Conclave cast and character guide: Who plays whom in Edward Berger's Golden Globe-winning political thriller?

This is a scene of
A scene from 'Conclave' | Image via Focus Features

The Academy Award-winning director Edward Berger's Golden Globe-winning and 12 BAFTA Awards-nominated political thriller Conclave (2024) has received favorable reviews from the critics upon its release.

Based on British novelist Robert Harris's 2016 novel of the same name, Conclave follows a plot set in the Vatican City, where post the death of the Pope, Cardinal Thomas Lawrence is to lead the confidential election—the Papal Conclave, which decides the next Pope. As the story progresses, Cardinal Lawrence unravels mysterious, detrimental discoveries and covert truths surrounding the deceased Pope and the Church, which impacts the candidacy.

Conclave has a promising ensemble cast of some prominent actors starring in nuanced, complex characters, including Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Isabella Rosselini, Sergio Castellitto, Carlos Diehz, and many more.


Conclave cast and character guide

Conclave has a set of intriguing and varied characters that contribute to the making of a dense, complex narrative. Here's a list of the ensemble cast and the characters in Conclave:

1) Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Thomas Lawrence

Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Thomas Lawrence | Image via Focus Features
Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Thomas Lawrence | Image via Focus Features

The BAFTA and Tony award-winning English actor, who is noted for his work in films such as Schindler's List (1993), The English Patient (1996), Skyfall (2012), The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014), The Menu (2022), and his immensely iconic portrayal of the popular villain Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter film series, essays the role of the protagonist Cardinal Thomas Lawrence in Conclave.

Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, who serves as the Dean of the College of Cardinals, leads the election process of selecting the new Pope in Conclave and faces challenges as he uncovers many conspiracies surrounding the influential institution of the Church, even though he does not consider himself to be one of the potential candidates for becoming the Pope.

The Academy Award nominee Ralph Fiennes showcases intense depth and feelings of conflict in his portrayal of Cardinal Thomas Lawrence in Conclave.


2) Stanley Lucci as Cardinal Aldo Bellini

Stanley Tucci as Cardinal Aldo Bellini | Image via Focus Features
Stanley Tucci as Cardinal Aldo Bellini | Image via Focus Features

The American actor Stanley Tucci Jr. is notable for his work in highly acclaimed and well-known films, including The Devil Wears Prada (2006), Julie and Julia (2009), The Lovely Bones (2009), and The Hunger Games film franchise (2012-2015). He has lately garnered immense praise for the Emmy Award-winning documentary by CNN, Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy (2021-2022).

The Golden Globe-winning actor is starring in the role of Cardinal Aldo Bellini in Conclave, who aims to take on the new Pope title. The American Cardinal with liberal values is also a close associate of Cardinal Thomas Lawrence as well.


3) John Lithgow as Cardinal Joseph Trembley

President Barack Obama presents the 2011 National Medal of Arts and National Humanities Medals - Source: Getty
President Barack Obama presents the 2011 National Medal of Arts and National Humanities Medals - Source: Getty

John Lithgow is a highly celebrated actor who is known for his notable work in critically acclaimed films, television, and stage for decades. Some of his noteworthy appearances in films include Blow Out (1981), The World According to Garp (1982), Shrek (2001), Interstellar (2014), Killers of the Flower Moon (2023), and for his iconic portrayal of Winston Churchill in the TV series Crown (2016-2019).

In Conclave, John Lithgow is essaying the role of the cryptic Cardinal Joseph Trembley raises suspense and the stakes of the storyline, as he is yielding some murky, confidential truths.


4) Isabella Rosselini as Sister Agnes

Isabella Rossellini as Sister Agnes | Image via Focus Features
Isabella Rossellini as Sister Agnes | Image via Focus Features

Isabella Rossellini, who is known for her work in White Nights (1985), David Lynch's 1986 neo-noir Blue Velvet, and Death Becomes Her (1992), stars in the role of Sister Agnes in Conclave.

Sister Agnes serves as the head meal caterer and caretaker of the church. For Rossellini's portrayal of Sister Agnes, she is a nominee of the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress. Isabella Rossellini's Sister Agnes, speaks volumes as she utters:

"Although we sisters are supposed to be invisible, God has nevertheless given us eyes and ears."

The supporting cast of Conclave includes a promising array of actors, including:

  • Sergio Castellitto as Cardinal Goffredo Tedesco
  • Carlos Diehz as Cardinal Vincent Benitez
  • Lucian Msamati as Cardinal Joshua Adeyemi
  • Brían F. O'Byrne as Monsignor Raymond O'Malley
  • Merab Ninidze as Cardinal Sabbadin
  • Jacek Koman as Archbishop Janusz Woźniak

When did Conclave release, and where can you watch it?

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After marking its premiere at the 51st Telluride Film Festival, Conclave made its theatrical premiere in the United States on 25th October 2024.Currently, Conclave is available on Peacock.


Stay tuned to Soap Central for more information.

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Edited by Sangeeta Mathew
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