BBC Two has commissioned an hour-long documentary special, coproduced by Fremantle labels 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 (1×60’) “offers a rare glimpse into this ancient ritual.”
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.”
Secrets of the Conclave is a Wag Entertainment and Stand By Me production for BBC Two and BBC iPlayer. It is produced and directed by Elena Mortelliti. The Executive Producers for Wag Entertainment are Eliya Arman and Steven Green, and the Executive Producers for Stand By Me are Riccardo Chiattelli and Simona Ercolani. It was commissioned by Head of Commissioning, Specialist Factual, Jack Bootle and the Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Daisy Scalchi. The documentary is being distributed by Wag Entertainment.
Jon Creamer
Share this story
