Conclave: An Interview With Robert Harris

Conclave: An Interview with Robert Harris – Unveiling the Secrets of the Papal Election

Robert Harris, the master of historical thriller, needs no introduction. His novels, meticulously researched and grippingly written, have captivated readers worldwide. From Fatherland to Munich, Harris expertly weaves fact and fiction, creating narratives that resonate with both historical accuracy and dramatic suspense. His 2002 novel, Conclave, offers a fascinating and meticulously detailed glimpse into the secretive world of a papal election, a conclave. This interview delves into the creation of Conclave, the challenges of writing about such a private and powerful institution, and Harris's enduring fascination with power, politics, and the human condition.

The Genesis of Conclave: A Seed of an Idea

Q: Mr. Harris, what sparked your interest in writing about a papal conclave? It's a subject shrouded in secrecy.

A: The idea came from a seemingly small thing – a news report about the death of a Pope. It struck me then how little we actually know about the process of electing a new one. The sheer drama of it, the weight of the decision, the intense pressure on these cardinals… it felt like a perfect setting for a novel. It was a closed world, full of intrigue and secrets, ripe for exploration. The inherent drama of such a critical moment in history, combined with the intrigue and power dynamics within the Vatican, presented a compelling challenge.

Research and Reality: Balancing Fiction and Fact

Q: Your novels are known for their meticulous historical research. How did you approach researching Conclave? Was accessing information about the conclave challenging?

A: Accessing information directly about the conclave itself was, unsurprisingly, extremely difficult. The Vatican is famously guarded about its internal workings. My research involved extensive reading of historical accounts of past conclaves, biographies of popes, and studies on the Catholic Church's history and theology. I also spoke to several experts on the Church and Vatican politics, though I obviously had to be careful about what I could and couldn't reveal in the novel. The challenge was to create a believable fictional conclave, rooted in the reality of the institution, yet allowing for the dramatic license that fiction demands. The key was to build a plausible scenario based on established facts and plausible assumptions.

The Cardinals: Creating Believable Characters

Q: The characters in Conclave are richly drawn, each with their own ambitions and motivations. How did you create these complex figures?

A: I wanted to create cardinals that were both believable and compelling. I drew inspiration from historical figures, from the personalities of various powerful individuals within the Catholic Church throughout history. But ultimately, each cardinal in the novel had to have his own unique motivations, his own weaknesses, his own strengths. The power struggles, the ideological clashes, the personal ambitions – these were all vital ingredients in crafting a realistic portrayal of the conclave dynamic. Their individual stories were as crucial as the collective drama of the election.

The Power of Secrecy and Intrigue

Q: Conclave is a story not only about the election of a pope but also about power, ambition, and the manipulation of information. How did you explore these themes in the novel?

A: The conclave is, by its very nature, a breeding ground for intrigue. The cardinals are locked away, under immense pressure, with their own agendas at stake. This environment fosters a culture of secrecy and suspicion, where alliances shift constantly, and information becomes a powerful weapon. I wanted to explore how these dynamics play out, how personal ambition can override religious devotion, and how the desire for power can corrupt even the most pious individuals. The secrecy itself becomes a character in the narrative, shaping the actions and decisions of the participants.

The Human Element: Faith, Doubt, and Ambition

Q: Beyond the political machinations, Conclave also delves into the inner lives of the cardinals, their faith, doubts, and personal struggles. How important was this aspect of the story to you?

A: The human element was absolutely crucial. While the political intrigue provides the framework for the story, the true heart of Conclave lies in the individual journeys of the cardinals. Their faith, their doubts, their personal ambitions – these are what make them relatable and compelling characters. I wanted to show that even within such a powerful and influential institution, the individuals are ultimately human, struggling with the same complexities of faith, morality, and ambition that we all face. This allows readers to connect with the characters on a personal level, regardless of their familiarity with the Catholic Church or its internal workings.

The Enduring Appeal of Conclave

Q: Why do you think Conclave continues to resonate with readers, even years after its publication?

A: I think the enduring appeal of Conclave stems from its exploration of timeless themes. The novel deals with power, ambition, secrecy, faith, and doubt – themes that are relevant across cultures and throughout history. The setting of the conclave – a closed world of intense pressure and intrigue – provides a unique backdrop for exploring these themes in a dramatic and compelling way. Furthermore, the novel's exploration of the human condition within a high-stakes environment is something that readers can connect with on a fundamental level.

The Legacy of Conclave: A Lasting Impression

Q: Looking back, what are you most proud of achieving with Conclave?

A: I'm proud of creating a believable and engaging story about a subject that is largely unknown to the general public. I aimed to illuminate the process of a papal conclave in a way that is both accurate and entertaining, allowing readers to get a glimpse into a world that is usually closed off from outsiders. It was a challenge, but I hope that I succeeded in creating a novel that is both informative and thrilling.

Beyond the Vatican Walls: The Broader Appeal

Q: Conclave transcends a simple thriller; it's a study of power dynamics and human nature within a specific context. What is your hope for readers taking away from the novel?

A: My hope is that readers will come away with a deeper understanding of the Catholic Church, the process of electing a pope, and the complex interplay of power and politics within such a powerful institution. But more importantly, I hope that they will also be left pondering the enduring questions about human nature, the allure of power, and the delicate balance between faith and ambition. These are questions that transcend the specific context of the Vatican and resonate universally.

Conclusion: Robert Harris's Conclave is more than just a thrilling read; it is a masterful exploration of power, faith, and the human condition. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Harris has created a novel that continues to captivate readers and offer insightful commentary on timeless themes. The interview provides a fascinating glimpse into the genesis of the novel, the challenges of writing about such a private and powerful institution, and the enduring appeal of Harris's masterful work.