8 Ways Conclave Changes the Book: The Biggest Differences Explained

Warning: SPOILERS ahead for Conclave!

Conclave is a film adaptation of Robert Harris’s suspense novel, also titled Conclave. The film focuses on the complexities and political stakes of a papal election, as well as all the behind-the-scenes action that accompanies such an event. Adaptations often make changes to better suit their environment, and Conclave is no exception. The film reshapes several elements of the book, including character names, nationalities and even the plot structure, bringing a new perspective to Harris’ work. While Conclave Fantastic twist ending and its other best elements remain, it’s still worth discussing the film’s changes.

While Conclave changes do not change the essence of the story, as Conclave is a stunning cinematic achievement, they impact tone and style. The changes bring it more in line with the pacing and visual requirements of a thriller film, as well as better representing the nationalities of the actors playing the roles. By modifying details such as the origins and characteristics of the main characters, the filmmakers create a new dynamic between the cardinals, adding a unique dynamic to the book. Even with these changes, Conclave maintains the essence of Harris’s vision – an exploration of faith, power and human frailty.

8

Cardinal Lawrence has a different name in the Conclave book

From Cardinal Lomeli to Cardinal Lawrence

In the book, the main character’s name is Cardinal Lomeli, while in the film he is called Cardinal Lawrence. The name Lomeli is of Italian originwith historical ties to regions such as Lombardy, a culturally rich area known for its contributions to art, politics and Catholic tradition. The surname is relatively rare, being the 13,136th most common surname in the world, and is often associated with Italian ancestry (via Ancestors). The name Lomeli likely serves as a subtle but significant nod to his character’s background, indicating that his outlook and actions are rooted in Italian culture and a long-standing bond with the Vatican.

In contrast, the name Lawrence derives from the Latin Laurentius, meaning “from Laurento” or “crowned with laurel”, with origins dating back to Ancient Rome. Historically, Saint Lawrence, a martyr venerated in Christian tradition, embodies courage and devotion, giving the name a universal resonance. Unlike Lomeli, Lawrence is widely recognized across many cultures, offering a neutral and somewhat timeless identity that can appeal to a wider audience. By casting Lawrence in the film, the adaptation emphasizes a more universally identifiable figure, whose character can be perceived without strong ties to any specific heritage.

7

Conclave made Bellini American instead of Italian

The film has more diversity in the origins of its characters

In the transition from page to screen, Cardinal Bellini undergoes a significant change of nationality, going from Italian in the novel to American in the film. This change adds an alternate layer to the Conclavechanging the dynamics within the Vatican by introducing a character whose nationality contrasts with the European traditions at the center of the Church. In Harris’ book, Bellini’s Italian origin reinforces his connection to the historical and cultural roots of the Catholic Church, grounding him in its long-standing customs and beliefs.

By making Bellini American, the film presents a character whose viewpoint and experiences diverge from those of his European counterparts. The decision to Americanize Bellini is likely an attempt to highlight the global nature of the Catholic Church in the 21st century, creating a character who embodies the Church’s growing influence beyond Europe and has a more progressive and liberal American mindset.. This change not only increases Bellini’s relatability to the American public, but also introduces a new dynamic to the plotexploring how different cultural backgrounds can shape perspectives within a shared faith.

6

Conclave changes where Benítez serves as cardinal

It has a completely different service region

Another notable change from the book to the film is the change in Cardinal Benítez’s region of service. In Harris’s novel, Benítez is established as a cardinal serving in Baghdad, the capital of Iraq. However, in the film Conclavehis location is changed, serving not in Baghdad, Iraq, but in Kabul, Afghanistan. While both countries are indeed dangerous territories, there are some potential reasons why the filmmakers may have decided to change the location where Benítez operates. However, the most understandable reason for this change lies in the fact that, in recent years, Kabul has been much more dangerous than Baghdad.

The move increases the risks of Benítez’s servitude and shows how far he is willing to go for the Catholic Church. Although Baghdad, Iraq still remains a dangerous place, the move was a fantastic choice by the filmmakers as it continues to present why Conclave Cardinal Benítez deserves the role of Pope for his incredibly courageous actions.

5

Sister Agnes is much more prevalent in the film

She hardly influences the plot of the book

In Harris’s original novel, Sister Agnes is a minor character, appearing only occasionally and serving as a subtle background presence. However, Conclave, the film, elevates Sister Agnes to a much more prominent roleallowing her character to significantly influence the plot. Her expanded screen time not only adds depth to her character, but also provides a unique female perspective within the male-dominated world of the Vatican, with her scene where she breaks up the Cardinals’ fights being her best.

By making her a more central figure, the film enriches the narrative: Sister Agnes’ involvement brings a high level of intrigue and subtle tension, as her interactions with other characters reveal hidden layers of political maneuvering and personal motivations. This greater emphasis on Sister Agnes also allows the film to explore themes of gender and influence within the Church, highlighting the roles women play in Vatican affairs. His expanded role reflects the filmmakers’ intention to add complexity and a modern sensibility to the plot, transforming a previously secondary character into an essential component of the film’s narrative plot.

4

Cardinal Lawrence has a different origin in the book

Cardinal Lawrence is not Italian in the film

While changing Lawrence’s nationality to English may seem like a minor change, the change testifies to the adaptation’s different approach to presenting the character. In the novel, Lomeli’s Italian heritage is a subtle but significant part of his identity, linking him deeply to the traditions of the Vatican and infusing his character with a certain gravitas. Choosing to change his name to Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) for the film probably reflects the fact that the actor is not Italian.

This change affects how the public perceives him; Lomeli carries a sense of Italian cultural identity and historical weight, while Lawrence offers a more neutral and anglicized portrait. However, many other characters still maintain their Italian identity, such as Cardinal Tedesco (Sergio Castellitto), so this does not detract from the diversity that the book presents. In fact, the change is more than welcome, as Ralph Fiennes’ portrayal of Conclave Cardinal Lawrence is Oscar-worthy and it’s hard to imagine any actor playing the role better.

3

Cardinal Lawrence acts much older in the book compared to Conclave

He is 14 years older in the book

In the novel, Cardinal Lomeli is portrayed as an aging figure, carrying the physical and emotional weight of his years in the Church. Her age is a significant element in Harris’ portrayal, affecting her perception, actions, and responses to the challenges of the papal election. He is portrayed as somewhat frail and contemplativecarrying an introspective quality that adds depth to your interactions and decisions. However, for the film, which aims to be a more tense thriller, this approach simply wasn’t the most ideal.

In contrast, Conclave the film portrays Cardinal Lawrence as more vigorous and youthful. This adjustment allows him to engage more dynamically with the unfolding plot, emphasizing action rather than introspection. The younger representation aligns with the pacing and tone of the film, turning him into a character who can navigate the story’s rapid developments with ease. While the book’s older Lomeli brings a sense of seriousness and vulnerability, the film’s young Lawrence offers a more active and compelling character. This difference reshapes the way the audience connects with him, exchanging introspection for a more accessible and engaging portrayal, suited to a thriller format.

2

Cardinal Benítez’s nationality is different in the Conclave book

He’s from the Philippines in the book, but from Mexico in the movie

In ConclaveOne of the notable adaptations from book to film is Cardinal Benítez’s nationality, changing his place of origin in the Philippines in Robert Harris’s novel to Mexico in the film adaptation. In the book, Benítez’s Filipino background places him in the context of Southeast Asia, a region where Catholicism has strong roots and is deeply embedded in the cultural landscape. The Philippines’ Catholic heritage goes back centuries, adding a layer of authenticity and cultural significance to its character as it represents an influential voice from Asia at the Vatican’s global gathering.

The film’s choice to make Cardinal Benítez Mexican introduces a very similar dynamic, moving his character’s origins to Latin America, where Catholicism is also dominant and culturally resonant. Mexico is an important Catholic stronghold with a unique history linked to the evolution of Catholicism and its significant role in shaping society. This change maintains exactly the same energy as the book, but aligns with Carlos Diehz being Mexicannot Filipino. The change to Mexican nationality helps highlight a family perspective on global impact, emphasizing the diversity of faith on the Vatican’s international stage.

1

The Conclave Movie Adds a Car Bomb Subplot Not in the Book

This subplot further solidifies Benítez as the best choice for Pope

Perhaps the most significant addition Conclave is a subplot involving a car bomb, an element entirely absent from Harris’s novel. This new plot introduces a heightened level of suspense, providing an action-oriented twist that diverges from the book’s slower, more introspective pace. The car bomb subplot injects a sense of urgency and danger that drives the film forward, capturing the attention of thriller fans with high-stakes drama. This addition is in line with the cinematic trend of incorporating action elements to keep the audience engaged, but Conclave still finds a way to make it totally relevant to the plot.

By incorporating the car bomb, Conclave highlights the dangers and great risks linked to power and faith, broadening the film’s appeal. The consequences of the attack reinforce the importance of Benítez and the qualities that make him more suitable for Pope, leading to ConclaveThe deep and mysterious ending. In contrast, Harris’s book relies solely on the psychological tension and complex character interactions within the Vatican walls, creating a more slow-burning mystery. The inclusion of the car bomb subplot shows the filmmakers’ intention to adapt the story to modern cinematic expectations, ensuring Conclave remains engaging and suspenseful from beginning to end.