ROME (AP) — With Pope Francis a few weeks away from his 88th birthday, the plotting for his successor is well underway at the Vatican.
How timely, then, that just across town in Rome, “ Conclave ” a thriller filled with back-stabbing, manipulative cardinals, quick to toss morality out of the window as they promote their candidate, is a top draw at the Rome Film Festival.
This might be a little too close to home — literally and figuratively — for Pope Francis.
Austrian-Swiss Director Edward Berger, who directed “All Quiet on the Western Front” (2022), adapted the film from the 2016 novel “Conclave” by Robert Harris. Berger puts an extraordinary Ralph Fiennes in the role of Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, dean of the College of Cardinals responsible for organizing the conclave.
The conclave is the centuries-old tradition in which, on the death of a pope, cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican to participate in rounds of voting until they elect a new pontiff. Conclave comes from the Latin “cum clave,” meaning “with a key,” to indicate the Cardinals are locked in until they have chosen the new leader for the world's 1.3 billion Catholics.
The whole process is conducted under the spectacular frescoed ceiling painted by Michelangelo, and his masterpiece “The Last Judgment” depicting the fate of men heading to heaven or hell covers the wall behind the altar. During the entire process, the prelates are cut off from communicating with the outside world and must live in seclusion inside the Vatican.
Conclaves have a reputation as a no-holds-barred competition as cardinals make backroom deals to elect their favorites in secret ballots.
At the end of each round of voting, the ballots are thrown in a specially constructed stove in the Sistine Chapel, with a chemical added that will color the smoke.
The tens of thousands of people gathered in St. Peter’s Square awaiting the result will know whether or not a new pope has been selected by the smoke that appears from the chimney. Black means the cardinals have not yet selected a pope, white means a new pope has been chosen.
In “ Conclave ” Stanley Tucci plays Aldo Bellini, a progressive American cardinal fighting it out against the powerful conservative Cardinal Goffredo Tedesco played by Sergio Castellitto and Canadian Cardinal Joseph Tremblay played by John Lithgow. Nigerian Cardinal Joshua Adeyemi, played by Lucian Msamati, could be the first Black pope, but his homophobic views clash with the progressives.
While women remain excluded from the conclave and the highest circles of power at the Vatican, they provide assistance carrying out humble roles serving the cardinals during the conclave period. Isabella Rossellini plays a nun who surprises in her role of quiet observer who does not miss a trick.
While a thriller, the film often comes close to the real workings and current debates at the Vatican. As the stars of the film strolled down the red carpet, some wondered how the film would be viewed over at the Vatican.
“It's intriguing. Are they sitting there at the Vatican watching the news coverage of ‘Conclave’?” actor Fiennes said. “I am sure there are a few people in the Vatican who would be curious to see what the film is saying.”
Despite his age and serious health issues, including a bad knee which has forced him to use a wheelchair, Pope Francis does not appear to be slowing down. In August he took his longest and most challenging trip ever, traveling by air to four countries in the Asia-Pacific. This month he has presided over the synod, a three-week meeting of more than 360 bishops and lay people to discuss the future of the church.
But Francis is not immortal. Discussions on who could be his successor have already begun, but it remains to be seen if the next real conclave will be as thrilling as the film.
Sergio Castellitto poses on the red carpet before the screening of the movie "Conclave" at the 19th Rome Film Festival, in Rome, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
Ralph Fiennes poses on the red carpet before the screening of the movie "Conclave" at the 19th Rome Film Festival, in Rome, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
Director Edward Berger arrives on the red carpet before the screening of the movie "Conclave" at the 19th Rome Film Festival, in Rome, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
From left, Ralph Fiennes, director Edward Berger and Sergio Castellitto pose on the red carpet before the screening of the movie "Conclave" at the 19th Rome Film Festival, in Rome, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
ASHBURN, Va. (AP) — When Dan Quinn left the Dallas Cowboys after three years as their defensive coordinator to coach the Washington Commanders, it looked as if he was leaving a perennial playoff contender for a rebuilding project.
Instead, Quinn's Commanders are in the thick of the playoff race even after consecutive losses provided something of a speed bump, while the Cowboys' season has fallen apart. Dallas (3-7) visits Washington (7-4) on Sunday in a franchise role reversal for the NFC East rivals.
"For me and for the guys, man, it’s Washington-Dallas Week, let’s get down," Quinn said. “I don’t make one (game) too often bigger than another. I just think they’re all really important, and we absolutely go after it as hard as we can.”
Quinn, defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. and a handful of former Dallas players have been part of Washington's turnaround, including pass rusher Dante Fowler, defensive end Dorance Armstrong, center Tyler Biadasz and receiver Noah Brown, who famously caught rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels' Hail Mary toss for the game-winning touchdown last month to beat Chicago.
Armstrong has followed the Cowboys' downfall since leaving in free agency, saying simply, “It’s not good.” And that was before a piece of their stadium's roof fell Monday night before their fifth consecutive loss, a 34-10 blowout by Houston.
Injuries, including starting QB Dak Prescott's torn hamstring that led to season-ending surgery, have been the backdrop for Dallas' forgettable year. Coach Mike McCarthy, who is approaching the end of his contract and possibly his tenure, said he and his staff are “going to stay the course” and play who's available.
That means Cooper Rush again getting the nod in place of Prescott, though McCarthy said a package of plays could open up to get 2021 No. 3 pick Trey Lance into the game.
“Cooper’s been there for a little minute, so he knows the system really good," said Fowler, who leads the Commanders with 8 1/2 sacks. "Trey Lance is really good with his legs, and he’s a dynamic quarterback, as well. You don’t want to go out there half-stepping against those guys because they do play good football, as well.”
The Commanders have played far better football than the Cowboys so far this season, so much that the home team is a 10 1/2-point favorite on BetMGM Sportsbook. Washington has never been more than a nine-point favorite against Dallas in any game going back to at least 2003, according to BetMGM.
The Cowboys could get a bit of a spark with the anticipated return of receiver Brandin Cooks, who has seen way too much sorrow around him since he last played in Week 4.
“Get guys playing at a high level, playing fun, playing free and having a great time out there,” Cooks said. “That’s what I’m not seeing right now. I think we can go out there and be more joyful in our process.”
There's plenty of joy in Washington, with the playoffs still on the line, unlike in Dallas.
“It’s definitely cool to be in that type of position rather than being on the other side," Fowler said. “Just cool to see what Coach Quinn has just done since he came here with this team and getting a group of guys to come together and play as one.”
A rib injury knocked Daniels out of a rout of Carolina on Oct. 20, and while he did not miss a game, the 23-year-old has not been as dangerous or effective since. The No. 2 draft pick out of LSU and reigning Heisman Trophy winner has completed 59.5% of his passes the past four games after 75.6% before getting injured, and his average rushing yards were cut nearly in half from 53.1 to 27.5.
Quinn insists Daniels is not injured and pinned the regression on a lack of practice time in recent weeks. Daniels also said he's good to go after some extra rest following a 26-18 loss at Philadelphia on Thursday, Nov. 14.
“The mini bye, I think it just helps everything, just to reset your mind and get ready for the second half of the season,” Daniels said. “I was able to reset and refocus, restart.”
The offensive line has been a problem all season for the Cowboys. Now it’s a major injury concern.
Perennial All-Pro right guard Zack Martin and promising young left guard Tyler Smith sustained ankle injuries on the same drive in the fourth quarter for the Cowboys against the Texans.
Martin, who also is dealing with a shoulder issue, was ruled out against Washington. Smith is questionable while also working through a knee injury.
T.J. Bass and Brock Hoffman were the replacements at guard against the Texans. The Cowboys could start four linemen 25 or younger, although veteran tackle Chuma Edoga is expected to be available for the first time this season. Edoga was the projected starter at left tackle before injuring a toe in training camp.
“With Zack, he’s a keystone for our offensive line," McCarthy said. "That will be a big one. But it’s more opportunity for these young players who haven’t played a lot and are getting a lot of work."
McCarthy said the Cowboys “took a step backward, clearly” running the ball against Houston after making progress the previous couple of games. Rico Dowdle, now the clear lead back after ineffectiveness and off-field drama from Ezekiel Elliott, had just 28 yards on 10 carries, and the Cowboys finished with 64 yards.
They allowed 141 yards, including 109 and three touchdowns by Joe Mixon, and have the NFL's second-worst rushing defense. Washington's Brian Robinson Jr. has already set a career high with seven TD runs and could be in for a lot of carries.
“I look forward to running the ball any time,” Robinson said. “I’m prepared, I’m ready and if it happens like that, I’m ready for it."
AP Pro Football Writer Schuyler Dixon in Frisco, Texas, contributed to this report.
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels pauses during a news conference following an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb walks along the sideline in the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels watches from the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy speaks to reporters following an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Monday, Nov. 18, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. The Texans won 34-10. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush (10) is sacked by Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 18, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jerome Miron)
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn speaks during a news conference following an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn reaches out to running back Austin Ekeler (30) after his touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
