The death of Pope Francis on April 21 has led to an increase in viewership for the drama film “Conclave” as people turn to streaming platforms from home. The movie, starring Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci, explores the selection of a new pontiff.
“Pope Francis,” who died at age 88 after complications from a stroke, was an Oscar nomination contender earlier this year. The film’s viewership spiked by 283% on April 21 compared to the previous day, with 6.9 million minutes viewed in total. This surge is attributed to increased interest following Pope Francis’ passing.
The cast of “Conclave” often discussed Pope Francis’ health during Oscar season, and their statements reflected a personal connection with the pontiff. Director Edward Berger’s film has been praised for its portrayal of the Vatican, sparking renewed interest among viewers.
Several Hollywood figures have shared emotional tributes to Pope Francis on social media, including Martin Scorsese, who described him as “a remarkable human being” who embodied forgiveness and goodness. The film is available on various PVOD platforms, including Amazon Prime Video at no extra cost to subscribers.
Source: https://variety.com/2025/film/news/conclave-streaming-views-pope-francis-death-1236375240