In the Academy Award-nominated political thriller Conclave, the election of Cardinal Benítez as the new Pope comes as a surprise to many viewers. What makes the election more striking is not only the background of the character but also his papal name, Innocent. The choice of name is deeply symbolic, rooted in his characteristics.
The director of Conclave explained in an interview why Cardinal Benítez chose Innocent as his Regnal name. Based on the novel by Robert Harris, the movie delves deep into the complex dynamics of the papal election process.
Conclave director revealed the real reason why Cardinal Benítez chose Innocent as his Papal name
Cardinal Benítez (Carlos Diehz), a young Mexican archbishop with a profound understanding of global Christianity, is seen as an outsider to the Vatican establishment. Serving in dangerous regions like Afghanistan, Benitez has experienced harsh realities. However, his background makes him an unconventional choice of Pope.
In an interview with Vanity Fair, director Edward Berger explained the significance of this choice. He said, “It’s a name of purity without any preconceptions,” a quality often associated with children. Berger continued,
You see it in children — they have no bad experiences, they’re theoretically only positive, only open towards others. They have no prejudices. They’re innocent. Then society conditions them to be a certain way, their parents, schools, friends, and bad experiences leave trauma. So Benítez comes to us with absolute openness, and I think that’s what it means.
Berger draws a comparison between Benítez and the qualities of children– open, positive, and free from societal biases. He highlights that the cardinal’s approach to his identity and faith reflects the purity encapsulated by the name.
The name Innocent carries a weight of historical significance in the Catholic Church, having been chosen by 13 previous popes. For Benítez, however, the name is not just tied to tradition. It is a declaration of his true self, free from prejudices and one that seeks openness in Conclave.
Why is the name Innocent significant to Cardinal Benítez?
Directed by Edward Berger, led by Ralph Fiennes, and based on Robert Harris’s novel, the Oscar-nominated movie revolves around the complex dynamics of the papal election process, filled with hidden scandals, political maneuvering, and unexpected revelations. However, the young Benítez’s background and experiences set him apart from the more traditional and conservative candidates vying for the papacy.
It is not just his career that sets him apart, it is his secret identity, revealed later in the movie. Benítez is an intersex individual, a fact that remains hidden until the dramatic climax of the movie. This revelation makes his election even more controversial, especially among the conservatives.
However, instead of shying away from his identity, Benítez embraces it with remarkable openness, leading to his decision to adopt the name Innocent XIV. He was also seen reflecting on his conviction that “I am what God made me,” telling it to Dean Lawrence in the movie.
The choice of Innocent as a papal name speaks to Benítez’s character, a figure who, despite the doubt and scandals surrounding him, remains true to who he is. His papacy promises to be one of purity, embracing the innocence that comes from living without preconceptions or hidden agendas.
Conclave is available to stream on Peacock.
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