BBC Delves into Papal Conclave in New Special

The BBC has commissioned the hour-long documentary special Secrets of the Conclave from Fremantle’s Wag Entertainment and Stand By Me for BBC Two and iPlayer.

The special provides unprecedented access to the Vatican during the conclave that followed the death of Pope Francis earlier this year. Featuring exclusive footage and interviews with cardinals who attended to cast their vote, it offers a rare glimpse into the ancient ritual made up of prayer, discussion, spiritual reflection and divine guidance.

“Whether you loved the book, the movie or neither, this insight into the process of a conclave promises to be an eye-opening, world-first glimpse into one of the most important religious rituals on earth,” said Daisy Scalchi, head of religion and ethics for television at the BBC.

“As filmmakers, we felt it was an extraordinary privilege to hear from the cardinals themselves about what truly happened inside the Sistine Chapel,” commented Eliya Arman, executive producer at Wag Entertainment. “Their openness allowed us to illuminate the humanity behind a moment of immense historic and spiritual importance, giving audiences a glimpse into a world usually hidden from view.”

Simona Ercolani, CEO and creative director of Stand By Me, added, “It was a great honor to recount the conclave through the voices of the cardinals. Thanks to our collaboration with Vatican Media, we were able to discover how 133 cardinals from around the world, guided by faith and common sense, gathered to elect the new Pope—a moment very different from how one might imagine it. Thanks to the BBC, this story will reach a new audience and offer them an authentic glimpse into a historic event in which the sacred and the human are at the center.”