The actors from the film “Conclave,” which portrays the drama of a papal election, have shared their worries about Pope Francis. There are ongoing reports about his serious health issues, which have raised concerns among the cast. Isabella Rossellini and Sergio Castellitto, who play Sister Agnes, the pope’s housekeeper, and Cardinal Tedesco, a conservative cleric, respectively, expressed their feelings during a recent award ceremony.
At this event, the cast of “Conclave” received the Screen Actors Guild award for outstanding performance in a motion picture. This recognition may significantly enhance the film’s prospects for winning an Oscar. While celebrating this achievement, Rossellini took a moment to address Pope Francis’s health. She stated, “First of all, we would like to wish Pope Francis a quick recovery,” and added, “We are very, very worried for our pope. We love this pope – Papa Francesco, Pope Francis. We wish him well. We wish him to recover.” Her heartfelt remarks highlighted the affection and concern she and her fellow cast members have for the pope.
Sergio Castellitto also spoke about his sentiments, particularly as someone living in Italy. He emphasized the close connection Italians feel with the pope, saying, “For us that live in Rome … our relationship as Italians to the pope is much closer. I repeat, I really wish him well.” His words reflect the deep respect many people in Italy have for the papacy and Pope Francis.
“Conclave” tells the story of how a new pope is chosen and comes at a relevant time given the current discussions around leadership and elections globally. John Lithgow, another actor in the film who plays the scheming Cardinal Tremblay, recognized the film’s timely nature. He pointed out that it mirrors the social dynamics of choosing a leader. He commented on the importance of recent election events, including a recent one in Germany, noting that such topics are very relevant in today’s world.
Lithgow further added, “You cannot help seeing Conclave and not thinking what happens when different tribes quarrel with each other trying to decide on who is their leader.” This insight relates the film’s plot to broader themes about leadership and the conflicts that arise in the pursuit of authority.
Pope Francis has been in the hospital since February 14 due to difficulties with breathing. His health has been officially described as suffering from pneumonia and a complicated lung infection, which has kept him hospitalized. The uncertainty surrounding his health adds an additional layer of significance to the film’s narrative, linking the fictional events of “Conclave” to real-life concerns about the pope and the leadership of the Catholic Church.
As the cast of “Conclave” navigates the dual challenges of promoting their film and expressing concern for Pope Francis, their messages of care and respect resonate with audiences both in and outside of the film’s context. Their shared experience as performers and as individuals concerned for the well-being of the pope highlights a deep bond that many feel towards him during this critical time in his health.