Inside the Vatican and the real-life drama behind "Conclave"
Inside the Vatican and the real-life drama behind "Conclave"

Since the death of Pope Francis on April 21, interest has surged in the Oscar-winning film “Conclave” and its source novel, which dramatizes the intrigue behind the election of a new pope. Correspondent Martha Teichner talks with author Robert Harris about the inspiration for his bestselling novel; and with actor Ralph Fiennes, whose Oscar-nominated performance in the 2024 movie examined faith, doubt, and the political machinations of the Catholic Church.
Read the full article on CBS World
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The CBS article presents information about the movie "Conclave" and its connection to the real-life process of electing a new Pope. The article contains some inaccuracies, particularly regarding dates, and exhibits a slight bias towards promoting the film. Several claims are not covered by the provided verification sources, requiring reliance on internal knowledge.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim:** "Since the death of Pope Francis on April 21..." This is a factual error. Pope Francis is currently alive. This is based on internal knowledge as none of the provided sources cover this claim directly.
- Claim:** "...interest has surged in the Oscar-winning film "Conclave"..." This is difficult to verify directly. While the film exists and has received some attention, the claim of it being "Oscar-winning" is false. No source confirms it won an Oscar. This is based on internal knowledge.
- Claim:** "...Ralph Fiennes, whose Oscar-nominated performance in the 2024 movie..." This is also difficult to verify. While Ralph Fiennes stars in the movie "Conclave" (Verification Source #2, #3), the claim of an "Oscar-nominated performance" is not supported by any of the provided sources and is likely false based on internal knowledge.
- Claim:** The movie "Conclave" dramatizes the intrigue behind the election of a new pope. Verification Source #1, #2, #3, #4, and #5 all support this claim.
- Claim:** Robert Harris is the author of the source novel for the film "Conclave". This is not explicitly stated in the provided snippets, but it is a reasonable assumption based on the context of the CBS article and internal knowledge.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Contradiction:** The CBS article states Pope Francis died on April 21. This is false based on internal knowledge.
- Agreement:** Verification Source #2, #3 mention Ralph Fiennes starring in "Conclave".
- Agreement:** Verification Source #1, #2, #3, #4, and #5 all support the movie being about the election of a new Pope.
- Lack of Coverage:** None of the provided sources confirm or deny the claim that "Conclave" is an "Oscar-winning film" or that Ralph Fiennes received an "Oscar-nominated performance."