The bestselling novelist Robert Harris says a conclave to select a new Pope has a similar dynamic to hit TV show The Traitors. The author of Conclave, which was last year turned into anOscar-winning film adaptation, said the programme - in which "faithful" contestants are tasked with trying to work out the "traitors" among them - was "the nearest analogy I can come to". "Suddenly everyone swings to one person - you can't see why, particularly, but it happens," he tells BBC News ahead of the election to replace Pope Francis, due to begin next week. "And in a funny way, a similar dynamic does operate in a conclave, which is why often it produces a surprise." But Harris argues that it is a process UK political parties should learn from. The writer argues his book and the subsequent film illustrates how the ancient, secretive ritual in the Sistine Chapel is a "rather brilliant device" for finding the right person to lead an organisation. Only male cardinals under the age of 80 are entitled to participate.The voting is conducted in total privacy,with the news of a decision announced by white smoke emerging from a chimney on the chapel's roof. Political parties throwing the election of their leaders open to the wider membership "has not produced very good results", Harris says. He says it would be better if a select number "who have seen the candidates close up, day in, day out, choose who the leader should be". He continues: "To lock the door and say you're not going to come out until you've come up with a result concentrates the mind - and if you look back, the popes have been pretty good. "I didn't come away from researching the novel thinking this is a terrible idea [and that] I must write a novel to expose how awful it is. In a way, the novel shows a conclave working." However, the Fatherland and Archangel author thinks it is strange that women are excluded from the Catholic priesthood and the election for a new Pope. "Can any sophisticated religion, with such a huge following, really go on and on into the future with such a secondary, demeaning role for women?" he asks. "I mean, it just seems odd. Would Christ really have only wanted his word to be spread by men?" Harris says the character of Sister Agnes - a nun who speaks out during a crucial moment in his fictitious conclave - was a "vital" creation. "I wanted to find some way of getting the female voice in this process, and the only way is the women who serve the meals, clean the rooms and run the hostel when the cardinals are there," he explains. "I really wanted to make them a part of the story." Harris says that, while researching his novel about conclave, Pope Francis's office gave him permission to visit parts of the Vatican generally off-limits to outsiders. "They showed me the most extraordinary things and allowed me to walk along the corridor to the balcony where the new Pope shows himself to the huge crowd in St Peter's Square," he recounts. "That was a breathtaking moment." Harris says that, when piecing together the process of the conclave, he realised he had "stumbled on a treasure trove". "I think that the conclave is a rather brilliant device for finding the right sort of person who can command the respect of the church." "It's spiritual and human and political drama all woven into one," he says. "A conclave is as dramatic as the reading of a will. It's that level of natural drama." After the publication of Conclave in 2016, Cardinal Cormac Murphy O'Connor - who had helped Harris with his research - asked for a copy in Italian to give to Pope Francis. "I gave him the book and he said he thought the translation looked pretty good, but I don't know whether the Pope did read it. If he did, he didn't say anything to me."
Conclave author says papal selection is like The Traitors
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Novelist Robert Harris Compares Papal Conclave to TV Show 'The Traitors'"
Bbc News
7.4
TruthLens AI Summary
Robert Harris, the bestselling novelist known for his work 'Conclave,' draws a fascinating parallel between the papal election process and the dynamics of the popular TV show 'The Traitors.' In an interview with BBC News, Harris describes the conclave as a secretive and intricate ritual where male cardinals under the age of 80 gather to elect a new Pope, highlighting how the atmosphere can lead to unexpected outcomes. He notes that just as contestants in 'The Traitors' must identify the 'traitors' among them, the cardinals often rally around a single candidate for reasons that may not be immediately clear. This unpredictability is what makes the conclave a compelling process, and Harris believes it offers lessons for political parties in the UK, suggesting that a more exclusive selection process could yield better leaders than broader membership votes, which he argues have been less effective. He emphasizes that the conclave's intense focus and privacy foster a serious commitment to the selection of a leader, which, in his view, has historically produced capable popes.
Harris also expresses his discontent with the exclusion of women from both the Catholic priesthood and the papal election process. He questions the sustainability of a major religion maintaining such a secondary role for women and introduces a female character in his novel, Sister Agnes, to represent this overlooked perspective. His research into the conclave was deeply insightful, allowing him access to restricted areas of the Vatican, which he describes as a breathtaking experience. Harris regards the conclave as an extraordinary mechanism for leadership selection, intertwining spirituality, humanity, and politics. He likens the drama of the conclave to that of reading a will, signifying its potential for high stakes and emotional intensity. After his novel's release, Harris recalls a notable moment when Cardinal Cormac Murphy O'Connor requested an Italian translation of 'Conclave' to share with Pope Francis, although it remains unclear whether the Pope actually read the book.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article presents an intriguing perspective on the selection process of a new Pope, drawing parallels with the popular TV show "The Traitors." It reflects on the dynamics involved in a conclave, emphasizing the secrecy and the unexpected outcomes that can arise from such a process. This comparison invites readers to consider the underlying mechanisms of both the papal election and political leader selections more broadly.
Perception Creation
Harris's comments aim to shape public perception around the conclave as an effective method for choosing leaders. By likening it to a well-known reality show, he makes the process more relatable and digestible for the general audience. This connection could foster a more favorable view of the conclave, suggesting that its secretive nature and the intense focus of a select group can yield quality leadership.
Potential Concealment
While the article does not overtly suggest any concealments, it raises questions about the exclusion of women from the conclave, hinting at deeper issues within the Catholic Church's traditions. By emphasizing the effectiveness of the conclave, it may distract from criticisms regarding gender inequality in the Church's hierarchy. The mention of this exclusion could serve as a subtle acknowledgment of ongoing debates without fully engaging with them, leaving readers pondering the implications.
Manipulative Elements
The article’s manipulation ratio appears low but does exist. It subtly promotes the conclave as a model for political parties without addressing the potential downsides or criticisms of such a process. The language used is generally neutral, but the framing creates a positive bias towards the conclave while downplaying the complexities of modern political leadership.
Truthfulness of the Content
The content reflects Robert Harris's insights and opinions, which are based on his research and personal views about the conclave and its processes. While his perspectives are valid, they are subjective and do not encompass all viewpoints on the topic. Readers should approach his claims with a critical mind, recognizing that they are interpretations rather than universally accepted truths.
Community Targeting
The article likely appeals to a broad audience, including those interested in religious governance, politics, and popular culture. By connecting a religious process to a mainstream television show, it engages diverse communities who may not otherwise consider the intricacies of papal elections.
Economic and Political Implications
While the article does not directly address economic impacts, discussions around leadership selection processes can influence public sentiment toward political parties, potentially affecting their support and, by extension, market stability. Should the conclave be viewed favorably, it may inspire calls for reform in political selection processes, thereby influencing political dynamics.
Geopolitical Relevance
The discussion around the papal conclave and its methods remains relevant in today's context, especially as the world grapples with issues of leadership and governance. The Catholic Church's influence in global affairs makes the selection of a new Pope a matter of interest for international relations, potentially affecting diplomatic dialogues.
Artificial Intelligence Consideration
There is no direct indication that AI was used in the crafting of this article. However, if AI were involved, it might have influenced stylistic choices or data presentation. The framing of the conclave as a successful model for leadership selection could be a result of algorithm-driven content that emphasizes certain narratives over others.
In conclusion, the article presents a thoughtful comparison between the conclave and a popular reality show, aiming to evoke a favorable view of the papal selection process while touching upon significant issues such as gender inclusion. The subjective nature of the commentary warrants a discerning reading, particularly regarding the implications of its arguments.