CONCLAVE

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by Robert Harris

The setup for this book reminded me of White Smoke (1997)by Andrew M. Greeley. I read it just before the conclave that elected Pope Francis. The traditions and politics of electing a pope were beautifully portrayed there. Because I enjoyed that book so much, when I saw the movie trailer for Conclave (starring Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and John Lithgow), I couldn’t resist.

In the book, a much beleaguered and controversial pope dies and a conclave of 118 cardinals assembles in Rome to elect the next head of the worldwide Catholic Church. The reader gets an insider’s view into all the preparations and cast of players central to holding the conclave. Politics and all the very human foibles start to emerge. The story is told from the point of view of the Cardinal who oversees the central activities of the meetings. He is a devout, honest man constantly feeling the burdens of his office. Around him, the other Cardinals start the work of political maneuvering required to elect a pope, all while paying lip service to the idea that God must chose the next Bishop of Rome. Just before the Cardinals are to be sealed into the Sistine Chapel, a mysterious and unknown Cardinal arrives. This is the first of several events that will mark this conclave as different. Ambition is ever present as the Cardinals wrestle over candidates. Financial corruption emerges and so do sex scandals. And if terrorists have their way, the Cardinals will never fulfill their mission.

Obviously, this is a thriller, and it does read like one. The main character is flawed and likeable. The author consulted with Vatican authorities to get the details of the process of conclave as accurate as possible and it does feel that way. There is an obvious attempt to make the book contemporary by exploring issues that are currently in the news. Like a lot of thrillers, it pushes the envelope of plausibility at times but it’s an enjoyable read.   

The other fictional tale about electing a pope is White Smoke by Andrew M. Greeley, a priest himself.  I recommend both if you like this genre.          

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