Warning: SPOILERS ahead for Conclave!InConclave, the stakes are constantly elevating, and the film delves into each of the cardinal candidates' characters, values, and motivations. In the climax, one candidate, Cardinal Benitez (Carlos Diehz), stands out above the rest for his authentic compassion, quiet resilience, and soft-spoken yet strong leadership. There is a reasonBenitez was elected as Pope inConclave,after all. Yet it is important to understand why Benitez is a cut above the rest in the film, as built uponby Conclave’s symbolic and nuanced ending.
Amidst the contention, Benitez does not fall into defensive or political reactions, and hisunique name chosen at the end ofConclave, Pope Innocentius, proves his more innocent and quiet take on religion. Yet his unique traits are displayed more than ever in one of the climax’s scenes wherethe final act uses a tragic bombing to recontextualize who should be the Pope.Through this carefully crafted scene,Conclavesubtly builds Benitez’s character as one who embodies true leadership in times of crisis, portraying him as the right choice to bring stability, unity, and hope to a divided institution.
Cardinal Benitez’s Response To The Bombings Proved He’d Be A Great Pope
Benitez Shows Calm Strength And Compassion In Crisis
InConclave, a powerful story of faith, intrigue, and leadership unfolds as the College of Cardinals gathers to elect a new pope. With mounting pressures and political banter flaring among the Cardinals, it is Cardinal Benitez’s composed and empathetic response to a devastating bombingthat sets him apart as an exceptional candidate. Unlike the others, who react defensively and politically, Benitez’s first concern is the well-being of those affected by the tragedy, signaling his genuine compassion and humanity.
Benitez never seeks to elevate himself or manipulate others. Rather, his choices stem from a deep faith and commitment to the people he serves.
The bombing scene is more than just a reaction—it highlights a recurring theme in Benitez’s character throughoutConclave.Unlike his counterparts, Benitez never seeks to elevate himself or manipulate others. Rather, his choices stem from a deep faith and commitment to the people he serves. This authenticity shines through when he interacts with other cardinals, particularly with those on opposing sides of church debates. While others become embroiled in arguments, Benitez is consistently portrayed as a listener and mediator, a trait invaluable in the role of Pope.
Conclave Brilliantly Set Up Benitez’s Candidacy Throughout The Movie
Benitez’s Journey To The Papacy Unfolds With Purposeful Precision
The film meticulously sets up Benitez’s suitability for the papacy through his personal background. As a cardinal from a war-torn and economically disadvantaged region, Kabul, Afghanistan,he brings a perspective that many of his peers cannot fully understand.His experiences have equipped him with resilience and insight into the challenges faced by marginalized communities—a vital trait for a leader expected to empathize with a global congregation.
In a world grappling with division and turmoil that men who have lived comfortably will struggle to understand,Benitez’s life experiences make him uniquely qualified to bridge gaps and foster understanding.Benitez’s unique twist duringConclave’s endingfurther solidifies his ability to empathize with the greatest number of people across the world. This twist reveals him as intersexual, which allows women and those struggling with their identity in the Catholic Church to feel less distant from the typical popes of the past.
Intersexuality is a rare condition in which somebody has both male and female features. About 0.5% of people are clinically identified to have intersexual traits like Benitez.
Benitez’s subtle but significant moments of leadership further illustrate his ability to prioritize the needs of others over himself. Even in a high-stakes environment where most cardinals seek influence,he refrains from any form of self-promotion. Contrarily, he constantly brings himself down in an attempt to elevate Cardinal Lawrence as the best candidate for Pope. Benitez instead allows his actions to speak for him, embodying the humility expected of the papacy. This quiet integrity contrasts sharply with the more overtly ambitious figures inConclave, who often seem detached from the true spirit of the role they aspire to hold.
Conclavedepicts Benitez not only as a compelling candidate but asa model of what modern church leadership could embody.His compassionate approach, unwavering faith, and commitment to service make him an ideal choice to bring a sense of healing and renewal to a divided institution. InConclave, Cardinal Benitez emerges as more than just another candidate; he represents a vision for the future of the church.
