Secrets and power in the Vatican: 5 novels on Papal Conclaves

Throughout history, the mystery surrounding the choice of a new Pope has fascinated the entire world. Locked behind the sealed doors of the Vatican, cardinals around the world deliberate in secret, guided by faith and earthly intrigues.

This unique scenario has been a fertile terrain for fiction, giving rise to exciting novels that explore the drama, politics and spirituality of papal conclaves. Here we present Five of the best novels that enter this fascinating world.

“The Sandals of the Pescador” by Morris West (published in 1963)

This influential novel presents Kiril Lakota, a Ukrainian archbishop who, to everyone’s surprise, is chosen Pope in the middle of a cold war in climbing. The story explores the challenges of a spiritual leader in a world on the verge of collapse, dealing with massive famines and geopolitical tensions. The conclave itself is a crucial event at the beginning of the plot, showing the complex dynamics and the unexpected currents that can lead to the choice of a pontiff.

Inspiration in real facts: While it is a fictional work, many saw in the figure of Lakota similarities with Cardinal József Mindszenty, a fervent opponent to the communist regime in Hungary. The novel captured the spirit of an era marked by the Cold War and the search for moral leadership in a divided world.

“The Ambassador” of Morris West (published in 1965)

Although it does not focus exclusively on a conclave, this novel by Morris West presents a scenario in which the Pope’s health is precarious, and the intrigues and expectations before a possible papal choice are palpable. The protagonist, the Australian ambassador to the Vatican, Maxwell Rochfort, is involved in complex political and moral negotiations while the church prepares for a possible leadership change. The novel offers a fascinating vision of Vatican diplomacy and internal tensions that precede a conclave.

Inspiration in real facts: Like “the fisherman’s sandals”, “the ambassador” is inspired by the political and social context of the time, reflecting the tensions between the Church and the secular world, and the complex dynamics of power within the Vatican.

“The ninth day” by Glenn Cooper (published in 2009)

This contemporary thriller intertwines mystery, history and religious speculation around a papal conclave. When the newly chosen Pope dies suddenly, Cardinal Mattias Vel is called to investigate. As you deepen the mystery, discover dark secrets within the Vatican and a prophecy that announces the end of the papacy. The initial conclave and subsequent investigation develop in an environment of tension and paranoia.

Inspiration in real facts: The novel is based on the fascination with the rituals and secrecy of the conclaves, although the plot itself is purely fictitious and explores apocalyptic scenarios and conspiracies within the Church.

“Conclave” by Robert Harris (published in 2016)

After the sudden death of the Pope, the cardinal electors meet in Rome for the conclave. Cardinal Lomeli, the dean of the Cardinal College, faces the task of directing a process full of tensions, hidden ambitions and surprising revelations. As the days pass and the votes happen, secrets of the cardinal’s past come to light, endangering the choice and stability of the Church. Harris builds an intense psychological thriller within the walls of the Vatican.

Inspiration in real facts: While the plot and the characters are fictitious, Harris is based on the protocol and the details of the functioning of a real conclave, creating an atmosphere of authenticity and realism that immerses the reader in the papal choice process.

“The patience of a saint” by Héctor Hugh Munro (Saki) (published in 1914)

This short story of the ingenious British writer Saki offers a satirical and humorous look at a papal conclave. The story focuses on the expectations and speculation surrounding the choice of a new pontiff, highlighting eccentric personalities and subtle intrigues that could influence the final decision. Although brief, captures the essence of the mystery and the expectation surrounding this event.

Inspiration in real facts: History is not inspired by a specific conclave, but rather in the general fascination for the process and the opportunity to satirize ambitions and dynamics of power within such an venerable institution.

These five stories offer different perspectives on the fascinating world of papal conclaves, from geopolitical drama to the thriller of mystery and ingenious satire. Each, in its own way, invites the reader to reflect on power, faith, ambition and secrets that hide behind the closed doors of the Vatican during the choice of a new leader for the Catholic Church.