BBC reveals Secrets of the Conclave in new documentary special

BBC Two and iPlayer have commissioned an hour-long documentary special, coproduced by Fremantle’s Wag Entertainment and Stand By Me, with extraordinary access to the Vatican during the conclave that followed the death of Pope Francis earlier this year.

The papal conclave is among the most significant and closely guarded events in the Catholic Church, where cardinals serve not only as electors but as potential successors to the papacy. Featuring exclusive footage from the Vatican and interviews with cardinals who attended to cast their vote, Secrets of the Conclave (1x60’) offers a rare glimpse into this ancient ritual which is a process of prayer, discussion, spiritual reflection and divine guidance as cardinals make their selection.

Daisy Scalchi, BBC Head of Religion and Ethics for Television, BBC said: “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.”

Eliya Arman, Executive Producer, Wag Entertainment said: “As filmmakers, we felt it was an extraordinary privilege to hear from the cardinals themselves about what truly happened inside the Sistine Chapel. 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 Stand by Me added: "It was a great honour 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 centre."

Now, for the first time, through extraordinary access to the Vatican, Secrets of the Conclave provides viewers with a unique, real-life insight into a tradition that has shaped the leadership of the Catholic Church for centuries, charting the journey from the mourning of Pope Francis to the white smoke, and inauguration of Pope Leo XIV.”

Secrets of the Conclave is a Wag Entertainment and Stand By Me production for BBC Two and BBC iPlayer. It was commissioned by Daisy Scalchi, Head of Commissioning, Religion and Ethics. The Executive Producers for Wag Entertainment are Eliya Arman and Steven Green, the Executive Producers for Stand By Me are Riccardo Chiattelli and Simona Ercolani.

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