological femininity later in life despite being raised as a man. The late pope foresaw this condition and arranged the medical procedure, which Benitez declined.

Benitez reveals that he considered gender reassignment surgery, but the late pope insisted that he stay and work in the church. Despite his inters*x status, becoming pope is a personal choice and a statement of faith and acceptance. The film projects a remarkable moment when Benitez accepts himself despite his biological ambiguity.

Also read: Queer ending explained: Does William Lee find closure in his surreal final moments?

The naming of Pope Innocent: A symbolic gesture

After becoming pope, Cardinal Benitez becomes Pope Innocent. This title is symbolic of Benitez's journey. The term Innocent symbolizes purity and openness, which Benitez embodies throughout the film. The name is associated with innocent children who are free from society's biases.

Pope Innocent's election marks a new, compassionate church. Benitez's election rejects centuries-old papacy structures. His acceptance of his inters*x identity and election as pope send a powerful message about acceptance, faith, and the church's potential for inclusivity.

Pope Innocent inherits a church in turmoil, but his story of acceptance and faith offers hope. The film concludes with optimism that Pope Innocent's election may usher in a new era for the Catholic Church.

Also read: The Snow Sister: Full list of cast

Conclave’s impact on the church

There is both a shocking revelation and a message of hope at the end of the Conclave. The way the movie shows Cardinal Benitez's inters*x identity and how he became pope challenges long-held ideas about faith, power, and gender. His election is a big change for the church, showing that it is open to new ideas, accepting of others, and understanding.

Also read: Why does Elphaba become evil in the Wicked movie? Explained

There is a lot of history behind the conclave process, but the election of Pope Innocent is different from the past. This shows that the church can change and grow with the times. There is a powerful message about how the Church can change at the end of the movie that emphasizes how important acceptance and faith are.

Conclave is available to watch in theatres.

Edited by pshmueni