In the recent film Conclave, Hollywood once again reveals its agenda to undermine and attacking traditional Christian values under the guise of progressive storytelling. The film portrays a fictional papal election that ultimately results in a woman who presents herself as a man being elected as the Pope. This narrative, presented as a moral and virtuous outcome, is a blatant distortion of biblical principles and a clear insult to Catholicism and Christianity as a whole.

As an evangelical Protestant Christian, I found this portrayal deeply offensive, not only to the Catholic Church but to all who hold to biblical truth. It is not surprising that Hollywood would craft such a narrative, given its ongoing pattern of promoting anti-Christian ideologies, but the brazenness with which it is done in Conclave is particularly alarming.

The film pits a conservative Italian cardinal who warns against the dangers of Islamic extremism against a supposedly more ‘tolerant’ and ‘progressive’ candidate. The conservative is portrayed as the antagonist, despite his clear and valid concerns regarding the rise of violence against Christians in Europe (after they are attacked with a bomb right outside there door during the conclave election). This narrative twist serves as a perfect example of how Hollywood often demonizes those who uphold biblical values while elevating those who embrace secular, progressive ideologies.

 

Biblical Warnings About Deception and False Prophets

Scripture is filled with warnings about deception, false teachings, and the presentation of evil as good. The Bible clearly tells us that Satan can masquerade as an angel of light:

“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:13–15 KJV)

This is precisely what is depicted in Conclave. The character elected as Pope is presented as a unifying, peace-promoting figure while undermining biblical truth and morality. This deception is not new; it is a hallmark of Satan’s tactics to disguise evil as good and truth as a lie.

Jesus also warned that in the last days, false prophets and false Christs would arise to deceive, even the elect:

“For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” (Matthew 24:24 KJV)

In the context of modern media, these false messages are often dressed up as virtue, tolerance, and progressiveness. Yet, beneath the surface, they are direct attacks on the gospel, distorting truth to fit a secular agenda.

A Return to Sodom and Gomorrah

The moral decay depicted in Conclave is also reminiscent of the days of Sodom and Gomorrah, where sin was not only practiced but celebrated openly. The Bible warns that in the last days, society would regress to a state similar to those ancient cities:

“Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.” (Luke 17:28–29 KJV)

In the film, the election of a transgender Pope is presented as a victory for tolerance and progress, yet it is a clear indication of the growing normalization of sin and the rejection of biblical standards.

Standing Firm in the Truth

For believers, the response to such blasphemous portrayals should not be one of despair but of discernment and steadfastness. The Apostle Paul reminds us:

“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11 KJV)

We must be vigilant in discerning truth from lies and testing everything against Scripture. As Christians, our duty is to expose falsehood and uphold the gospel without compromise, regardless of how the world may portray us.

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Christians

The release of Conclave serves as yet another reminder that the entertainment industry is increasingly hostile to biblical truth, opting instead to promote ideologies that are in direct opposition to God’s Word. The glorification of deception, sin, and false virtue is a strategy that Satan has employed for centuries, and it is becoming more pervasive as the world hurtles towards the end times.

Now, more than ever, believers must arm themselves with the truth of Scripture, discern the spiritual deception around them, and remain steadfast in their faith, holding fast to the truth of God’s Word in a world that is rapidly embracing darkness as light.