Habemus Papam.

This is one of the expressions among many others I picked up from the movie Conclave.

With the election of a new pope having been concluded, and like many others, I took the opportunity to watch the movie Conclave.

The film “Conclave” offers not just a gripping narrative but also a treasure trove of sophisticated vocabulary. These words can add precision and flair to your everyday communication. Let us explore six impressive words from the movie that you can incorporate into your daily expressions.

The words are

• Simony
• Pontificate
• Temerity
• Sequestered
• Mendacious
• Laparoscopic hysterectomy

1. Simony

“It’s the report on the activities of Tremblay. It’s an overwhelming prima facie case that he is guilty of simony, which, of course, is an offence stipulated in the Holy Scriptures”

Context: Cardinal Lawerence talks about Cardinal Tremblay being guilty of simony and traded this for votes

Definition: The buying or selling of ecclesiastical privileges, church offices, or sacred things.

For example: “The university president’s practice of accepting large donations in exchange for guaranteed admissions spots seemed like a modern form of simony.”

2. Pontificate

“You have no idea how bad it became, Thomas. The way he and his circle attacked the Holy Father towards the end. The smears, the leaks to the press. It was savage. He fought him every single day of his pontificate.”

Context: Cardinal Bellini uses this term when discussing with Cardinal Lawerence, Cardinal Tedesco’s behavior towards the past Pope.

Definition: To speak in a dogmatic or pompous manner; alternatively, to serve as a pontiff.

For example: “Please don’t pontificate about proper parenting techniques when you’re just visiting for the weekend.”

3. Temerity

“Thomas I’ve come to ask for your forgiveness. I had the temerity to tell you to examine your heart”

Context: Cardinal Bellini asks for Cardinal Lawrence’s forgiveness after being harsh with him earlier and questioning his ambition for the seat of the Pope.

Definition: Excessive confidence or boldness; audacity.

For example: “She had the temerity to correct her boss in front of the entire board of directors.”

4. Sequestered

“We must say nothing to the cardinal electors about this, Ray. We are sequestered, and they must be shielded from all news that may influence their judgment.”

Context: Cardinal Lawerence requests that the news of the bombing happening across Europe are not shared with the Cardinals. This may cause them to vote for the hardline and traditionalist Cardinal Tedesco.

Definition: Isolated or hidden away; set apart from others.

For example: “The jury was sequestered in a hotel during the high-profile murder trial to avoid media influence.”

5. Mendacious

“If the report is mendacious, then why did the Holy Father in his last official act as Pope ask you to resign?”

Context: Cardinal Lawerence disagrees with Cardinal Tremblay’s stance when he confronts him on the accusations of simony during a heated argument.

Definition: Not telling the truth; lying or false.

For example: “The politician’s mendacious claims about his military service were quickly exposed by journalists.”

6. Laparoscopic hysterectomy

“Cardinal Benitez: There was no treatment. I considered it. I prayed for guidance and decided against it.

Cardinal Lawerence: But what would it have been, this treatment?

Cardinal Benitez: It was called a laparoscopic hysterectomy.”

Context: Cardinal Benitez shares the bombshell of news that previous Pope new, and arranged to have corrected for Cardinal Benitez.

Definition: A minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove the uterus using a laparoscope.

For example: “My aunt was back on her feet just two weeks after undergoing a laparoscopic hysterectomy, thanks to advances in medical technology.”

How to Incorporate These Words

The key to using these words is context. Do not force these words into conversation. Instead, wait for the right moment. Start with one or two words that particularly resonate with you.

Conclusion

Conclave is a good watch. You will enjoy it not just for the narrative, the intrigue but also for the shocking final secret at the end. Once or twice, you may have to pause and reach for the dictionary.

Which of these words from “Conclave” will you try using first?