Megyn Kelly criticized the Golden Globes front-runner Conclave as “the most disgusting anti-Catholic film I have seen in a long time.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter) Sunday, Kelly condemned the movie’s portrayal of the Vatican and revealed its controversial plot twist: the election of an intersex pope.
“Just made the huge mistake of watching the much-celebrated Conclave, and it is the most disgusting anti-Catholic film I have seen in a long time,” Kelly wrote. She called out the film’s lead actors—Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and John Lithgow—as well as director Edward Berger. “Shame on them,” she added.
Kelly further criticized the timing of the movie’s release, which coincided with the Christmas season. “What a thing to release to streaming just in time for Christmas,” she said, suggesting the film targets Christians. “They would never do this to Muslims, but Christians/Catholics are always fair game to mock, belittle, [and] smear.”
Conclave, based on Robert Harris’s novel, explores the political intrigue and power struggles of a Vatican conclave tasked with electing a new pope. The film’s twist—that the chosen pope is intersex—has sparked widespread backlash online. Critics called the twist “random” and “nonsensical,” with many accusing the filmmakers of pushing a “woke” agenda.
Produced by Focus Features, Conclave is a favorite to win Best Picture at the Golden Globes and is expected to earn multiple Academy Award nominations. Despite the film’s critical acclaim, Kelly’s remarks echo broader frustrations among conservative viewers who feel the movie disrespects Catholic traditions and faith.
This controversy highlights ongoing cultural tensions over the portrayal of religion in media, especially when such portrayals clash with deeply held beliefs. As the awards season progresses, Conclave will likely continue to draw both praise and criticism for its provocative storyline.
