SPOILER ALERT: This article contains major plot details from the finale of Edward Berger’s “Conclave.”
Megyn Kelly took to X to criticize Edward Berger’s “Conclave” as a “disgusting anti-Catholic film.” The acclaimed drama stars Ralph Fiennes as a cardinal who uncovers secrets and scandals at the Vatican while organizing a papal conclave to elect the next pope. The film premiered at last year’s Telluride Film Festival and has emerged as a surefire Oscar contender this awards season.
“Just made the huge mistake of watching the much-celebrated ‘Conclave’ and it is the most disgusting anti-Catholic film I have seen in a long time,” Kelly wrote to her 3.4 million X followers. “Shame on Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci & John Lithgow for starring in it & shame on director Edward Berger (among others).”
Kelly took particular offense to the film’s twist ending, in which the newly elected pope, Vincent Cardinal Benitez (Carlos Diehz), reveals he is intersex. Fiennes’ character agrees to keep the news a secret as his election is made public.
“They make THE POPE INTERSEX! This is the big exciting twist at the end. I wish I had known so I wouldn’t have watched it,” Kelly wrote in her post. “There are almost no redeeming characters in the movie – every cardinal is morally bankrupt/repulsive. The only exception of course is the intersex pope (who – surprise! – has female reproductive parts) & the cardinal who keeps her secret – bc of course that kind of Catholic secret-keeping must be lionized. I’m disgusted. What a thing to release to streaming just in time for Christmas. They would never do this to Muslims, but Christians/Catholics are always fair game to mock/belittle/smear.”
Fiennes is joined in “Conclave” by Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Sergio Castellitto and Isabella Rossellini. Kelly shared her criticism on X several hours before the 2025 Golden Globes, where “Conclave” is nominated for six awards, including best motion picture drama, best director and best actor for Fiennes. The film also tied “Wicked” to lead the 2025 Critic’s Choice Awards with 11 nominations.
While Kelly disliked the film, Variety film critic Peter Debruge praised “Conclave” in his review for having “one of the most satisfying twists in years, a Hail Mary that both surprises and restores one’s faith (maybe not everyone’s, but certainly that of the disillusioned).” He also lauded Fiennes’ “quietly conflicted performance” as his character undergoes an internal struggle between devotion and doubt.
“Conclave” is now playing in theaters and available to stream on Peacock.
