Conclave is a 2024 mystery-thriller surrounding the election of a new pope, and the ensemble is rounded out by some immensely talented actors. The new movie is directed by Edward Berger, a director best known for the Academy Award-winning film All Quiet on the Western Front. Conclave is his second time adapting dense historical fiction text, based on the 2016 novel of the same name by author Robert Harris. After premiering at Telluride Film Festival in August 2024, Conclave received positive reviews, with a 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7.4/10 on IMDb.

The film follows Thomas Lawrence, a cardinal tasked with organizing the succession of a new pope after the previous one dies with lingering mysteries. Lawrence plays a dangerous political game as cardinals vying for the now-vacant position seek out his favor, knowing his influence will be vital to their chances of winning the election. Meanwhile, he continues to uncover information surrounding the previous pope’s secrets, resulting in discoveries that concern the potential candidates. Conclave is playing in theaters starting October 25.

Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Thomas Lawrence

Date of Birth: December 22, 1962

Actor: Ralph Fiennes is an English actor who first earned widespread acclaim for the antagonist role in Steven Spielberg’s WWII drama Schindler’s List, which earned him his first Academy Award nomination. Shortly after, he starred in The English Patient, another film that won Best Picture. In the 21st century, Fiennes has become widely recognizable for his roles in various films. Ralph Fiennes’ best movies include franchise characters like Voldemort in the Harry Potter series to leading roles in critically acclaimed titles like The Grand Budapest Hotel and The Menu.

Character: Cardinal Thomas Lawrence manages the pope election process. He’s essentially the head of the cardinals but doesn’t believe himself fit to be the next pope.

Stanley Tucci as Cardinal Bellini

Date of Birth: November 11, 1960

Actor: Stanley Tucci is an American actor from Peekskill, New York, who’s best known for playing supporting roles in a vast assortment of movies and TV shows, earning him six Emmys, two Golden Globes, and Academy Award nominations. His best-known films include The Devil Wears Prada, for which he was nominated for an Oscar, The Hunger Games series, Spotlight, Julie & Julia, and more. Recently, he led the highly popular documentary series Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy, which received widespread acclaim and admiration.

Character: Cardinal Bellini is a close friend of Cardinal Thomas who has ambitions of becoming the new pope.

John Lithgow as Cardinal Tremblay

Date of Birth: October 19, 1945

Actor: John Lithgow is an American actor from Rochester, New York, who’s built a legendary career in film and television over the past five decades, playing numerous iconic characters and appearing in dozens of critically acclaimed works. Early in his career, Lithgow received acclaim for appearing in the films of Brian De Palma, including Obsession and Blow Out. More recently, he can be recognized for supporting roles in films like Interstellar and Killers of the Flower Moon, as well as TV shows like Perry Mason and The Crown.

Character: Cardinal Tremblay is one of the contenders to become the new pope, but he possesses dark secrets.

Carlos Diehz as Cardinal Benitez

Date of Birth: Unknown

Actor: Carlos Diehz is a Mexican actor who only recently ventured into acting, meaning he’ll be an almost entirely original face to audiences seeing Conclave. Prior to the 2024 film, his only credits included two short films, The Vegan Vampire and It Gets Dark Too Early.

Character: Diehz’s character is Cardinal Benitez, a mysterious new arrival who keeps voting for Lawrence.

Conclave Supporting Cast & Characters

Isabella Rossellini as Sister Agnes: Isabella Rossellini has contributed iconic performances to films and TV shows for over four decades, including a leading role in David Lynch’s Blue Velvet.

Sergio Castellitto as Cardinal Tedesco: Sergio Castellitto is an Italian actor, director, and screenwriter who’s worked on projects in his home country for over four decades, including the 2004 film Don’t Move, which he directed and starred in opposite Penelope Cruz.

Lucian Msamati as Cardinal Adeyemi: Lucian Msamati is a British-Tanzanian actor best known for roles in TV shows like Gangs of London and Game of Thrones.

Brían F. O’Byrne as Monsignor Raymond O’Malley: Brían F. O’Byrne is an Irish actor who’s appeared in films and TV shows like Million Dollar Baby, Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead, and Mildred Pierce.

Merab Ninidze as Cardinal Sabbadin: Merab Ninidze is a Georgian actor best known for work in European movies and shows, including Nowhere in Africa and The Courier.