Caution: This article reveals major plot details from the surprising climax of the film “Conclave,” so skip this if you intend to watch it without spoilers.

“Conclave” is less about the Catholic Church and more a gripping procedural drama similar to classic ticking-clock narratives—think “All the President’s Men” regarding the 1972 Watergate scandal—a style greatly appreciated by its director, Edward Berger.

However, “Conclave” stands out due to a major twist at the end, reminiscent of the 2016 Robert Harris novel that inspired it. For those familiar with the 1992 thriller “The Crying Game,” the revelation towards the conclusion of the movie left audiences stunned, particularly during a festival screening a few weeks ago.

Even with its unexpected finale, Berger mentions that the twist isn’t the heart of the film.

“While I aim to avoid spoiling the experience for viewers, the importance of that ending is not paramount,” he told YSL News. “The narrative does not depend solely on that twist because every character has their own surprises and developments.”

What leads to the Conclusion of ‘Conclave’?

Within the film and the book, over 200 cardinals are assembled at the Vatican following the demise of the pope to elect his successor. This gathering is known as a conclave and is steeped in elaborate traditions and rituals.

As the voting commences in the revered Sistine Chapel, several prominent cardinals are competing for the position of leader for the 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide. Notably vocal are Cardinal Tedesco (Sergio Castellitto) and Cardinal Adeyemi (Lucian Msamati). Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes), the dean of the College of Cardinals, is hesitant about accepting the role, despite encouragement from Cardinal Bellini (Stanley Tucci).

Who is Cardinal Benitez in ‘Conclave’?

The unpredictable element of the conclave is Cardinal Benitez (Carlos Diehz), who arrives late to the gathering. Although he claims to come from Latin America, Benitez tells his fellow cardinals that he has served in various remote and often perilous locations, including recently providing support to Catholics in Afghanistan.

He consistently votes for Lawrence, causing the latter to become increasingly frustrated, given Lawrence’s own crisis of faith and desire to potentially leave the church. Still, Benitez insists that Lawrence possesses the necessary qualities to guide the faithful, unlike other cardinals who seem to seek power and prestige.

Why does Cardinal Lawrence investigate Cardinal Benitez in ‘Conclave’?

Lawrence, overseeing the conclave, starts looking into Cardinal Benitez when he discovers documents indicating that the late pope had sanctioned Benitez’s travel from Afghanistan to Switzerland for a medical procedure.

This revelation comes to light amid a series of significant events that shake the conclave, and after several days of deliberation, the cardinals eventually elect Cardinal Benitez as their new leader. Although Lawrence is pleased with the outcome, he harbors concerns that this medical trip might suggest the new pope is unwell and won’t be able to serve long. He discreetly urges his team to investigate the circumstances surrounding that trip.

What happens in the shocking ending of ‘Conclave’?

If you’re still reading, you must be curious about the conclusion of “Conclave.” Here it is.

Lawrence confronts Benitez as he prepares for his announcement as the new pope, demanding to know why Benitez had been granted a trip.

Lawrence contemplates a journey to Switzerland that Benitez never actually embarks on. He speculates that Benitez might be facing a serious illness. However, Benitez reveals that a medical procedure would have involved the removal of his uterus. Benitez identifies as intersex, possessing reproductive anatomy that doesn’t conform to standard definitions of male or female.

“What are you?” Lawrence inquires.

With a smile, Benitez responds: “I am as God created me.”