SAG Awards Spotlight: Conclave Cast Sends Love to Pope Francis Amid Health Woes
Showbiz meets spirituality at the 2025 SAG Awards, where the star-studded cast of “Conclave” took a moment to highlight the ongoing health struggle of 88-year-old Pope Francis. Ralph Fiennes, Isabella Rossellini, John Lithgow, and Sergio Castellitto made quite a splash by acknowledging the pontiff’s hospitalization while presenting clips from their film about the secretive process of electing a new pope. “First of all, we would like to wish Pope Francis a quick recovery,” Rossellini urged, though her mic didn’t quite cooperate, resulting in a giggle-worthy moment that Fiennes playfully salvaged.
The film “Conclave” dives into the murky waters of papal politics, a subject that seems to have struck a chord with audiences and Hollywood alike. As reported, this year’s awards season has been rife with pope-related humor, from Nikki Glaser’s cheeky quips at the Golden Globes to Kristen Bell turning her hosting gig into a light-hearted jab about the gossip skills of fictional popes. “The popes in Conclave were better at gossiping than us,” she remarked, prompting laughter from the audience.
But back to the real drama—the pope’s health crisis. Since being admitted for treatment of a serious respiratory infection and double pneumonia on February 14, he’s remained in critical condition, a fact that weighs heavily not just on the Church but on the cultural zeitgeist. Per Vatican updates, as of February 23, he continues to receive medical treatment, with many fans and faithfuls sending prayers his way.
On the silver screen side of things, “Conclave” isn’t just busy gracing award shows with its presence; it recently snagged the Best Film award at the BAFTAs and is setting up for a big moment at the Oscars with eight nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Fiennes. Critics are buzzing about its powerful storyline, especially given the backdrop of the current papal elections in reality, adding layers of intrigue to the movie’s narrative.
The SAG Awards were a pivotal moment for “Conclave,” and with awards like these leading up to the Oscars, all eyes are keenly watching how the film’s success intertwines with the Pope’s health journey. Fingers crossed for a healing and some tangible awards for the cast!
Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and E! Online, Vatican News, The Hollywood Reporter
