The spiritual leader of the Catholic world, Pope Francis, is battling a worsening respiratory infection described as a “complex clinical picture” by the Vatican. With uncertainty about how his health will affect future leadership, the possibility of electing a new pope is also being discussed.

The papacy is not only a religious and political office, but also a source of inspiration for cinema. Here are three striking films that bring the concept of papacy to the silver screen. The health condition of Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of Catholics, is on the world agenda. As the possibility of electing a new Pope is discussed, the papal office has also inspired cinema. Here are three striking films depicting Vatican intrigues on the silver screen. Pope Julius II, a warrior and art-loving leader of the 16th century, forces the renowned sculptor Michelangelo to create a magnificent fresco on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel to immortalize his name. However, the tension between the idealist artist and the pragmatic ruler turns into a conflict questioning the nature of art and the intervention of power in art. The film portraying Pope Julius II, played by Rex Harrison, offers a memorable story about art and power dynamics. The film starring Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce reflects the contrasting views of the last two leaders of the Catholic Church, Benedict XVI and Francis, in a striking way. As Vatican becomes a battleground between tradition and reform, the rivalry and inner struggles of these two powerful men are brought to the cinema screen. What happens behind the scenes during the election of a new Pope? Portraying Cardinal Lawrence, played by Ralph Fiennes, this production sheds light on the challenges of the Papal election process, the intrigues in the Vatican, and the hidden secrets of the deceased Pope. Whether a new Pope is elected is announced by the smoke rising from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, a tradition that has been in place for 600 years. Black smoke means no Pope has been elected yet, while white smoke signals a successful election. Although a clear successor has not been identified yet, several important cardinals like Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, and Cardinal Robert Sarah are speculated as potential candidates. The final decision will be made by the College of Cardinals.