OVERLAY REPORT

As of my current knowledge, there has been **no real 2025 Conclave**. It is currently still 2024, and Pope Francis remains the reigning Bishop of Rome. A Conclave only occurs upon the death or resignation of a Pope. The event you are referring to is entirely fictional, based on the 2024 film *Conclave* (and the 2016 novel by Robert Harris). Because the real year 2025 has not yet occurred, and there is no vacancy in the Papacy, any comparison between a "real" Pope and the film's character is based on a hypothetical future or a misunderstanding of the film's timeline. To provide context on the film's character for comparison with potential future reality: ### The Fictional Character: Pope Innocent (Cardinal Benitez) In the film/book *Conclave*, the cardinal who is ultimately elected is **Cardinal Benitez**, an auxiliary bishop of Baghdad. Here are the specific details of that fictional character that would make a "similar" real-world election highly significant: 1. **The Secret Cardinal:** Benitez was created a cardinal *in pectore* (in the heart) by the deceased Pope, meaning his appointment was kept secret for his safety while working in a war zone. 2. **The Biological Reveal:** The most striking detail of the character is the revelation that he is **intersex**. In the story, Benitez was born with both male and female biological characteristics but was raised as a man and underwent surgery as an adult that he believed was for a different medical issue, only later discovering his true biological nature. 3. **The Theological Stance:** He represents a humble, "outsider" perspective, focused on the suffering of the poor and the "Church of the Future" rather than the internal politics of the Vatican. ### Reality vs. Fiction * **The Current Pope:** Pope Francis is still active. While there is constant speculation about his health and a future conclave, no such election has taken place. * **Canon Law:** Under current Catholic Canon Law and the apostolic constitution *Universi Dominici Gregis*, only a baptized male can be validly elected Pope. The revelation regarding Benitez's biological sex in the film is intended to be a shocking plot twist that challenges traditional interpretations of this law within the fictional narrative. * **Cardinal *in Pectore*:** While Popes do sometimes appoint cardinals *in pectore* (often in countries where the Church is persecuted, like China), it is rare for one to appear at a Conclave and successfully be elected. **Summary:** The 2025 Conclave has not happened yet. The "Pope" from the film is a fictional creation designed to explore themes of identity, secrecy, and the future of the Church.