As the world turns its attention to the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday afternoon for the opening of the papal conclave, one Filipino in Rome looked back on his experience of portraying an Asian cardinal in the 2024 award-winning film "Conclave."

Ariel Lachica, an overseas Filipino worker from Capiz, said his participation in the film had been a chance to glimpse the weight of history and faith. His portrayal came with intense preparation, and the scenes were guided by experts familiar with actual Vatican protocols. 

“Magandang experience sa akin ‘yun dahil kumbaga very rare, one-of-a-kind film na kung saan nagkataon ngayon na nakakaroon tayo ng conclave,” said Lachica, 57.

“Katulad ng ginagawa nila ngayon, ganoon din ang ginawa namin sa film. Kung napapanood ninyo, that’s very the same. Kasi nga, habang nagshu-shooting, may nagga-guide sa amin na dati ring kasama sa conclave sa Vatican. Kaya walang eksena na basta lang inimbento,” he said.

Forget the film: Vatican is preparing for the real 'Conclave'

Lachica said his role in the movie deepened his own spirituality and appreciation for the Church.

“[Bilang] relihiyoso, malaking impact sa akin 'yun. Nadagdagan talaga ‘yung faith ko, paniniwala ko. Kasi hindi lang basta karakter ang pinag-uusapan doon. You know, cardinal ka as a role—imagine, napakabigat noon,” he said.  

'Conclave' review: A thrilling insider's view on choosing the new Pope

Pope Francis died on April 21, triggering a call for the 133 cardinal electors to gather in the Sistine Chapel to select the new leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics.

With representatives from almost 70 countries across five continents, this conclave is the largest and the most international ever.

Catholic Church's direction in the balance as conclave looms

Cardinals from around the globe moved into a Vatican guest house on Tuesday ahead of the conclave to choose Pope Francis's successor.

Senior prelates were seen moving wheeled suitcases to the Vatican's Santa Marta guesthouse, with Britain's Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe calling out "bye! bye!" to well-wishers as they prepared for an uncertain period of prayer and politics.

Cardinals to move into Vatican on eve of conclave

Voting will begin Wednesday after the chapel is placed under a news blackout under pain of excommunication and will continue until one of the cardinals has won two-thirds support in a secret ballot. In the 20th and 21st centuries this has taken between two and five days.

Papal conclave: A tradition born of crisis