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Conclave
The best-selling author of Enigma and Fatherland turns to today's Vatican in a ripped-from-the-headlines novel, and gives us his most ambitious, page-turning thriller yet--where the power of God is nearly equaled by the ambition of men.
The pope is dead. Behind the locked doors of the Sistine Chapel, one hundred and eighteen cardinals from all over the globe will cast their votes in the world's most secretive election. They are holy men. But they have ambition. And they have rivals. Over the next seventy-two hours one of them will become the most powerful spiritual figure on Earth.
From the Hardcover edition.
The pope is dead. Behind the locked doors of the Sistine Chapel, one hundred and eighteen cardinals from all over the globe will cast their votes in the world's most secretive election. They are holy men. But they have ambition. And they have rivals. Over the next seventy-two hours one of them will become the most powerful spiritual figure on Earth.
From the Hardcover edition.
305 pages, ebook
First published September 22, 2016
6112 people are currently reading
46152 people want to read
About the author
Robert Harris
63 books8,866 followersROBERT HARRIS is the author of nine best-selling novels: Fatherland, Enigma, Archangel, Pompeii, Imperium, The Ghost Writer, Conspirata, The Fear Index, and An Officer and a Spy. Several of his books have been adapted to film, most recently The Ghost Writer, directed by Roman Polanski. His work has been translated into thirty-seven languages. He lives in the village of Kintbury, England, with his wife, Gill Hornby.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 9,424 reviews
July 26, 2025
”Sede vacante, . . . .The throne of the Holy See is vacant.”
The Power of God, the Ambition of Men.
Cardinal Jacopo Lomeli has been contemplating retirement to peaceful meditation and study for several years now, but the Pope insists that he still needs him at the Vatican. Lomeli is maybe a better manager than he is priest. This assessment makes Jacopo uneasy because it feels like a deviation from what he feels his real purpose should be.
Can a manager truly be close to God? How much closer to God can he get than to be the Dean for the Pope? He is seventy-five years old and serves at the discretion of the Pope. By serving the Pope, he serves God.
And then the Pope dies.
After the initial shock and more than a few prayers, Lomeli suddenly realizes, as the Dean, he is responsible for managing the conclave that will select the next Pope. God have mercy on his soul.
”My body is clay, my good fame a vapour, my end is ashes.”
Managing a conclave is pretty much as terrifying as it seems. The egos of the Cardinals arriving are so large that the room can barely contain the mass of their collective self-esteem. As we all know, they must be sequestered during the conclave to insure that no outside influence can be brought to bear on the process. Despite all the precautions, there are always those who will go to great lengths to circumvent any system. Fervent disagreements arise early in the process as Cardinals jockey for votes, as piously as possible, thinly disguising their most vehement desires to be the most powerful spiritual leader on the planet. Lomeli is unnerved by the spectacle of so much naked aspirations, but at the same time, he is also trying to control his own ambitious pride. ”We are an ark, he thought, surrounded by a rising flood of discord.”
He doesn’t want to be Pope. He doesn’t, but he does have the name he would use selected if God does call him to serve. As much as Lomeli tells himself and others that he doesn’t want to be Pope, there is a small part of his heart that glows with the possibility.
As if Lomeli doesn’t have enough to do, an unknown Cardinal shows up claiming that he received the red hat: ”In pectore (‘in the heart’) was the ancient provision under which a Pope could create a cardinal without revealing his name….” A Pope only does this if the Cardinal is working in an area hostile to Catholicism. Cardinal Benitez is a Filipino by birth but has worked in dangerous areas across Africa. He has the paperwork to prove that the recently departed Pope had named him the Cardinal of Baghdad.
There is a series of votes without any conclusive leader. There are four main contenders, but each of them has issues that could keep them from obtaining the papacy. I found myself sliding my thumb over the tallies until I’d read the paragraphs leading up to the results. I was on the edge of my seat in similar fashion to when I was watching the movie Lincoln, and they were voting on the Emancipation Proclamation.
As more and more is revealed about the leading candidates, Lomeli finds himself in the uncomfortable position of investigating the various allegations that start to come to light. As he makes these indiscretions known to the Cardinals, it starts to look like Lomeli is meticulously eliminating his competition to be Pope.
Is he just doing his duty, or is his secret desire guiding his actions? The shocking conclusion(s) to this conclave will rock you on your heels.
In the course of his novel, Robert Harris had the opportunity to discuss the growing number of Catholics located outside of Europe and their underrepresentation with Cardinal hats. One wonders when that revolution will spark. It makes perfect sense to me that maybe the Pope needs more than one residence. When I think about the Kings/Queens of England and their numerous households scattered about the British Isles, it makes sense that they would spend time at each of these residences to show an interest in their subjects far from London. Maybe the Pope needs an offshoot of the Vatican in South America, for instance, where he would spend a few weeks every year. There is also an interesting discussion about Islam and how we welcome them to our Western countries, but we are certainly not welcome in theirs.
No one has more influence in the world than the President of the United States. He (I guess I can call him he since there has never been a woman president) can have a positive or a negative impact on the direction of events in the world. As I’ve traveled around Europe, the people of those nations are well aware of the impact the decisions made by the President have on their lives. They wish they had a vote in the process. They count on us as United States citizens to choose wisely. The Pope might be the second most influential man on world events. Certainly world leaders, regardless of their political or religious affiliations, appreciate the support of the Pope in regards to any changes they are trying to make to the lives of their citizens.
So far 127,253,037 votes have been counted of the people who elected the next President of the United States. Over 2 million more people voted for Hillary Clinton than did for Donald Trump, but due to the system put in place by our Founding Fathers, who didn’t really trust the rabble of American voters, the electoral college supersedes the results of the popular vote. Sounds vaguely undemocratic, doesn’t it?
There are 1.2 billion Catholics across the face of the planet. 41.3% of those Catholics live in South America, almost double the 23.7% that live in Europe. 118 Cardinals (there are more Cardinals than this, but there is a rule that those over 80 years of age cannot vote in the conclave) are sequestered in conclave to decide who will be the next spiritual leader of those 1.2 billion people. You are going to need a lot of zeros after the decimal point before you reach the percentage of representation those 118 embody.
Here are how the Cardinals break down by country.
AFRICA - 20 cardinals from 17 countries
AMERICA - 57 cardinals from 19 countries
ASIA - 23 cardinals from 11 countries
EUROPE - 114 cardinals from 24 countries
OCEANIA - 5 cardinals from 3 countries
TOTAL - 219 cardinals from 73 countries
Map of populations of Catholics in the World.
Anybody else see something askew? Europeans hold a huge advantage in electing the Pope, regardless of the number of Catholics they represent. So as undemocratic as this recent United States presidential election feels, it is without contestation way closer to representing the wishes of the people than the process used to determine the leader of the Catholic church.
I know I’ve drifted away from a standard book review, but this is the result of reading. This book brought up some points which made me curious to explore further. I’ve deepened my understanding of those issues, and that will make me a better reader for books that touch on this same issue in the future. Regardless of how interested you are in the bigger picture, this book is a fantastic, page turning thriller that had me up til 2AM to find out who would be the next Pope. Highly Recommended!
If you wish to see more of my most recent book and movie reviews, visit http://www.jeffreykeeten.com
I also have a Facebook blogger page at: https://www.facebook.com/JeffreyKeeten
The Power of God, the Ambition of Men.
Cardinal Jacopo Lomeli has been contemplating retirement to peaceful meditation and study for several years now, but the Pope insists that he still needs him at the Vatican. Lomeli is maybe a better manager than he is priest. This assessment makes Jacopo uneasy because it feels like a deviation from what he feels his real purpose should be.
Can a manager truly be close to God? How much closer to God can he get than to be the Dean for the Pope? He is seventy-five years old and serves at the discretion of the Pope. By serving the Pope, he serves God.
And then the Pope dies.
After the initial shock and more than a few prayers, Lomeli suddenly realizes, as the Dean, he is responsible for managing the conclave that will select the next Pope. God have mercy on his soul.
”My body is clay, my good fame a vapour, my end is ashes.”
Managing a conclave is pretty much as terrifying as it seems. The egos of the Cardinals arriving are so large that the room can barely contain the mass of their collective self-esteem. As we all know, they must be sequestered during the conclave to insure that no outside influence can be brought to bear on the process. Despite all the precautions, there are always those who will go to great lengths to circumvent any system. Fervent disagreements arise early in the process as Cardinals jockey for votes, as piously as possible, thinly disguising their most vehement desires to be the most powerful spiritual leader on the planet. Lomeli is unnerved by the spectacle of so much naked aspirations, but at the same time, he is also trying to control his own ambitious pride. ”We are an ark, he thought, surrounded by a rising flood of discord.”
He doesn’t want to be Pope. He doesn’t, but he does have the name he would use selected if God does call him to serve. As much as Lomeli tells himself and others that he doesn’t want to be Pope, there is a small part of his heart that glows with the possibility.
As if Lomeli doesn’t have enough to do, an unknown Cardinal shows up claiming that he received the red hat: ”In pectore (‘in the heart’) was the ancient provision under which a Pope could create a cardinal without revealing his name….” A Pope only does this if the Cardinal is working in an area hostile to Catholicism. Cardinal Benitez is a Filipino by birth but has worked in dangerous areas across Africa. He has the paperwork to prove that the recently departed Pope had named him the Cardinal of Baghdad.
There is a series of votes without any conclusive leader. There are four main contenders, but each of them has issues that could keep them from obtaining the papacy. I found myself sliding my thumb over the tallies until I’d read the paragraphs leading up to the results. I was on the edge of my seat in similar fashion to when I was watching the movie Lincoln, and they were voting on the Emancipation Proclamation.
As more and more is revealed about the leading candidates, Lomeli finds himself in the uncomfortable position of investigating the various allegations that start to come to light. As he makes these indiscretions known to the Cardinals, it starts to look like Lomeli is meticulously eliminating his competition to be Pope.
Is he just doing his duty, or is his secret desire guiding his actions? The shocking conclusion(s) to this conclave will rock you on your heels.
In the course of his novel, Robert Harris had the opportunity to discuss the growing number of Catholics located outside of Europe and their underrepresentation with Cardinal hats. One wonders when that revolution will spark. It makes perfect sense to me that maybe the Pope needs more than one residence. When I think about the Kings/Queens of England and their numerous households scattered about the British Isles, it makes sense that they would spend time at each of these residences to show an interest in their subjects far from London. Maybe the Pope needs an offshoot of the Vatican in South America, for instance, where he would spend a few weeks every year. There is also an interesting discussion about Islam and how we welcome them to our Western countries, but we are certainly not welcome in theirs.
No one has more influence in the world than the President of the United States. He (I guess I can call him he since there has never been a woman president) can have a positive or a negative impact on the direction of events in the world. As I’ve traveled around Europe, the people of those nations are well aware of the impact the decisions made by the President have on their lives. They wish they had a vote in the process. They count on us as United States citizens to choose wisely. The Pope might be the second most influential man on world events. Certainly world leaders, regardless of their political or religious affiliations, appreciate the support of the Pope in regards to any changes they are trying to make to the lives of their citizens.
So far 127,253,037 votes have been counted of the people who elected the next President of the United States. Over 2 million more people voted for Hillary Clinton than did for Donald Trump, but due to the system put in place by our Founding Fathers, who didn’t really trust the rabble of American voters, the electoral college supersedes the results of the popular vote. Sounds vaguely undemocratic, doesn’t it?
There are 1.2 billion Catholics across the face of the planet. 41.3% of those Catholics live in South America, almost double the 23.7% that live in Europe. 118 Cardinals (there are more Cardinals than this, but there is a rule that those over 80 years of age cannot vote in the conclave) are sequestered in conclave to decide who will be the next spiritual leader of those 1.2 billion people. You are going to need a lot of zeros after the decimal point before you reach the percentage of representation those 118 embody.
Here are how the Cardinals break down by country.
AFRICA - 20 cardinals from 17 countries
AMERICA - 57 cardinals from 19 countries
ASIA - 23 cardinals from 11 countries
EUROPE - 114 cardinals from 24 countries
OCEANIA - 5 cardinals from 3 countries
TOTAL - 219 cardinals from 73 countries
Map of populations of Catholics in the World.
Anybody else see something askew? Europeans hold a huge advantage in electing the Pope, regardless of the number of Catholics they represent. So as undemocratic as this recent United States presidential election feels, it is without contestation way closer to representing the wishes of the people than the process used to determine the leader of the Catholic church.
I know I’ve drifted away from a standard book review, but this is the result of reading. This book brought up some points which made me curious to explore further. I’ve deepened my understanding of those issues, and that will make me a better reader for books that touch on this same issue in the future. Regardless of how interested you are in the bigger picture, this book is a fantastic, page turning thriller that had me up til 2AM to find out who would be the next Pope. Highly Recommended!
If you wish to see more of my most recent book and movie reviews, visit http://www.jeffreykeeten.com
I also have a Facebook blogger page at: https://www.facebook.com/JeffreyKeeten
April 27, 2025
If you would have said to me, I would enjoy a book about a bunch of Catholic Cardinals locked up in a room, voting to find out which one of them would become Pope, I would’ve dismissed you as a lunatic (with respect).
The Pope dies of a heart attack, there’s some mystery around his death. For example, there were conversations around his deathbed which were difficult to verify, but if true, would eliminate one of the leading cardinals.
The main character, Jacopo Lomeli – is an immensely likable man, fair, thoughtful. He’s one of four favourites who emerge as voting amongst the cardinals proceeds. He’s also Dean of the Catholic Church. Even though I am a man of zero faith, I really was struck by his struggles, and inner conflicts when trying to sort out his own thoughts and motivations as the selection process proceeded.
I learned about the voting process, which is wonderfully (to my mind) intricate. I love the tradition, the history – the weight of two thousand years of voting for a pope. It blows my mind. So even, in the unlikely event, I ended up being a Cardinal – even if I didn’t like the eventual winner as a person (for example), the profundity of the process, the tradition would add legitimacy to the decision.
There’s suspense here like you wouldn’t believe, skullduggery which you would and should believe, politics on steroids, a few historical lessons, pacing like a thriller, suspense, terrorism (yes) and a bold ending. What more can one want?
In my mind, yea verily and thy soothedly (what’s happening to me)…………..??????
My children, St Mark bares his soul here on GR, he lays foul for thine on the altar of half decent books. Yes, he is a sinner, alas, he is but a mere man. He calleth unto our Lord “Hear ye, oh hear ye, O’Lord. This book is fantastic, O’Lord this book is terrific.” And the Lord hearken the plight of St Mark, and slew him. After 40 days and 40 nights of being slewed – St Mark, said unto the Lord – “Oh Lord, this 5-star read is STILL one of the best books I’ve read this year, despite my being slewed”. St Mark said (as he was on a bit of a roll), “Please destroyeth O’Lord, any naysayers of this book, for they do not know what they say – but destroyeth them anyway, utterly, and lay waste to their homes decidedly and untidily”. Here endeth the lesson.
5 Stars
Oh I forgot to say. I listened to this as part of my Spotify membership and the narration was the best. The narrator nailed all the different accents of the cardinals, as they came from all over the world, as you'd imagine.
The Pope dies of a heart attack, there’s some mystery around his death. For example, there were conversations around his deathbed which were difficult to verify, but if true, would eliminate one of the leading cardinals.
The main character, Jacopo Lomeli – is an immensely likable man, fair, thoughtful. He’s one of four favourites who emerge as voting amongst the cardinals proceeds. He’s also Dean of the Catholic Church. Even though I am a man of zero faith, I really was struck by his struggles, and inner conflicts when trying to sort out his own thoughts and motivations as the selection process proceeded.
I learned about the voting process, which is wonderfully (to my mind) intricate. I love the tradition, the history – the weight of two thousand years of voting for a pope. It blows my mind. So even, in the unlikely event, I ended up being a Cardinal – even if I didn’t like the eventual winner as a person (for example), the profundity of the process, the tradition would add legitimacy to the decision.
There’s suspense here like you wouldn’t believe, skullduggery which you would and should believe, politics on steroids, a few historical lessons, pacing like a thriller, suspense, terrorism (yes) and a bold ending. What more can one want?
In my mind, yea verily and thy soothedly (what’s happening to me)…………..??????
My children, St Mark bares his soul here on GR, he lays foul for thine on the altar of half decent books. Yes, he is a sinner, alas, he is but a mere man. He calleth unto our Lord “Hear ye, oh hear ye, O’Lord. This book is fantastic, O’Lord this book is terrific.” And the Lord hearken the plight of St Mark, and slew him. After 40 days and 40 nights of being slewed – St Mark, said unto the Lord – “Oh Lord, this 5-star read is STILL one of the best books I’ve read this year, despite my being slewed”. St Mark said (as he was on a bit of a roll), “Please destroyeth O’Lord, any naysayers of this book, for they do not know what they say – but destroyeth them anyway, utterly, and lay waste to their homes decidedly and untidily”. Here endeth the lesson.
5 Stars
Oh I forgot to say. I listened to this as part of my Spotify membership and the narration was the best. The narrator nailed all the different accents of the cardinals, as they came from all over the world, as you'd imagine.
October 21, 2016
4.5 The second book in as many days that I didn't want to put down. It initially appealed to me because I spent most of my school years in Catholic schools, was pretty young when Vatican two came around. All I really remember is that we no longer had to go to mass every morning at 6:30 am, before school started, that mass was no longer in Latin and that the nuns started wearing shorter habit, shorter veils and in different shades of pastel. Pretty big, though small in the scheme of things I suppose, to a small child.
The pope has died, descriptions of a peoples pope, a pope who refused to live in the grandeur of the Vatican apartments, point to this representing our current Pope, Francis. The dean of the Cardinals, is the Cardinal charged with making sure the Conclave runs smoothly, that all 118 cardinals from all over the world, adhere to the strict measures set within. Just like our political system, where each side represents different positions, there are factions with varying opinions on the future of the church. So the jockeying begins, votes are taken and the intrigue begins. Never expected to find myself completely enthralled by this inside look of what it takes to elect our next pope. Didn't expect so many revelations nor what extent some cardinals would to to hide offenses that would keep, them out of the running. Found myself totally glued to these pages, wanting to see what would happen next, who would ultimately be elected.
A well written novel, my first by this author, and a wonderful portrayal of not only the differences in the many cardinals but how many differences there are in their views of the Church's future. The ending, could it happen? Probably. Would it happen? Who knows but I am not sure it is realistic. Still, I applaud the author for this total surprise, one I did not see coming.
ARC from publisher.
The pope has died, descriptions of a peoples pope, a pope who refused to live in the grandeur of the Vatican apartments, point to this representing our current Pope, Francis. The dean of the Cardinals, is the Cardinal charged with making sure the Conclave runs smoothly, that all 118 cardinals from all over the world, adhere to the strict measures set within. Just like our political system, where each side represents different positions, there are factions with varying opinions on the future of the church. So the jockeying begins, votes are taken and the intrigue begins. Never expected to find myself completely enthralled by this inside look of what it takes to elect our next pope. Didn't expect so many revelations nor what extent some cardinals would to to hide offenses that would keep, them out of the running. Found myself totally glued to these pages, wanting to see what would happen next, who would ultimately be elected.
A well written novel, my first by this author, and a wonderful portrayal of not only the differences in the many cardinals but how many differences there are in their views of the Church's future. The ending, could it happen? Probably. Would it happen? Who knows but I am not sure it is realistic. Still, I applaud the author for this total surprise, one I did not see coming.
ARC from publisher.
November 20, 2024
4 "solid, carefully layered, quietly thrilling" stars !!
Update November 2024: This past weekend we went to see this film based on this really excellent four star book and in a nutshell it was okayish. I would rate it a 2.7 ...somewhere between average and good. There were some really good scenes but overall felt flat and lacked the depth and complexity that I had hoped for. The actors did not really get a chance to shine and act out their inner turmoil. No regrets seeing the film but the book is leagues better....
Book review:
We have all of Mr. Robert Harris' novels and I have read none of them. When I saw this in the bookstore, however, I just had to have it. I was allowed to buy it on the condition that I start reading it within two weeks of purchase. I live with a tyrant but a sweet and generous one :)
After reading this novel I will be certain to read all his others as Mr. Harris is an excellent and subtle storyteller. He has done meticulous research on the traditions and laws of Roman Catholic Conclave and created an exciting and compelling story of a fictionalized account in the near future.
Among my agnostic friends and friends that are ex-Catholics they questioned my desire to read this novel. I am not Catholic but have learned an awful lot from wise clergy, compassionate nuns and monks and have been moved spiritually when attending Old Rites services. I have also witnessed the great social justice work that is done by liberation theologians and practitioners in Latin America. This is not to say that great evil has not been perpetuated by this huge institution including widespread childhood sexual abuse and the oppression of women, sexual minorities and other faiths. I digress ( as usual) and will start with a quote from the book:
" Bless you, Sister, for your generosity. I believe my heart is pure. But how can any one of say for sure why we act as we do? In my experience, the basest sins are often committed for the highest motives. "
This book follows Lomelli a cardinal who has the task of facilitating Conclave as the Dean of Cardinals. We follow his investigations into corruption, secrets, his spiritual struggles and the reflection of his own conscience as he navigates mystery upon mystery of this compelling novel.
Mr. Harris has great skill in painting portraits with very little information and only a few colors to create realistic dialogue, fascinating tension and the formation of alliances and the development of schisms.
Mr. Harris does not weigh us down with too much detail but enough to get a crystal clear picture of procedure, strategy and ambience. He understands politics, human psychology and the struggle of the spirit.
A wonderful and thrilling read. I look forward to your Roman trilogy Mr. Harris !!
Update November 2024: This past weekend we went to see this film based on this really excellent four star book and in a nutshell it was okayish. I would rate it a 2.7 ...somewhere between average and good. There were some really good scenes but overall felt flat and lacked the depth and complexity that I had hoped for. The actors did not really get a chance to shine and act out their inner turmoil. No regrets seeing the film but the book is leagues better....
Book review:
We have all of Mr. Robert Harris' novels and I have read none of them. When I saw this in the bookstore, however, I just had to have it. I was allowed to buy it on the condition that I start reading it within two weeks of purchase. I live with a tyrant but a sweet and generous one :)
After reading this novel I will be certain to read all his others as Mr. Harris is an excellent and subtle storyteller. He has done meticulous research on the traditions and laws of Roman Catholic Conclave and created an exciting and compelling story of a fictionalized account in the near future.
Among my agnostic friends and friends that are ex-Catholics they questioned my desire to read this novel. I am not Catholic but have learned an awful lot from wise clergy, compassionate nuns and monks and have been moved spiritually when attending Old Rites services. I have also witnessed the great social justice work that is done by liberation theologians and practitioners in Latin America. This is not to say that great evil has not been perpetuated by this huge institution including widespread childhood sexual abuse and the oppression of women, sexual minorities and other faiths. I digress ( as usual) and will start with a quote from the book:
" Bless you, Sister, for your generosity. I believe my heart is pure. But how can any one of say for sure why we act as we do? In my experience, the basest sins are often committed for the highest motives. "
This book follows Lomelli a cardinal who has the task of facilitating Conclave as the Dean of Cardinals. We follow his investigations into corruption, secrets, his spiritual struggles and the reflection of his own conscience as he navigates mystery upon mystery of this compelling novel.
Mr. Harris has great skill in painting portraits with very little information and only a few colors to create realistic dialogue, fascinating tension and the formation of alliances and the development of schisms.
Mr. Harris does not weigh us down with too much detail but enough to get a crystal clear picture of procedure, strategy and ambience. He understands politics, human psychology and the struggle of the spirit.
A wonderful and thrilling read. I look forward to your Roman trilogy Mr. Harris !!
December 16, 2020
Upon borrowing this novel, I expected another conspiracy theory regarding the death of the pope and action-packed thriller. Fortunately, this novel, while being close to a thriller, offers much more. It takes us through the process of electing a new pope, with detailed descriptions of the procedures, rituals and places, however, it also reminds us that participants of conclave may be driven by forces that are material rather than spiritual. A thoroughly enjoyable and well-narrated book.
May 4, 2025
Lectura original: 13-7-2018
Relectura (a vuela pluma): 02-05-2025
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Siempre me ha interesado la historia de la Iglesia Católica. Por consiguiente, cuando fallece un Papa llevo un seguimiento del proceso del cónclave, desde el Extra omnes! («¡Fuera todos!») hasta la Fumata Blanca. Mucho se ha especulado sobre las intrigas palaciegas que tienen lugar en dichos eventos, y me imagino que se nos pondrían los pelos de punta si pudiéramos escuchar las deliberaciones en directo, por no hablar de las de la época de los Borgia, por poner un ejemplo.
Robert Harris nos presenta uno de esos supuestos en esta magnífica novela, y la sitúa aproximadamente al fallecimiento del actual Papa Francisco, aunque este nunca sea mencionado en dichos términos. Curiosamente, sí que menciona a los Papas anteriores, con hechos verídicos. La lectura es entretenida y muy instructiva. Pero le rebajo una estrella porque no puedo creerme el final, que no desvelaré por motivos obvios. Sin ser una obra maestra a la altura de su trilogía sobre Cicerón, creo que es lo suficientemente interesante como para enganchar a muchos lectores.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cuatro estrellas
Relectura (a vuela pluma): 02-05-2025
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Siempre me ha interesado la historia de la Iglesia Católica. Por consiguiente, cuando fallece un Papa llevo un seguimiento del proceso del cónclave, desde el Extra omnes! («¡Fuera todos!») hasta la Fumata Blanca. Mucho se ha especulado sobre las intrigas palaciegas que tienen lugar en dichos eventos, y me imagino que se nos pondrían los pelos de punta si pudiéramos escuchar las deliberaciones en directo, por no hablar de las de la época de los Borgia, por poner un ejemplo.
Robert Harris nos presenta uno de esos supuestos en esta magnífica novela, y la sitúa aproximadamente al fallecimiento del actual Papa Francisco, aunque este nunca sea mencionado en dichos términos. Curiosamente, sí que menciona a los Papas anteriores, con hechos verídicos. La lectura es entretenida y muy instructiva. Pero le rebajo una estrella porque no puedo creerme el final, que no desvelaré por motivos obvios. Sin ser una obra maestra a la altura de su trilogía sobre Cicerón, creo que es lo suficientemente interesante como para enganchar a muchos lectores.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cuatro estrellas
October 31, 2024
After seeing the movie, I wanted a quick re-read of this spectacular book!
Harris returns with another remarkable novel of historical fiction, turning his narrative to the present as he explores a highly pious and political event.
THE POPE IS DEAD! This startling piece of news makes its way to the ears of Cardinal Lomeli in the early hours one October morning. Heading to the apartment of the Holy Father, Lomeli is met by a small group, who confirm the news and begin the proscribed acts required when the Vatican is without its Supreme Pontiff. As the news becomes public, Lomeli is tasked with preparing for the highly publicised, though extremely secret, event known as The Conclave.
As Dean of the College of Cardinals, Lomeli must organise the election of the next pope, which is only a few weeks hence. During the intervening time, the funeral must take place and Lomeli handles sundry pieces of Vatican business ahead of the papal election. As cardinals arrive from all over the world to cast their ballots, Lomeli wrestles with a few issues surrounding cardinal electors, including one Cardinal Tremblay—the Vatican Camerlengo and temporary leader—a French-Canadian who was apparently removed from all positions the night before the pope died.
As if this were not enough to occupy his time, as 117 confirmed cardinals have arrived for Conclave, a mysterious figure appears and makes he known that he, too, is a cardinal eligible to choose the next pontiff. Vincent Benitez, Archbishop of Baghdad, was appointed a cardinal in pectore, 'in the heart', and was known only to the recently deceased pope and God. Seeing the documentation and meditating on this oddity, Lomeli grants Benitez access to the Conclave and the preliminary events commence.
Even before being sequestered into the Sistene Chapel, there are a few front runners for the position, all of whom seek to solidify their supporters before the voting begins. Tremblay stands firm that he can speak best for the Catholic Church, being a North American without being from America; Bellini, the current Secretary of State from Italy, served the last pope well on the world scene and can continue with his liberal outlook in directing the Church; Adeyemi, a cardinal from Nigeria, seeks to lead the way for the Third World and present the Church with its first black pontiff; and Tedesco, Italian and pining for a return of a fellow countryman to the Throne of St. Peter, who will also remove the impediments that Vatican II ushered in, keeping the faith pure and the language of the Church equally so. These four men vie as best they can before cardinals place their minds in God's hand to help them cast their ballots.
Once the Conclave begins, Lomeli must continue running it by the strict orders laid out in the Apostolic Constitution, which includes specific rules and processes. While the outside world is left to wonder what is going on, receiving only the most minimal of news in the form of curling smoke from a chimney, inside the Sistene Chapel there is much politicking. Lomeli uncovers great issues with two of the front runners, whose power dwindles as the Dean uses the Constitution to keep the Conclave on track.
As the ballots mount, surprises continue, and not even an act of terror can stop the cardinals from choosing the new Catholic leader. Voting continues until one cardinal receives the proscribed two-thirds of the votes, which seems almost impossible until impassioned speeches before the eighth ballot. Lomeli is on the verge of witnessing history, but even then, there is one more surprise that no one saw coming. From the embers of the deceased pope comes the cry the world has waited to hear: Habemus papam (We have a Pope)! A thought-provoking thriller that keeps readers glued to the page until the very last sentence.
This is a brilliant piece that pulls together the most political event in the world, far exceeding the election of an American president (and this is from a non-Catholic). The intricacies and nuances with a Conclave are enough to drive any historian or political fanatic mad, but to create one in a piece of fiction is surely an even more onerous task. Harris develops a wonderful collection of characters to serve as cardinals and support staff, though he promises in his author's note that none are based on actual people. Using these multi-dimensional individuals, the narrative moves in interesting ways to enrich the story the further it advances, using Lomeli as the central protagonist throughout. From what I know of Conclaves and the rules surrounding them, Harris has used everything at his disposal to create momentum in the most interesting of spots without dragging things out too much or weighing the story down in a constitutional miasma.
Tackling the fallibility of each cardinal, the struggle between man and God, the views of the outside world, and the highly political event that is electing the Supreme Pontiff, Harris delivers a thriller that far exceeds any expectations and does so in under three hundred pages. Weaving dramatic interactions into the storyline, the reader is left to cheer on their favourite cardinal, in hopes that he will obtain the magic eighty votes. I cannot think of a novel that churned up so much political excitement in me or so flawlessly depicts this highly secretive event as a Conclave. Readers of all political and religious stripes will surely enjoy devouring this piece, which reads so fluidly and is timeless in its presentation that it could be read over the years without losing any lustre.
Kudos, Mr. Harris for entertaining, educating, and keeping the reader guessing until the very end.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Harris returns with another remarkable novel of historical fiction, turning his narrative to the present as he explores a highly pious and political event.
THE POPE IS DEAD! This startling piece of news makes its way to the ears of Cardinal Lomeli in the early hours one October morning. Heading to the apartment of the Holy Father, Lomeli is met by a small group, who confirm the news and begin the proscribed acts required when the Vatican is without its Supreme Pontiff. As the news becomes public, Lomeli is tasked with preparing for the highly publicised, though extremely secret, event known as The Conclave.
As Dean of the College of Cardinals, Lomeli must organise the election of the next pope, which is only a few weeks hence. During the intervening time, the funeral must take place and Lomeli handles sundry pieces of Vatican business ahead of the papal election. As cardinals arrive from all over the world to cast their ballots, Lomeli wrestles with a few issues surrounding cardinal electors, including one Cardinal Tremblay—the Vatican Camerlengo and temporary leader—a French-Canadian who was apparently removed from all positions the night before the pope died.
As if this were not enough to occupy his time, as 117 confirmed cardinals have arrived for Conclave, a mysterious figure appears and makes he known that he, too, is a cardinal eligible to choose the next pontiff. Vincent Benitez, Archbishop of Baghdad, was appointed a cardinal in pectore, 'in the heart', and was known only to the recently deceased pope and God. Seeing the documentation and meditating on this oddity, Lomeli grants Benitez access to the Conclave and the preliminary events commence.
Even before being sequestered into the Sistene Chapel, there are a few front runners for the position, all of whom seek to solidify their supporters before the voting begins. Tremblay stands firm that he can speak best for the Catholic Church, being a North American without being from America; Bellini, the current Secretary of State from Italy, served the last pope well on the world scene and can continue with his liberal outlook in directing the Church; Adeyemi, a cardinal from Nigeria, seeks to lead the way for the Third World and present the Church with its first black pontiff; and Tedesco, Italian and pining for a return of a fellow countryman to the Throne of St. Peter, who will also remove the impediments that Vatican II ushered in, keeping the faith pure and the language of the Church equally so. These four men vie as best they can before cardinals place their minds in God's hand to help them cast their ballots.
Once the Conclave begins, Lomeli must continue running it by the strict orders laid out in the Apostolic Constitution, which includes specific rules and processes. While the outside world is left to wonder what is going on, receiving only the most minimal of news in the form of curling smoke from a chimney, inside the Sistene Chapel there is much politicking. Lomeli uncovers great issues with two of the front runners, whose power dwindles as the Dean uses the Constitution to keep the Conclave on track.
As the ballots mount, surprises continue, and not even an act of terror can stop the cardinals from choosing the new Catholic leader. Voting continues until one cardinal receives the proscribed two-thirds of the votes, which seems almost impossible until impassioned speeches before the eighth ballot. Lomeli is on the verge of witnessing history, but even then, there is one more surprise that no one saw coming. From the embers of the deceased pope comes the cry the world has waited to hear: Habemus papam (We have a Pope)! A thought-provoking thriller that keeps readers glued to the page until the very last sentence.
This is a brilliant piece that pulls together the most political event in the world, far exceeding the election of an American president (and this is from a non-Catholic). The intricacies and nuances with a Conclave are enough to drive any historian or political fanatic mad, but to create one in a piece of fiction is surely an even more onerous task. Harris develops a wonderful collection of characters to serve as cardinals and support staff, though he promises in his author's note that none are based on actual people. Using these multi-dimensional individuals, the narrative moves in interesting ways to enrich the story the further it advances, using Lomeli as the central protagonist throughout. From what I know of Conclaves and the rules surrounding them, Harris has used everything at his disposal to create momentum in the most interesting of spots without dragging things out too much or weighing the story down in a constitutional miasma.
Tackling the fallibility of each cardinal, the struggle between man and God, the views of the outside world, and the highly political event that is electing the Supreme Pontiff, Harris delivers a thriller that far exceeds any expectations and does so in under three hundred pages. Weaving dramatic interactions into the storyline, the reader is left to cheer on their favourite cardinal, in hopes that he will obtain the magic eighty votes. I cannot think of a novel that churned up so much political excitement in me or so flawlessly depicts this highly secretive event as a Conclave. Readers of all political and religious stripes will surely enjoy devouring this piece, which reads so fluidly and is timeless in its presentation that it could be read over the years without losing any lustre.
Kudos, Mr. Harris for entertaining, educating, and keeping the reader guessing until the very end.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
November 15, 2025
In a Nutshell: A contemporary religious "thriller" set around a papal election. Interesting and diverse characters, fascinating insight into the conclave and a steady pace. Gripping enough, even when the proceedings became guessable. Many good twists, but went two twists overboard towards the end. Recommended. (The movie adaptation is so weak compared to the book!)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
I've had this book on my TBR since I first heard about it. I never thought I'd be reading it in a year when a papal conclave actually took place. When the book was first published in 2016, dear Pope Francis was just three years into his papacy. The late pope in this book seems to have many attributes in common with him, so it's really tough not to picture him while reading those scenes.
Bookish Yays:
⛪ Lomeli. A cardinal struggling with his faith and yet having to lead his colleagues through one of the most important spiritual tasks of their vocation. He’s a fascinating character who depicts the conflicts of the clergy, whether moral or material. His imposter syndrome and his anxiety of handling the unexpected responsibility during a personal crisis of faith are written really well.
⛪ The other cardinals, who represent all possible kinds of religious leaders, whether in the church or otherwise. A good range of nationalities, personalities, and viewpoints, these characters reveal how varying traits can manifest during the same conflict.
⛪ The non-conclave characters, especially Monsignor O'Malley and Sister Agnes. Both have tiny roles and yet they shine so bright!
⛪ The details of the conclave – Wow! The only fictional experience I have of reading about a conclave is in Dan Brown's Angels & Demons, which is far removed from this book as it focussed more on a crime than on the conclave itself. But this novel offers almost an insider view of the rituals and traditions that take place at the highest echelons of the Catholic church. The author’s research is impeccable.
⛪ The fabulous use of the setting. I feel like I've been to Vatican City with Lomeli as my guide. What’s even more exceptional is how we get a feel of the whole place even though a major chunk of the story is set inside closed quarters.
⛪ The plot development. The story contains enough material to keep you focussed, which is a surprise considering how almost the entire plot is about just a closeted election.
⛪ The tempo. The author is an experienced historical-thriller writer, and his mastery shows in the way he gradually accelerates the tempo of the plot.
⛪ The handling of the controversies of the church: a tough task in a book where every single character is from the clergy. The story cannot castigate anyone outright due to its very nature, so it is admirable that it still brings up the murkier side of some ordained members and highlights truthfully the approach taken by those-in-charge on learning of such activities.
⛪ The religious content, whether through Biblical verses or the cardinals’ discussions. Beautifully handled, giving us many thought-provoking quotes. I especially loved the discussions about worshipping the church vis-à-vis worshipping God.
Bookish Okays:
♰ Too many characters at the start, so it would help to note the names of the key contenders in the election, especially as two pairs of names begin with the letters T and B each. (On an aside, I found it hilarious that the only name Lomeli found tricky to pronounce was that of the Indian Archbishop. And I couldn’t even blame him because I have never heard that last name in my life!)
♰ The twists except for the last two. Most of the turns in the story were really good, but also somewhat convenient. After a point, it was fairly easy to guess who would be the next target of the twist as the narrative conveniently swung towards him. This would be a bother only if you are reading this as a mystery-thriller.
Bookish Nays:
❌ The second-last twist. It seemed to go the typical thriller route with an added dash of religious bigotry. Too filmic for my taste.
❌ The final twist. Totally unnecessary and forced. I don’t get what was the point of that half-baked reveal. It should either have been explored more, or chucked out entirely.
Overall, despite the few issues I had, especially in the final sections, I enjoyed this gripping and complex story of flawed men doing the best they could under the banner of religious propriety. The characters and the depiction of the conclave process were the true strengths of this novel. This was my first Robert Harris book, and I wouldn’t say no to more of his works.
To a general reader, this book might just be an insight into an exotic traditional process and the complications of the church in contemporary times. But as a Roman Catholic, I had goosebumps during several scenes; they just hit me differently. Of course, you don't have to be a practising Catholic to enjoy this book, but I think it would help enhance your experience, especially as several rituals would be more familiar to you.
When I learnt that Ralph Fiennes was the lead of the movie adaptation, I was sure I would watch the movie after reading the book. I still plan to do so, but I admit I am disappointed to see that his character’s name has been changed to the bland-sounding ‘Thomas Lawrence’ instead of Jacopo Lomeli. Are producers in the USA really of the opinion that the American public cannot handle international names? (The changing of ‘Ove’ to ‘Otto’ was equally annoying, so much that I chucked the movie out of my watchlist despite its having Tom Hanks in the lead.) Wikipedia also tells me that that one key Filipino character has been changed to Mexican. I have already lost faith in the movie, but I’ll keep you updated on how it goes for me.
(Editing to add - 15th Nov. 2025: Movie Review: Ah well. Just as I thought, the movie was a relative flop. The performances are good, but all the nuances that make this book good are chucked out in the movie. No introspection, no rationale to the cardinals' preferences, no proper continuity. The focus is more on the big drama than on the tiny subtleties. I wouldn't consider the movie a must-watch. If you have abstained from the book because you have already watched the movie, trust me and read the book. You might already know the ending but the journey is so much better through the novel.)
In the meantime, do read this book. While not perfect, it offers some insightful entertainment, which is a pretty rare combo in fiction.
Recommended to fans of dramatic thrillers with a religious undertone. Not for conservative believers, unless they are prepared to read fiction as fiction.
4 stars. (Until the final quarter or so, this was a strong 4.5 stars.)
This was from my physical TBR, my first physical book of 2025. Now all the other physical books languishing on my bookshelf are looking at me with hopeful eyes. 🤭
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || Facebook ||
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
The Pope has passed away. Cardinal Jacopo Lomeli, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, has the responsibility of presiding over the next conclave, wherein eligible cardinals from across the globe will gather at the Sistine Chapel and cast their votes in the world's most secretive election: the voting for the next pope of the Catholic church. It's a time where personal faith and politics are judged, ambitions and uncertainties are magnified, and past and present activities are scrutinized without mercy. Can Lomeli help the church find its next leader, especially when he's in a "spiritual insomnia"?
The story comes to us in Lomeli's third-person perspective.
I've had this book on my TBR since I first heard about it. I never thought I'd be reading it in a year when a papal conclave actually took place. When the book was first published in 2016, dear Pope Francis was just three years into his papacy. The late pope in this book seems to have many attributes in common with him, so it's really tough not to picture him while reading those scenes.
Bookish Yays:
⛪ Lomeli. A cardinal struggling with his faith and yet having to lead his colleagues through one of the most important spiritual tasks of their vocation. He’s a fascinating character who depicts the conflicts of the clergy, whether moral or material. His imposter syndrome and his anxiety of handling the unexpected responsibility during a personal crisis of faith are written really well.
⛪ The other cardinals, who represent all possible kinds of religious leaders, whether in the church or otherwise. A good range of nationalities, personalities, and viewpoints, these characters reveal how varying traits can manifest during the same conflict.
⛪ The non-conclave characters, especially Monsignor O'Malley and Sister Agnes. Both have tiny roles and yet they shine so bright!
⛪ The details of the conclave – Wow! The only fictional experience I have of reading about a conclave is in Dan Brown's Angels & Demons, which is far removed from this book as it focussed more on a crime than on the conclave itself. But this novel offers almost an insider view of the rituals and traditions that take place at the highest echelons of the Catholic church. The author’s research is impeccable.
⛪ The fabulous use of the setting. I feel like I've been to Vatican City with Lomeli as my guide. What’s even more exceptional is how we get a feel of the whole place even though a major chunk of the story is set inside closed quarters.
⛪ The plot development. The story contains enough material to keep you focussed, which is a surprise considering how almost the entire plot is about just a closeted election.
⛪ The tempo. The author is an experienced historical-thriller writer, and his mastery shows in the way he gradually accelerates the tempo of the plot.
⛪ The handling of the controversies of the church: a tough task in a book where every single character is from the clergy. The story cannot castigate anyone outright due to its very nature, so it is admirable that it still brings up the murkier side of some ordained members and highlights truthfully the approach taken by those-in-charge on learning of such activities.
⛪ The religious content, whether through Biblical verses or the cardinals’ discussions. Beautifully handled, giving us many thought-provoking quotes. I especially loved the discussions about worshipping the church vis-à-vis worshipping God.
Bookish Okays:
♰ Too many characters at the start, so it would help to note the names of the key contenders in the election, especially as two pairs of names begin with the letters T and B each. (On an aside, I found it hilarious that the only name Lomeli found tricky to pronounce was that of the Indian Archbishop. And I couldn’t even blame him because I have never heard that last name in my life!)
♰ The twists except for the last two. Most of the turns in the story were really good, but also somewhat convenient. After a point, it was fairly easy to guess who would be the next target of the twist as the narrative conveniently swung towards him. This would be a bother only if you are reading this as a mystery-thriller.
Bookish Nays:
❌ The second-last twist. It seemed to go the typical thriller route with an added dash of religious bigotry. Too filmic for my taste.
❌ The final twist. Totally unnecessary and forced. I don’t get what was the point of that half-baked reveal. It should either have been explored more, or chucked out entirely.
Overall, despite the few issues I had, especially in the final sections, I enjoyed this gripping and complex story of flawed men doing the best they could under the banner of religious propriety. The characters and the depiction of the conclave process were the true strengths of this novel. This was my first Robert Harris book, and I wouldn’t say no to more of his works.
To a general reader, this book might just be an insight into an exotic traditional process and the complications of the church in contemporary times. But as a Roman Catholic, I had goosebumps during several scenes; they just hit me differently. Of course, you don't have to be a practising Catholic to enjoy this book, but I think it would help enhance your experience, especially as several rituals would be more familiar to you.
When I learnt that Ralph Fiennes was the lead of the movie adaptation, I was sure I would watch the movie after reading the book. I still plan to do so, but I admit I am disappointed to see that his character’s name has been changed to the bland-sounding ‘Thomas Lawrence’ instead of Jacopo Lomeli. Are producers in the USA really of the opinion that the American public cannot handle international names? (The changing of ‘Ove’ to ‘Otto’ was equally annoying, so much that I chucked the movie out of my watchlist despite its having Tom Hanks in the lead.) Wikipedia also tells me that that one key Filipino character has been changed to Mexican. I have already lost faith in the movie, but I’ll keep you updated on how it goes for me.
(Editing to add - 15th Nov. 2025: Movie Review: Ah well. Just as I thought, the movie was a relative flop. The performances are good, but all the nuances that make this book good are chucked out in the movie. No introspection, no rationale to the cardinals' preferences, no proper continuity. The focus is more on the big drama than on the tiny subtleties. I wouldn't consider the movie a must-watch. If you have abstained from the book because you have already watched the movie, trust me and read the book. You might already know the ending but the journey is so much better through the novel.)
In the meantime, do read this book. While not perfect, it offers some insightful entertainment, which is a pretty rare combo in fiction.
Recommended to fans of dramatic thrillers with a religious undertone. Not for conservative believers, unless they are prepared to read fiction as fiction.
4 stars. (Until the final quarter or so, this was a strong 4.5 stars.)
This was from my physical TBR, my first physical book of 2025. Now all the other physical books languishing on my bookshelf are looking at me with hopeful eyes. 🤭
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || Facebook ||
September 19, 2025
Ai Vaticano, Ai, Ai!...
Sede Vacante — a morte do Papa vigente deixou vago o lugar supremo na hierarquia da Igreja Católica. Até ao Habemus Papa haverá um longo caminho a percorrer. Será necessário um coordenador para levar a bom termo o melindroso processo e coube ao Cardeal Lomeli a honrosa missão…
A Lomeli, que pouco tempo antes requerera o seu afastamento da Cúria ao Santo Padre, alegando uma recente crise espiritual. Porém, Sua Eminência recusara o seu pedido, pois o Cardeal era um homem íntegro e um gestor nato, ergo imprescindível ao Líder Supremo da Igreja.
"Não se preocupe, Cardeal! A seu tempo, Deus retornará a si! Ele vai... mas volta sempre!...", vaticinara o Santo Padre.
E, de facto, assim foi!
Lomeli empenhou-se arduamente na missão confiada — desvendou traições, chantagens, compras de votos,...a corrupção grassava pela Cúria e urgia apartar o trigo do joio, garantindo que a eleição papal procedesse dentre os Filhos do Reino...
Conclave é um thriller que explora os efeitos do poder no seio da Cúria Romana e, colateralmente, denuncia luxos, riquezas e negócios.
O seu autor foi jornalista político e, talvez por isso, nos apresente uma história deveras credível, com um desfecho incrível e intensamente provocador!...
A corrupção no Vaticano já há muito que é notícia:
A pedofilia está na ordem do dia e… dos milhões de euros que dão entrada no Banco do Vaticano, apenas uma ínfima parte é aplicada em obras de caridade, destinando-se a grande fatia do bolo a investimentos em acções e bens imobiliários.
Na Cúria, a corrupção é tal, que o Papa Francisco decidiu empreender uma operação de limpeza. A mando da religião, brada-se por uma Igreja humilde, ao serviço dos fiéis e desfavorecidos o que, de momento, está longe de suceder!
Despeço-me legando-vos um link onde constam alguns pecados do Santo Vaticano:
https://cnnportugal.iol.pt/vaticano/t...
Sede Vacante — a morte do Papa vigente deixou vago o lugar supremo na hierarquia da Igreja Católica. Até ao Habemus Papa haverá um longo caminho a percorrer. Será necessário um coordenador para levar a bom termo o melindroso processo e coube ao Cardeal Lomeli a honrosa missão…
A Lomeli, que pouco tempo antes requerera o seu afastamento da Cúria ao Santo Padre, alegando uma recente crise espiritual. Porém, Sua Eminência recusara o seu pedido, pois o Cardeal era um homem íntegro e um gestor nato, ergo imprescindível ao Líder Supremo da Igreja.
"Não se preocupe, Cardeal! A seu tempo, Deus retornará a si! Ele vai... mas volta sempre!...", vaticinara o Santo Padre.
E, de facto, assim foi!
Lomeli empenhou-se arduamente na missão confiada — desvendou traições, chantagens, compras de votos,...a corrupção grassava pela Cúria e urgia apartar o trigo do joio, garantindo que a eleição papal procedesse dentre os Filhos do Reino...
Conclave é um thriller que explora os efeitos do poder no seio da Cúria Romana e, colateralmente, denuncia luxos, riquezas e negócios.
O seu autor foi jornalista político e, talvez por isso, nos apresente uma história deveras credível, com um desfecho incrível e intensamente provocador!...
A corrupção no Vaticano já há muito que é notícia:
A pedofilia está na ordem do dia e… dos milhões de euros que dão entrada no Banco do Vaticano, apenas uma ínfima parte é aplicada em obras de caridade, destinando-se a grande fatia do bolo a investimentos em acções e bens imobiliários.
Na Cúria, a corrupção é tal, que o Papa Francisco decidiu empreender uma operação de limpeza. A mando da religião, brada-se por uma Igreja humilde, ao serviço dos fiéis e desfavorecidos o que, de momento, está longe de suceder!
Despeço-me legando-vos um link onde constam alguns pecados do Santo Vaticano:
https://cnnportugal.iol.pt/vaticano/t...
February 4, 2017
Up and till the second last chapter, this book was 5 stars in my head! I thought maybe 4 stars in the second last chapter when it appeared to be a totally predictable outcome. But then came the last several few pages and all I could think , "have you lost you mind Robert Harris or were you just desperate to finish the book and that was the best you could come up with?" This book is like an amazing and fabulous painting framed in a cheap and ugly frame.
December 29, 2016
This is a lonely place, and the hour is now late...
Interesting, fascinating, intriguing. 'Unputdownable'(Guardian), yes, that is the right word.
The process of the Vatican Conclave, the thought of the beautiful art there and an intrigue. What goes on behind those closed doors? It kept me reading to get to the twist. The twist... mmmm... far fetched? Well who knows, in today's day & age. I did love the struggle of Cardinal & Dean Lomeli in guiding the delicate process of the Conclave. Great book. Note: great cover. The atmosphere of the red cover pulled me in. In the afterword the author writes that he was allowed to visit the locations used during a Conclave that are permanently closed to the public. Wow, wish I could do that...
It made me think I really need to visit Rome and the Vatican again soon. Wander the streets in wonder and awe.... Great book. Recommended!
Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the Apostles' hands, he offered them money, saying, 'Give me also this power, that any one on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit'. But Peter said to him, 'May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!'...
Interesting, fascinating, intriguing. 'Unputdownable'(Guardian), yes, that is the right word.
The process of the Vatican Conclave, the thought of the beautiful art there and an intrigue. What goes on behind those closed doors? It kept me reading to get to the twist. The twist... mmmm... far fetched? Well who knows, in today's day & age. I did love the struggle of Cardinal & Dean Lomeli in guiding the delicate process of the Conclave. Great book. Note: great cover. The atmosphere of the red cover pulled me in. In the afterword the author writes that he was allowed to visit the locations used during a Conclave that are permanently closed to the public. Wow, wish I could do that...
It made me think I really need to visit Rome and the Vatican again soon. Wander the streets in wonder and awe.... Great book. Recommended!
Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the Apostles' hands, he offered them money, saying, 'Give me also this power, that any one on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit'. But Peter said to him, 'May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!'...
June 19, 2025
Intriguing. Transporting. Addicting. Shocking...
Conclave is a book I never planned to read, but after Pope Francis's death, I became curious, as I always do. Several GR friends had read this and loved it; as it turns out, I love it too.
I haven't read a thriller in years that had me thinking about the story almost constantly, staying up to the wee hours to finish it, and even finding myself coercing my husband to read it. I was obsessed, or perhaps possessed. Is that possible? Maybe my husband shouldn't read this book after all. Too late now, though, he's already reading it.
I'm somewhat aware of the lengthy and intense process of electing a new pope, but I wanted more details. Harris's novel provides that, and also puts faces to the various roles and positions involved. He adds dramatic tension to the story, courtesy of men of God, no less, and maintains it throughout the entire book. The characters are diverse, colorful, occasionally unexpected, and both likable and unlikable. My favorite was the main character, Cardinal Lomeli.
A memorable immersion reading experience, the audiobook was narrated by Roy McMillan, whose voicing and recounting of the story were impeccable!
Conclave is a fast-paced, suspenseful, and addictive read. It's relatively short, under 300 pages, and reads quickly. If I had one niggle, though, it would be that I wanted a little more at the end; just a smidge. I plan to explore Harris's substantial backlist for more books like this one!
4.5⭐
Conclave is a book I never planned to read, but after Pope Francis's death, I became curious, as I always do. Several GR friends had read this and loved it; as it turns out, I love it too.
I haven't read a thriller in years that had me thinking about the story almost constantly, staying up to the wee hours to finish it, and even finding myself coercing my husband to read it. I was obsessed, or perhaps possessed. Is that possible? Maybe my husband shouldn't read this book after all. Too late now, though, he's already reading it.
I'm somewhat aware of the lengthy and intense process of electing a new pope, but I wanted more details. Harris's novel provides that, and also puts faces to the various roles and positions involved. He adds dramatic tension to the story, courtesy of men of God, no less, and maintains it throughout the entire book. The characters are diverse, colorful, occasionally unexpected, and both likable and unlikable. My favorite was the main character, Cardinal Lomeli.
A memorable immersion reading experience, the audiobook was narrated by Roy McMillan, whose voicing and recounting of the story were impeccable!
Conclave is a fast-paced, suspenseful, and addictive read. It's relatively short, under 300 pages, and reads quickly. If I had one niggle, though, it would be that I wanted a little more at the end; just a smidge. I plan to explore Harris's substantial backlist for more books like this one!
4.5⭐
May 25, 2025
4.5/5 Estrellas.
Pues me tengo que rendir a la evidencia. Este libro lo tiene todo, intriga, suspense, grandes personajes, una estupenda labor de documentación y un final de aquí te espero, que puedes llegar a intuir, pero que no acabas de creerte hasta que sucede.
Gran trama vaticana, que refleja con acierto el clima que debía vivirse en la Curia durante el pontificado de Francisco entre las facciones más conservadoras y tradicionalistas y las que pedían un poco más de apertura y visión para una institución que se ha quedado anquilosada en el pasado, pero cuyo mérito es que ahí sigue, sobreviviendo y detentando un gran poder a nivel mundial.
Nos sumerge en las interioridades de un cónclave vaticano, evento que todos tenemos muy reciente, con toda la gama de personajes que constituyen el colegio cardenalicio, con los potenciales candidatos, las desbocadas ambiciones que se ocultan tras muchos purpurados, el pánico que sufren otros ante una posible elección, las dudas de los de más allá con respecto a su idoneidad y su carisma para el puesto y su falta de fe.
El evento avanza de forma dramática al ritmo de las sucesivas votaciones y las fumatas negras en un crescendo agónico que arrastra al lector de forma irremisible intentando adivinar la evolución del voto entre los pocos candidatos que se van manteniendo con opciones.
Algo que me ha llamado la atención es que, pese a que los cardenales juran que mantendrán absoluto silencio sobre lo ocurrido en el cónclave y se toman todas las medidas necesarias para ello, se dan todo tipo de situaciones que permiten cierto grado de comunicación con el exterior y con hombres y mujeres no pertenecientes al colegio. No sé si será verdad pero poco antes de la elección de León XIV, GhatGPT adivinó el nombre del elegido: ¿Un acierto de la IA o un chivatazo?
En cualquier caso, lo he devorado, disfrutado y me ha conquistado. Ahora habrá que verse la peli, a ver cómo gestiona ese final y a esos estupendos personajes como a los cardenales Lomeli y Tedesco, a Tremblay, a Adeyemi o a Bellini.
Habrá que leer más a Harris.
Pues me tengo que rendir a la evidencia. Este libro lo tiene todo, intriga, suspense, grandes personajes, una estupenda labor de documentación y un final de aquí te espero, que puedes llegar a intuir, pero que no acabas de creerte hasta que sucede.
Gran trama vaticana, que refleja con acierto el clima que debía vivirse en la Curia durante el pontificado de Francisco entre las facciones más conservadoras y tradicionalistas y las que pedían un poco más de apertura y visión para una institución que se ha quedado anquilosada en el pasado, pero cuyo mérito es que ahí sigue, sobreviviendo y detentando un gran poder a nivel mundial.
Nos sumerge en las interioridades de un cónclave vaticano, evento que todos tenemos muy reciente, con toda la gama de personajes que constituyen el colegio cardenalicio, con los potenciales candidatos, las desbocadas ambiciones que se ocultan tras muchos purpurados, el pánico que sufren otros ante una posible elección, las dudas de los de más allá con respecto a su idoneidad y su carisma para el puesto y su falta de fe.
El evento avanza de forma dramática al ritmo de las sucesivas votaciones y las fumatas negras en un crescendo agónico que arrastra al lector de forma irremisible intentando adivinar la evolución del voto entre los pocos candidatos que se van manteniendo con opciones.
Algo que me ha llamado la atención es que, pese a que los cardenales juran que mantendrán absoluto silencio sobre lo ocurrido en el cónclave y se toman todas las medidas necesarias para ello, se dan todo tipo de situaciones que permiten cierto grado de comunicación con el exterior y con hombres y mujeres no pertenecientes al colegio. No sé si será verdad pero poco antes de la elección de León XIV, GhatGPT adivinó el nombre del elegido: ¿Un acierto de la IA o un chivatazo?
En cualquier caso, lo he devorado, disfrutado y me ha conquistado. Ahora habrá que verse la peli, a ver cómo gestiona ese final y a esos estupendos personajes como a los cardenales Lomeli y Tedesco, a Tremblay, a Adeyemi o a Bellini.
Habrá que leer más a Harris.
September 10, 2025
„Конклав“ е превъзходен и многопластов трилър! Чрез него Робърт Харис дава на читателите ценни теми за размисъл за вярата и властта, майсторски пренасяйки ни във впечатляващата и изпълнена с интриги Ватиканска атмосфера по време на избор на нов папа. Филмовата екранизация също ми допадна, но мисля че книгата е по-силна и определено се нареди сред любимите ми творби на автора.
„По-късно Ломели си мислеше, че ако Тедеско се бе спрял дотук, би могъл да наклони везните към своето мнение, което беше напълно основателно. Но той не умееше да се спира, щом веднъж е подхванал някоя тема - това бяха неговото величие и неговата трагедия; именно затова го обичаха неговите поддръжници и пак затова го бяха убедили да стои далече от Рим в дните преди конклава. Той бе като човека от проповедта на Христос: защото от онова, което препълва сърцето, говорят устата - независимо дали сърцето му е изпълнено с добро или зло, с мъдрост или безумие.“
„По-късно Ломели си мислеше, че ако Тедеско се бе спрял дотук, би могъл да наклони везните към своето мнение, което беше напълно основателно. Но той не умееше да се спира, щом веднъж е подхванал някоя тема - това бяха неговото величие и неговата трагедия; именно затова го обичаха неговите поддръжници и пак затова го бяха убедили да стои далече от Рим в дните преди конклава. Той бе като човека от проповедта на Христос: защото от онова, което препълва сърцето, говорят устата - независимо дали сърцето му е изпълнено с добро или зло, с мъдрост или безумие.“
April 30, 2017
4.5 Stars
I was baptized Catholic, my mother raised in the Catholic faith, my father converted so they could be married in St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria, Virginia. My older brother was also baptized Catholic, not that I recall either of these events, but I do remember when my younger brother was baptized in the Episcopal church, where we went until I was in my early teens. I didn’t know until I was 24, when my godmother mentioned it to me, but I did spend a bit of time inside the Catholic church growing up, with one neighborhood girl who enjoyed “sneaking” in to light the candles. This wasn’t all that strange considering that even though it’s probably a mile walk, the woods behind my house backed up to the Catholic Church property.
It’s 2:00 a.m. when Cardinal Lomeli is hurried through the dark walkways of the Vatican to the Pope’s bedroom, whispering prayers as he hastens to his side, begging for his life to be spared. Memories of their last talks flood his thoughts as the elevator slowly rises.
”Later, Lomeli would look back on this as the moment when the contest for the succession began.”
The Pope was gone before Lomeli arrived at his side, and he is grieving, not wanting to face the responsibilities that are now facing him. He is the Dean of the Cardinals, and as such it is his job to make sure that he is on top of everything involved in the Conclave, the transition from the now deceased, much loved Pope, to the newly elected Pope-to-be. It must be handled flawlessly, the entire world will be watching.
One hundred and eighteen Cardinals from all over the world gather for this process, the College of Cardinals voting over and over until there is a clear choice. This was fascinating to me. I had only read the first 20 pages the day before, but I could not put this book down once I picked it up again. There are some hints that perhaps some of the Cardinals are more favoured than others to rank higher in the number of votes, but the process is such that it gives you a perspective that can’t be attained with only one vote, such as in the US Presidential polls.
As each voting “round” goes by, the votes are counted for each Cardinal. Behind the scenes of each vote, though, there is enough scheming and maneuvering to make your head spin. Would the leading three Cardinals in position maintain their positions? Which one of them would be the next Bishop of Rome, the Pope?
This is a truly fascinating novel, with writing that just flows effortlessly from page to page leaving the reader to focus on this fictional peek behind these lives lived beyond our sight, peeling back the layers of sins, the secrets, the mysteries of these lives.
Harris had the privilege of visiting these locations, not available to the public, to facilitate his research. It shows in the lovely details he gives of the process, the location, the traditions, day-to-day life and dedication involved. This really helped to bring this to life for me.
Recommended!
I was baptized Catholic, my mother raised in the Catholic faith, my father converted so they could be married in St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria, Virginia. My older brother was also baptized Catholic, not that I recall either of these events, but I do remember when my younger brother was baptized in the Episcopal church, where we went until I was in my early teens. I didn’t know until I was 24, when my godmother mentioned it to me, but I did spend a bit of time inside the Catholic church growing up, with one neighborhood girl who enjoyed “sneaking” in to light the candles. This wasn’t all that strange considering that even though it’s probably a mile walk, the woods behind my house backed up to the Catholic Church property.
It’s 2:00 a.m. when Cardinal Lomeli is hurried through the dark walkways of the Vatican to the Pope’s bedroom, whispering prayers as he hastens to his side, begging for his life to be spared. Memories of their last talks flood his thoughts as the elevator slowly rises.
”Later, Lomeli would look back on this as the moment when the contest for the succession began.”
The Pope was gone before Lomeli arrived at his side, and he is grieving, not wanting to face the responsibilities that are now facing him. He is the Dean of the Cardinals, and as such it is his job to make sure that he is on top of everything involved in the Conclave, the transition from the now deceased, much loved Pope, to the newly elected Pope-to-be. It must be handled flawlessly, the entire world will be watching.
One hundred and eighteen Cardinals from all over the world gather for this process, the College of Cardinals voting over and over until there is a clear choice. This was fascinating to me. I had only read the first 20 pages the day before, but I could not put this book down once I picked it up again. There are some hints that perhaps some of the Cardinals are more favoured than others to rank higher in the number of votes, but the process is such that it gives you a perspective that can’t be attained with only one vote, such as in the US Presidential polls.
As each voting “round” goes by, the votes are counted for each Cardinal. Behind the scenes of each vote, though, there is enough scheming and maneuvering to make your head spin. Would the leading three Cardinals in position maintain their positions? Which one of them would be the next Bishop of Rome, the Pope?
This is a truly fascinating novel, with writing that just flows effortlessly from page to page leaving the reader to focus on this fictional peek behind these lives lived beyond our sight, peeling back the layers of sins, the secrets, the mysteries of these lives.
Harris had the privilege of visiting these locations, not available to the public, to facilitate his research. It shows in the lovely details he gives of the process, the location, the traditions, day-to-day life and dedication involved. This really helped to bring this to life for me.
Recommended!
April 23, 2025
I wonder about this book, now with the passing of Pope Francis, 4-21-25.
"All it takes is one good person to restore Hope." - Pope Francis - 1936-2025
“And, as with sleep, the more one desired meaningful prayer, the more elusive it became.”
UPDATE: 12-10-24 – See thoughts below.
I was reading an article about books turned into movies, especially those that are coming out now, that got me interested in reading this book. The movie of the same name was just released this week…October 24, 2024.
What I have since learned is that this author has had several of his books adapted to film. So, I am now somewhat curious about his other books, too.
This book imagines the secret process involved in selecting a new Pope after the last Pope died. The book, and conclave (gathering of/private meeting – Hence: the title of the book), takes place over a 72-hour period. It gives readers insights into the various characters involved in the process/vote that are being considered for this prestigious position.
The story is led by our main character, Cardinal Lomeli, the dean of the College of Cardinals who administers the vote. He is also considered for this esteemed position, along with 3 other contenders. What kind of negotiation will go on? Who really is worthy of the position?
But to complicate matters, one of the considered ones was secretly being investigated by the previous Pope. Why? Cardinal Lomeli begins to quietly investigate, too. What will he discover – and could it affect the outcome of the vote?
Harris does an amazing job of providing procedural and historical detail to the process of selection which adds to the tension experienced as readers turn pages.
But what of the end? How will readers feel when they get there? As smart and as gripping as this read was, this ending felt stilted. Other than that, it truly was an unputdownable read.
UPDATE: Thoughts on movie… I just had the opportunity to watch the movie with my husband and found the acting brilliant. The movie also followed the book rather closely, and handled the ending rather compassionately. Does the movie ending make me feel differently about the book ending? No comment. I don’t want to spoil anybody’s experience with this book. I think both are worth experiencing.
4.5 stars rounded down because of ending.
"All it takes is one good person to restore Hope." - Pope Francis - 1936-2025
“And, as with sleep, the more one desired meaningful prayer, the more elusive it became.”
UPDATE: 12-10-24 – See thoughts below.
I was reading an article about books turned into movies, especially those that are coming out now, that got me interested in reading this book. The movie of the same name was just released this week…October 24, 2024.
What I have since learned is that this author has had several of his books adapted to film. So, I am now somewhat curious about his other books, too.
This book imagines the secret process involved in selecting a new Pope after the last Pope died. The book, and conclave (gathering of/private meeting – Hence: the title of the book), takes place over a 72-hour period. It gives readers insights into the various characters involved in the process/vote that are being considered for this prestigious position.
The story is led by our main character, Cardinal Lomeli, the dean of the College of Cardinals who administers the vote. He is also considered for this esteemed position, along with 3 other contenders. What kind of negotiation will go on? Who really is worthy of the position?
But to complicate matters, one of the considered ones was secretly being investigated by the previous Pope. Why? Cardinal Lomeli begins to quietly investigate, too. What will he discover – and could it affect the outcome of the vote?
Harris does an amazing job of providing procedural and historical detail to the process of selection which adds to the tension experienced as readers turn pages.
But what of the end? How will readers feel when they get there? As smart and as gripping as this read was, this ending felt stilted. Other than that, it truly was an unputdownable read.
UPDATE: Thoughts on movie… I just had the opportunity to watch the movie with my husband and found the acting brilliant. The movie also followed the book rather closely, and handled the ending rather compassionately. Does the movie ending make me feel differently about the book ending? No comment. I don’t want to spoil anybody’s experience with this book. I think both are worth experiencing.
4.5 stars rounded down because of ending.
August 5, 2025
Cardinal Mandorff had “made his reputation at the University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt with a treatise on the origins and theological foundations of clerical celibacy.”
I wonder if he ever thought to revisit his writing and add a post-script on the irony and hypocrisy of that position. But I already digress.
CONCLAVE is a compelling behind the scenes narrative of a hypothetical 2022 election for a new Roman Catholic pontiff from the perspective of Jacopo Lomeli, the dean of the College of Cardinals and the man responsible for presiding over the conclave, a man who is going to attract votes in spite of his adamant insistence that he has neither the strength or the ability to be a pope. Other possible contenders cover a wide variety of nationalities, languages and theological stances. There is Tedesco the traditionalist who would return Latin to the liturgy and once again turn the priests’ backs on the congregations during the celebration of the Mass. Tremblay, the Archbishop Emeritus of Quebec, is the ambitious, progressive Canadian who has the "advantage of seeming to be an American without the disadvantage of actually being one" and is "a French-speaker who was not a Frenchman". Adeyemi the African with strong views on the role of women and gay marriage, a man who believes that “homosexuals should be sent to prison in this world and to hell in the next” may well enter the history books as the first black pope and the first from the dark continent. There is also Vincent Benítez, a late comer to the conclave by virtue of his recent promotion to the rank of Cardinal in pectore - an appointment made in secret because to do otherwise would almost certainly put his life as Archbishop of the diocese of Baghdad in grave danger from Muslim activists.
Despite the simplicity of its premise, CONCLAVE is an exciting, gripping page-turner that will fly by in short order. Its genre is somewhat difficult to pin down. Perhaps it’s a thriller or it might be considered an alternate history. But my money makes it both of these with distinct overtones of political satire and commentary directed firmly against religion in general and, more particularly, of course, against Roman Catholicism and its bleak history of misogyny, xenophobia, homophobia, anti-Semitism, greed, its attachment to the notions of patriarchal power retention, and (what else?) its complete failure to address the issues of the clergy’s sexual abuse around the world.
Then there is that out-of-left-field twist in the ending! Many other reviewers considered it bizarre and a weakness that would lower the quality of an otherwise strong novel. For me, I thought of it as a rather outré and admittedly unlikely possibility but nonetheless entirely legitimate eyebrow raising ending. I also, to be honest, saw it as a very long and very sharp stick that Harris was using to poke in the eye of the Roman Catholic establishment. It convinced me completely that CONCLAVE was Harris’ way of telling the Roman Catholic Church to grow up and, if they were going to insist on continuing to exist as a global force in the world, to enter the 21st century and deal with its realities.
Definitely recommended.
Paul Weiss
I wonder if he ever thought to revisit his writing and add a post-script on the irony and hypocrisy of that position. But I already digress.
CONCLAVE is a compelling behind the scenes narrative of a hypothetical 2022 election for a new Roman Catholic pontiff from the perspective of Jacopo Lomeli, the dean of the College of Cardinals and the man responsible for presiding over the conclave, a man who is going to attract votes in spite of his adamant insistence that he has neither the strength or the ability to be a pope. Other possible contenders cover a wide variety of nationalities, languages and theological stances. There is Tedesco the traditionalist who would return Latin to the liturgy and once again turn the priests’ backs on the congregations during the celebration of the Mass. Tremblay, the Archbishop Emeritus of Quebec, is the ambitious, progressive Canadian who has the "advantage of seeming to be an American without the disadvantage of actually being one" and is "a French-speaker who was not a Frenchman". Adeyemi the African with strong views on the role of women and gay marriage, a man who believes that “homosexuals should be sent to prison in this world and to hell in the next” may well enter the history books as the first black pope and the first from the dark continent. There is also Vincent Benítez, a late comer to the conclave by virtue of his recent promotion to the rank of Cardinal in pectore - an appointment made in secret because to do otherwise would almost certainly put his life as Archbishop of the diocese of Baghdad in grave danger from Muslim activists.
Despite the simplicity of its premise, CONCLAVE is an exciting, gripping page-turner that will fly by in short order. Its genre is somewhat difficult to pin down. Perhaps it’s a thriller or it might be considered an alternate history. But my money makes it both of these with distinct overtones of political satire and commentary directed firmly against religion in general and, more particularly, of course, against Roman Catholicism and its bleak history of misogyny, xenophobia, homophobia, anti-Semitism, greed, its attachment to the notions of patriarchal power retention, and (what else?) its complete failure to address the issues of the clergy’s sexual abuse around the world.
Then there is that out-of-left-field twist in the ending! Many other reviewers considered it bizarre and a weakness that would lower the quality of an otherwise strong novel. For me, I thought of it as a rather outré and admittedly unlikely possibility but nonetheless entirely legitimate eyebrow raising ending. I also, to be honest, saw it as a very long and very sharp stick that Harris was using to poke in the eye of the Roman Catholic establishment. It convinced me completely that CONCLAVE was Harris’ way of telling the Roman Catholic Church to grow up and, if they were going to insist on continuing to exist as a global force in the world, to enter the 21st century and deal with its realities.
Definitely recommended.
Paul Weiss
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April 27, 2025
5-Stars - I Thoroughly Enjoyed It!
(although it was not quite amazing)
Conclave - Robert Harris 2016
Audiobook - 08:19 Hours - Narrator: Roy Mcmillan
{Lightly edited for clarity - April 19, 2025}
This is a book about the election of a new Pope and it takes place during a Conclave, which is a meeting of all Roman Catholic Cardinals to elect a new Pope. The Cardinals are secluded continuously within the walls of the Vatican, during the election process. Conspiracies and machinations abound prior to a final election, inside the Sistine Chapel, of a *“Pontifex Maximus”, or “Supreme Pontiff”, of the worldwide Roman Catholic Church
I have been “out” as a convinced atheist for well over twenty years, yet I thoroughly enjoyed Conclave. My more than fifty years of diminishing devotion as a Roman Catholic, including my years as a junior seminarian, preparing to study for the priesthood, enabled me to understand, empathise with and enjoy what was going on!
I listened to this audiobook in basically three main sessions, including one when I fell asleep and had to search through many chapters for my lost place! It is only the second time this year that I have had the experience of having to force myself to take off my headphones while listening to my audiobook. My health (and general demeanour) demand that I have an inordinate amount of sleep to remain some level of sanity!
I recommend Conclave to readers interested in Roman Catholicism and Christian religions in general. Atheists and other non-believers should also find it a good read/listen, however, for their own enjoyment, they would benefit if they had formerly participated in, or recognised, the activities of the earlier Christian churches: the Roman Catholic Church, the Orthodox Catholic Churches, the Episcopalian Churches, and the **“High” versions of the Anglican Church of England.
Narrator Roy Mcmillan did not try to create multiple vocal characterisations, but he was able to add the right amount of accent and inflection as required to most of the main characters in a pleasant and palatable story telling voice.
* The Latin term "pontifex" means “bridge builder” and in ancient Roman religion, the head priest was called the "pontifex maximus" (the greatest bridge builder). Julius Caesar held this title more than 40 years, before Jesus was born, because ironically, when the early church fathers were writing, the Pontifex Maximus was the head of the Roman pagan religion, as the Roman Empire itself was pagan. This didn’t change until almost 400 CE when the Romans declared Christianity to be the state religion and the title was awarded to the Pope.
** “High” describes churches' use of a number of liturgical, ceremonial, and traditional practices, often referred to, by both High and Low Anglican adherents, as “the bells and smells” associated with Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy. The opposite tradition is "Low Church". Note that “Low” is not used as a pejorative, as the two terms simply describe different theologies, attitudes, doxologies, or forms of worship.
(although it was not quite amazing)
Conclave - Robert Harris 2016
Audiobook - 08:19 Hours - Narrator: Roy Mcmillan
{Lightly edited for clarity - April 19, 2025}
This is a book about the election of a new Pope and it takes place during a Conclave, which is a meeting of all Roman Catholic Cardinals to elect a new Pope. The Cardinals are secluded continuously within the walls of the Vatican, during the election process. Conspiracies and machinations abound prior to a final election, inside the Sistine Chapel, of a *“Pontifex Maximus”, or “Supreme Pontiff”, of the worldwide Roman Catholic Church
I have been “out” as a convinced atheist for well over twenty years, yet I thoroughly enjoyed Conclave. My more than fifty years of diminishing devotion as a Roman Catholic, including my years as a junior seminarian, preparing to study for the priesthood, enabled me to understand, empathise with and enjoy what was going on!
I listened to this audiobook in basically three main sessions, including one when I fell asleep and had to search through many chapters for my lost place! It is only the second time this year that I have had the experience of having to force myself to take off my headphones while listening to my audiobook. My health (and general demeanour) demand that I have an inordinate amount of sleep to remain some level of sanity!
I recommend Conclave to readers interested in Roman Catholicism and Christian religions in general. Atheists and other non-believers should also find it a good read/listen, however, for their own enjoyment, they would benefit if they had formerly participated in, or recognised, the activities of the earlier Christian churches: the Roman Catholic Church, the Orthodox Catholic Churches, the Episcopalian Churches, and the **“High” versions of the Anglican Church of England.
Narrator Roy Mcmillan did not try to create multiple vocal characterisations, but he was able to add the right amount of accent and inflection as required to most of the main characters in a pleasant and palatable story telling voice.
* The Latin term "pontifex" means “bridge builder” and in ancient Roman religion, the head priest was called the "pontifex maximus" (the greatest bridge builder). Julius Caesar held this title more than 40 years, before Jesus was born, because ironically, when the early church fathers were writing, the Pontifex Maximus was the head of the Roman pagan religion, as the Roman Empire itself was pagan. This didn’t change until almost 400 CE when the Romans declared Christianity to be the state religion and the title was awarded to the Pope.
** “High” describes churches' use of a number of liturgical, ceremonial, and traditional practices, often referred to, by both High and Low Anglican adherents, as “the bells and smells” associated with Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy. The opposite tradition is "Low Church". Note that “Low” is not used as a pejorative, as the two terms simply describe different theologies, attitudes, doxologies, or forms of worship.
November 26, 2016
A captivating and intelligent thriller that takes us inside the Vatican for an election of the new pope.
I wasn't entirely sure I wanted to read this novel but something about it's cover drew me to the book and the fact that a couple of my goodread friend's enjoyed it I knew I had to step outside for comfort zone and give it a try and what a enjoyable and interesting read it was. It's one of those books that quietly sucks you in and you just keep turning the pages.
Conclave, as its title title suggests, is about a papal conclave set sometime in the near future. The pope has died and the cardinals are gathering to elect his successor, cardinals from all over the world, some have ambition and some are rivals but each one will cast his vote in the World's more secretive election.
This is one of those books that is a slow but effective burner, the writing is good and the plot entertaining. I loved the character's of Lomeli, Sister Agnes and O'Malley. Its a short read I think it would make a great book club discussion book.
I wasn't entirely sure I wanted to read this novel but something about it's cover drew me to the book and the fact that a couple of my goodread friend's enjoyed it I knew I had to step outside for comfort zone and give it a try and what a enjoyable and interesting read it was. It's one of those books that quietly sucks you in and you just keep turning the pages.
Conclave, as its title title suggests, is about a papal conclave set sometime in the near future. The pope has died and the cardinals are gathering to elect his successor, cardinals from all over the world, some have ambition and some are rivals but each one will cast his vote in the World's more secretive election.
This is one of those books that is a slow but effective burner, the writing is good and the plot entertaining. I loved the character's of Lomeli, Sister Agnes and O'Malley. Its a short read I think it would make a great book club discussion book.
December 28, 2016
4.4★
Holy smoke was this a good one.
The blurb tells you what you need to know. I had never read or heard of this author but most definitely will be checking out his other books.
It was compelling, fascinating, intelligent and ... that ending! Did not see that coming. Most enjoyable. Next!
Holy smoke was this a good one.
The blurb tells you what you need to know. I had never read or heard of this author but most definitely will be checking out his other books.
It was compelling, fascinating, intelligent and ... that ending! Did not see that coming. Most enjoyable. Next!
December 3, 2024
I was really excited about this book after seeing the trailer of the movie version. What a disappointment. I anticipated intrigue and drama. Instead, it was like watching CSPAN during the Kevin McCarthy votes for Speaker of the House. Even the big reveal at the end was anticlimactic. Now I’m probably going to pass on the movie too. Ugh! Wasted time!!
August 13, 2025
I picked up this novel because it was about the conclave. My first knowledge of it comes from Dan Brown's Angels and Demons, and the idea of electing a Pope through this stringent procedure fascinated me. I have visited the Vatican, the St. Peter's Basilica, and the Sistine chapel since then and remember being in awe of its spiritual aura. So it is no wonder of my attraction to the book.
Conclave is my first novel by Robert Harris. It is always hard when reading an author for the first time because you don't know what to expect. However, given the high ratings the book received, I was quite confident that I'd enjoy it. Well, I did enjoy it, but not quite. It didn't somehow live up to my expectations. I fear it's rather my fault than the book's. A reader must always read a book with a neutral mind. But this reader, in her excitement, quite forgot that rule. :)
I was expecting a fast-paced thriller, a page-turner. Instead, what I was given was a slow-moving story. It is a solid piece of work, well-researched; there is no denying it. But it certainly wasn't a fast mover. It had some characteristics of a thriller but didn't exactly come within the genre. It lacked action and drama, and the story flowed in a rather monotonous fashion. The action of the story was centered on the procedure of the conclave, and the rest was filled with backstories and the thoughts and reflections of the main character, Cardinal Lomeli. There is little happening in the story. Harris had invested a lot in developing the character of Cardinal Lomeli. Had he done the same with Lomeli's rivals and thrown a different perspective from their points of view, the monotony would have broken, and the story would have balanced nicely.
The information on the procedure of the conclave, its ancient rules and customs fascinated me. That was the most engaging part of the story. I enjoyed the undercurrents of the politics subtly depicted within this religious community. The procedure was spread through the whole story in slow movement, yet I didn't lose interest. The outcome of the conclave was predictable, and the story was, too, but that didn't diminish my interest either. Some reviewers had expressed disappointment over the plausibility of the plot twist at the end. While I agree on the plausibility, I didn't so much mind it.
The reading experience was mixed, as expressed in my review. However, as a whole, it was a satisfactory read. The whole story was spiritually uplifting.
More of my reviews can be found at http://piyangiejay.com/
Conclave is my first novel by Robert Harris. It is always hard when reading an author for the first time because you don't know what to expect. However, given the high ratings the book received, I was quite confident that I'd enjoy it. Well, I did enjoy it, but not quite. It didn't somehow live up to my expectations. I fear it's rather my fault than the book's. A reader must always read a book with a neutral mind. But this reader, in her excitement, quite forgot that rule. :)
I was expecting a fast-paced thriller, a page-turner. Instead, what I was given was a slow-moving story. It is a solid piece of work, well-researched; there is no denying it. But it certainly wasn't a fast mover. It had some characteristics of a thriller but didn't exactly come within the genre. It lacked action and drama, and the story flowed in a rather monotonous fashion. The action of the story was centered on the procedure of the conclave, and the rest was filled with backstories and the thoughts and reflections of the main character, Cardinal Lomeli. There is little happening in the story. Harris had invested a lot in developing the character of Cardinal Lomeli. Had he done the same with Lomeli's rivals and thrown a different perspective from their points of view, the monotony would have broken, and the story would have balanced nicely.
The information on the procedure of the conclave, its ancient rules and customs fascinated me. That was the most engaging part of the story. I enjoyed the undercurrents of the politics subtly depicted within this religious community. The procedure was spread through the whole story in slow movement, yet I didn't lose interest. The outcome of the conclave was predictable, and the story was, too, but that didn't diminish my interest either. Some reviewers had expressed disappointment over the plausibility of the plot twist at the end. While I agree on the plausibility, I didn't so much mind it.
The reading experience was mixed, as expressed in my review. However, as a whole, it was a satisfactory read. The whole story was spiritually uplifting.
More of my reviews can be found at http://piyangiejay.com/
March 4, 2022
Robert Harris' novel Conclave should have been subtitled How To Ruin a Pretty Good Novel in the Last Twenty Pages. This novel does a great job of exploring the world of the papal selection process. Based on my research as a non-Catholic, I think it is fairly accurate about the process. I really enjoyed getting to know the main character, Cardinal Jacopo Lemeli. Having recently traveled to Rome and been to the Vatican, I definitely connected with the setting. The basic plot elements are a little predictably contrived, but workable. Then I got to the utterly implausible, completely didactic plot twist at the end. Harris doesn't seem to care if his plot twist makes no sense as long as he can essentially say, "See how much better the entire world would be if everyone shared my perspective about gender roles and gender fluidity." His disrespect for the plausibility of his own plot ruined the book for me.
May 1, 2025
After my last few reads I wanted something straightforward that didn’t require a lot of thinking. Given current events this seemed like a good choice.
And it was. This book delivered, in a well-executed, highly entertaining way. I’d be willing to bet that NO detail related to electing a new pope was omitted, but it never bogged down in detail. Just a fun, breezy read.
Is it sacrilegious to call a book on this topic “fun”? Maybe, but I’m going with “God made me do it”.
And it was. This book delivered, in a well-executed, highly entertaining way. I’d be willing to bet that NO detail related to electing a new pope was omitted, but it never bogged down in detail. Just a fun, breezy read.
Is it sacrilegious to call a book on this topic “fun”? Maybe, but I’m going with “God made me do it”.
May 5, 2025
4.5
What a fantastic novel. Great writing with a twist I didn't see.
Strange to be reading the novel during an actual conclave
What a fantastic novel. Great writing with a twist I didn't see.
Strange to be reading the novel during an actual conclave
July 20, 2025
I had this book on my to-read list for several years, but I only remembered it now, probably because they made a movie adaptation and the pope actually died. So I thought it was a good time to finally read it.
I was positively surprised. It’s a mystery that, in some ways, echoes The Name of the Rose, and maybe a bit of Dan Brown too. It flows quite well. Even though it was a bit slow, I was quite hooked, and I didn't see the end coming. In hindsight, there were some small hints here and there.
I think this was a kind of fiction I’ve never read before. Maybe nothing too special, but still a good book to spend a few hours with.
I was positively surprised. It’s a mystery that, in some ways, echoes The Name of the Rose, and maybe a bit of Dan Brown too. It flows quite well. Even though it was a bit slow, I was quite hooked, and I didn't see the end coming. In hindsight, there were some small hints here and there.
I think this was a kind of fiction I’ve never read before. Maybe nothing too special, but still a good book to spend a few hours with.
December 28, 2025
Pausing every page of Conclave just to remember how the dialogue is exactly the same as in the movie. I think the movie may be even better than the book in this case, but partially because it’s such a faithful adaptation — besides the few tiny points where it makes improvements.
Conclave is, first and foremost, a book about the mystery of faith, and its war with the church. The papal election is, of course, meant to be a divinely inspired process. In Harris's telling, it's a cutthroat business, where authorities meant to be holy make themselves unholy in pursuit of power. Yet at its best, it can be a true expression of faith, a spot where the truest faithful can make themselves seen.
It's also a book about machinations, some from beyond the grave. This felt oddly similar to my experience shadowrunning a sixty-person college theater troupe every time an election came around. I genuinely loved reading a book entirely about social politicking. I felt as if I was constantly on edge in this narrative.
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Conclave is, first and foremost, a book about the mystery of faith, and its war with the church. The papal election is, of course, meant to be a divinely inspired process. In Harris's telling, it's a cutthroat business, where authorities meant to be holy make themselves unholy in pursuit of power. Yet at its best, it can be a true expression of faith, a spot where the truest faithful can make themselves seen.
It's also a book about machinations, some from beyond the grave. This felt oddly similar to my experience shadowrunning a sixty-person college theater troupe every time an election came around. I genuinely loved reading a book entirely about social politicking. I felt as if I was constantly on edge in this narrative.
➽Follow me on Substack at ellexamines.substack.com
TikTok | Goodreads | Letterboxd | Instagram | Youtube | Spotify | About |
February 6, 2017
Excellent read! It almost felt like historical fiction because there was quite a lot about the traditions of the conclave and also where the outside world is deliberately shut out for the process of electing a new pope, it almost might have been set 400 years ago.
I'm lucky enough to have visited Rome and the Vatican and it really helped me to visualise the setting. I also saw a programme about the Borgias and a dramatised version of the Conclave, so when I saw this book I knew I would have to read it.
This book has plenty of intrigue and thrills and it really kept me guessing. It's quite a short book and I found it hard to put down.. if you fancy a book with a thrill of a different kind, this book could be for you. Recommended.
I'm lucky enough to have visited Rome and the Vatican and it really helped me to visualise the setting. I also saw a programme about the Borgias and a dramatised version of the Conclave, so when I saw this book I knew I would have to read it.
This book has plenty of intrigue and thrills and it really kept me guessing. It's quite a short book and I found it hard to put down.. if you fancy a book with a thrill of a different kind, this book could be for you. Recommended.
February 17, 2025
پروسه ی انتخاب جانشین و انتقال قدرت ،هرگز نمیتونه به دور از رقابت و مخدوش کردن اعتبار گزینه های احتمالی پیش بره، اما وقتی پای این وسوسه های جاه طلبانه ی دنیوی به دنیای مقدس مآبانه و متواضعانه ی روحانیت باز میشه، قصه رنگ و بوی دیگه ای میگیره تا ثابت کنه که دست شسته ترین ساکنین زمین هم در خفا آن کار دیگر می کنند، و گذشته و دنیای شخصی شون، تلاش هاشون برای رسیدن به اهدافشون و.... همیشه با موعظه هاشون و مصلحت های بهشتی شون برای بقیه، همسو نیست.
از اول تا آخر کتاب، روال داستان بی نبض پیش میره، هیچ نکته ی غیر قابل انتظاری نداره، فقط،در انتهای کتاب ،ی راز کوچیک لرزه ای به ارکان این مجمع میندازه تا مخاطب بی لذت صحنه رو ترک نکنه😁
«هیچکسی که حرف وجدانش را گوش کرده اشتباه نمیکند عالیجناب. ممکن است تبعاتش مطابق نیت و میل ما نباشد. شاید در طول زمان ثابت شود که خطا بوده است. اما معنایش این نیست که اشتباه کردهاید. تنها راهنمای کارهای آدمی برای ابد وجدان اوست. چون در وجدان است که واضحتر از هر جای دیگر صدای خداوند را میشنویم.»
و شاید که این " خداوند" همون آگاهی و درستی ای باشه که هر آدمی با تجربه و درک انسانیت، در مورد خوب و بد کارها و رفتارهاش نسبت به خودش یا دیگران داره ، اما لزوما صدای درست رو انتخاب نکنه!
3.5⭐️
از اول تا آخر کتاب، روال داستان بی نبض پیش میره، هیچ نکته ی غیر قابل انتظاری نداره، فقط،در انتهای کتاب ،ی راز کوچیک لرزه ای به ارکان این مجمع میندازه تا مخاطب بی لذت صحنه رو ترک نکنه😁
«هیچکسی که حرف وجدانش را گوش کرده اشتباه نمیکند عالیجناب. ممکن است تبعاتش مطابق نیت و میل ما نباشد. شاید در طول زمان ثابت شود که خطا بوده است. اما معنایش این نیست که اشتباه کردهاید. تنها راهنمای کارهای آدمی برای ابد وجدان اوست. چون در وجدان است که واضحتر از هر جای دیگر صدای خداوند را میشنویم.»
و شاید که این " خداوند" همون آگاهی و درستی ای باشه که هر آدمی با تجربه و درک انسانیت، در مورد خوب و بد کارها و رفتارهاش نسبت به خودش یا دیگران داره ، اما لزوما صدای درست رو انتخاب نکنه!
3.5⭐️
February 9, 2025
Fascinante! 👌 Atrapante!!
¿Es posible que el Papa fallecido urdiese un plan para nombrar a su sucesor? Que dejase todas las pistas preparadas para que 118 cardenales eligieran en cónclave precisamente al candidato adecuado?
El autor crea una trama extraordinaria: todo lo que supone la celebración del cónclave, las luchas internas de la curia, los malos y los buenos, lo que se cuece a lo largo de la elección con todo el avispero encerrado hasta el Habemus Papam.
Los personajes son del 10, incluido el papa ya fallecido, su carisma y sus dudas, su soledad. El final es sorprendente, no me lo esperaba.
Me ha gustado muchísimo! Ahora, a ver si la película le hace justicia a la novela!!
¿Es posible que el Papa fallecido urdiese un plan para nombrar a su sucesor? Que dejase todas las pistas preparadas para que 118 cardenales eligieran en cónclave precisamente al candidato adecuado?
El autor crea una trama extraordinaria: todo lo que supone la celebración del cónclave, las luchas internas de la curia, los malos y los buenos, lo que se cuece a lo largo de la elección con todo el avispero encerrado hasta el Habemus Papam.
Los personajes son del 10, incluido el papa ya fallecido, su carisma y sus dudas, su soledad. El final es sorprendente, no me lo esperaba.
Me ha gustado muchísimo! Ahora, a ver si la película le hace justicia a la novela!!
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