Megyn Kelly Calls ‘Conclave’ a ‘Disgusting Anti-Catholic’ Film

SPOILER ALERT: This article divulges critical plot revelations from the finale of Edward Berger’s “Conclave.”

Megyn Kelly recently employed the platform X to express her disdain for Edward Berger’s “Conclave,” denouncing it as a “disgusting anti-Catholic film.” This acclaimed drama features Ralph Fiennes as a cardinal who navigates the treacherous waters of Vatican intrigue while orchestrating a papal conclave to elect the next pope. Premiering at the Telluride Film Festival last year, the film has swiftly positioned itself as a formidable contender in the ongoing awards season.

“I just made the egregious error of viewing the much-lauded ‘Conclave,’ and it stands as the most repugnant anti-Catholic narrative I have encountered in recent memory,” Kelly articulated to her 3.4 million followers on X. “Shame upon Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and John Lithgow for their participation, as well as on director Edward Berger and others involved.”

Kelly expressed particular indignation regarding the film’s climactic revelation, whereby the newly elected pope, Vincent Cardinal Benitez (Carlos Diehz), discloses his intersex identity. Fiennes’ character, in a moment of complicity, vows to maintain this secret as his appointment is announced.

“They make THE POPE INTERSEX! This forms the pivotal twist at the conclusion. Had I known, I would have refrained from watching,” she lamented. “Virtually every character is devoid of moral integrity; each cardinal is depicted as morally bankrupt or repugnant. The sole exceptions being the intersex pope (who, unsurprisingly, possesses female reproductive organs) and the cardinal who conceals her truth—because naturally, such Catholic duplicity must be celebrated. I am appalled. It is indeed troubling that this film is released for streaming just ahead of the Christmas season. Would similar portrayals ever be dared upon Muslims? Yet Christians and Catholics are perpetually subjected to mockery and vilification.”

“Conclave” boasts a stellar cast, including the likes of Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Sergio Castellitto, and Isabella Rossellini. Kelly’s critiques surfaced mere hours prior to the 2025 Golden Globes, where “Conclave” has garnered six nominations, including best motion picture drama, best director, and best actor for Fiennes. The film also achieved eleven nominations at the 2025 Critics’ Choice Awards, tying with “Wicked” for the lead.

In stark contrast to Kelly’s vitriol, Variety film critic Peter Debruge extolled “Conclave,” praising it for possessing “one of the most gratifying twists in years—a Hail Mary that both astonishes and rekindles one’s faith, albeit not universally, but certainly for the disenchanted.” He further commended Fiennes’ nuanced portrayal as his character grapples with a profound internal conflict between fidelity and skepticism.

Currently, “Conclave” is available in theaters and can be streamed on Peacock.