In the not-distant future, the pope has died. Cardinals from around the world are gathering in the Vatican to elect his successor. Cardinal Jacopo Lomeli, dean of the College of Cardinals, is responsible for overseeing the conclave. The new pope will likely be one of four men: a liberal Italian; an arch-conservative Italian; a homophobic Nigerian who would be the first Black pope; and a suave, mainstream Canadian. Each is promoted by supporters. Despite what the Catholic Church wants the world to think, there are power struggles and politicking behind the closed doors.
Worries beset Lomeli. A hitherto unknown cardinal arrives, supposedly appointed secretly by the late pope, who also reportedly fired one of the candidates just before his death. Another candidate may bear the stain of a sexual transgression from decades before. Lomeli searches for the truth behind rumors. As front runners are disqualified, Lomeli himself receives increasing support for a job he prays not to get. Through seven rounds of voting no one has reached the two-thirds needed, not a good look to the outside world.
Conclave is labeled a thriller because tension builds with each new revelation and vote. In the surprise ending, Lomeli finds out that the new pope has an astonishing secret.
Conclave was adapted for a 2024 movie that largely follows the book, but Lomeli was changed to an Englishman, Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, played by Ralph Fiennes.
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