Podcast Summary: Fr. Mike Schmitz Reviews "Conclave" Movie

The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast hosted by Ascension presents a thoughtful and in-depth review of the movie "Conclave" in its episode released on May 2, 2025. Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the film's portrayal of the Catholic Church, its leadership, and the broader implications for faith and modern society. Below is a comprehensive summary capturing the key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.

1. Surge in Popularity and Contextual Backdrop

Fr. Mike begins by addressing the significant increase in viewership for "Conclave," noting a surge of "hundreds of percent percentage points" following the death of Pope Francis and the onset of a real-life conclave (00:30). This spike underscores the public's heightened interest in the inner workings of the Church's leadership during a pivotal transition period.

2. Public Reactions to the Movie

Fr. Mike categorizes the audience's responses into distinct groups:

• Vindicated Critics: These listeners feel validated in their negative perceptions of the Church, believing "the church is just horrible" and viewing the portrayal of corrupt and flawed cardinals as truthful (01:15).

• Offended Viewers: This group takes issue with Hollywood's depiction of cardinals as "caricatures," lamenting the oversimplification of complex personalities into clear "good guys" and "bad guys" (02:00). They argue that the movie unfairly labels traditionally conservative cardinals as inherently bad while portraying reformist figures positively.

• Shaken Believers: Fr. Mike identifies those who feel unsettled not by their faith in God, but by their faith in the Church institution itself. The film's emphasis on internal doubts and struggles within the Church resonates deeply with this group's experiences (03:10).

• Personal Reflection: Fr. Mike admits to being part of a fourth group—those who engage with the movie out of curiosity or external pressure but find themselves "suffering through it" due to the film's underlying message (04:00).

3. Critical Analysis of the Movie's Message

Fr. Mike critiques the movie for conveying that the Church, in its humanity, is inherently "bad" and that certainty is portrayed as detrimental. He expresses frustration with the "caricature" portrayal and the notion that "the humanity of the Church is the enemy" (06:30). According to him, this perspective misrepresents the Church's dual nature of holiness and humanity.

4. Theological Perspective on Church's Dual Nature

Emphasizing the foundational beliefs of Catholicism, Fr. Mike highlights that the Church is both "holy" and "human" since its inception. He references Jesus Christ's establishment of the Church and the Holy Spirit's guidance into all truth (07:45). Fr. Mike underscores that human imperfection has always been part of the Church's reality, citing historical examples like the betrayal of apostles and the contentious first Council of Jerusalem (09:15).

5. The Value of Certainty in Faith

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the concept of certainty. Fr. Mike challenges the movie's implication that certainty is harmful, arguing instead that having unwavering faith in Jesus Christ and the Church is "the most dangerous thing you possibly could have" in a positive sense (11:00). He posits that true conviction in faith provides strength and guidance, contrary to the film's portrayal of certainty as an enemy in a postmodern world (12:30).

6. Personal and Collective Reflection

Fr. Mike encourages listeners to introspect by looking into their own hearts to understand the Church's holiness and fallenness. He relates this personal examination to the collective experience of the Church, affirming that "holy, broken, messy" characterizes its existence yet remains faithful to Christ's foundation (13:50). This balance between acknowledging human flaws and upholding divine guidance is presented as essential to living a faithful Christian life.

7. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In wrapping up, Fr. Mike reiterates the importance of embracing both the holiness and humanity of the Church. He dismisses the need to be "scandalized" by its imperfections, advocating instead for a confident and steadfast faith rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ (14:20). His concluding message affirms the enduring strength and sanctity of the Church despite its human challenges.

Notable Quotes:

• Fr. Mike Schmitz (00:30): "People watching the movie Conclave has gone up hundreds of percent percentage points, a lot since the death of Pope Francis."

• Fr. Mike Schmitz (02:00): "Hollywood... make a movie where throughout, basically the whole movie, the cardinals are caricatures."

• Fr. Mike Schmitz (06:30): "The humanity of the Church is not the enemy. It's part of the Church."

• Fr. Mike Schmitz (11:00): "To have that certainty, to walk in that certitude, to live in that faith, I think that's a good way to live."

• Fr. Mike Schmitz (14:20): "Holy, broken, messy. But it is still the church that Jesus Christ himself established and continues to guide by the power of his Holy Spirit."

Fr. Mike Schmitz's review of "Conclave" serves as a profound exploration of the tensions between faith, institutional Church dynamics, and modern cultural perceptions. His insights encourage listeners to differentiate between personal faith and the human flaws present within religious institutions, advocating for a balanced and informed understanding of the Church's role in believers' lives.