Conclave
"What do you know about war? [...] La Iglesia no es tradición. La Iglesia no es el pasado. La Iglesia es lo que hacemos después.”
In my opinion, this philosophy should be applied to any religion, as much as any political administration. Although I had my doubts before, Card. Benitez instantly became my favourite candidate to the next papacy after that scene. World leaders, no matter the party, should always be aware of the world that surrounds them. It is important to acknowledge the past but to be stuck in it will not prevent you from repeating its mistakes.
That brings me to my favourite shot of the movie. While the scenography was immaculate in general, the scene that occured during the last vote, with the window that let sunlight and birds' chirping into the room, a shattered window that is a perpetual consequence of the sociopolitical context the world is in? Chef's kiss.
The main character, Lawrence, is an interesting fellow. His homily made me genuinely question the place of religious figures in places of cult. I always thought doubt was a necessary element in religious journeys, even if you are a firm believer, but I never wondered if that also applied to confirmed religious leaders, those who have made this their life's whole purpose. I'm all for progressivism, but I must ask: how easily can your beliefs be shaken to adapt to the world they coexist with, what does it take for you to reconsider something you devoted your existence to? Didn't Jesus himself doubt God as he wept on the cross? (genuinely asking cuz im not nor have i been raised Christian lmao)
But on the other hand, Lawrence's lack of certainty also resided in his insecurity in terms of leadership— from what I understood, correct me if I'm wrong— so this whole question is just food for thought, rather than being about the film's message itself.
With that being said, I never would have thought I'd see the day where Voldemort would pull a Burn Book Regina George move on the Roman Catholic Church's version of 12 angry men, but here we are.
PS: i think my spanish is improving cuz i didn't need subtitles for Benitez's third act monologue :D