“Secrets of the Conclave” is a BBC documentary that goes inside the Vatican during the 2025 papal election following Pope Francis's death earlier in the year. Expect exclusive footage of rituals in the Sistine Chapel, interviews with participating cardinals, and rare context around the spiritual and political dimensions of choosing a new Pope.
The film chronicles the election of Pope Leo XIV and aims to separate fact from fiction for viewers intrigued by conclave lore.
Here’s how to watch “Secrets of the Conclave” online from anywhere with a VPN — and potentially for FREE.
“Secrets of the Conclave” premieres on BBC Two at 9 p.m. GMT on Monday, December 22, 2025.
• WATCH FREE — BBC Two / BBC iPlayer (U.K.)
• Watch anywhere — try NordVPN 100% risk free
This one-hour special promises exclusive, “world-first” access to the rites and realities of the 2025 conclave, featuring unseen footage from inside the Sistine Chapel and interviews with the cardinals who participated. It traces events from Pope Francis's mourning through the white smoke and the election of Pope Leo XIV.
Don’t confuse this factual BBC documentary with the 2024/2025 fictional film “Conclave” starring Ralph Fiennes. That’s a thriller based on a novel and is separate from this program. The movie is already available on major platforms, while “Secrets of the Conclave” is the BBC’s real behind-the-scenes account.
Read on to find out how to watch “Secrets of the Conclave” online, on TV and from anywhere.
How to watch ‘Secrets of the Conclave’ for FREE in the U.K.
How to watch ‘Secrets of the Conclave’ abroad
Thanks to a VPN (Virtual Private Network), “Secrets of the Conclave” should be available to Brits wherever they are. Connect to a UK server to make your device appear to be in the U.K., then sign in to BBC iPlayer to stream live or on-demand after it airs. Services like NordVPN are suitable for this. You may be asked to confirm you have a UK TV licence.
Using a VPN is incredibly simple.
1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favourite.
2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're outside the U.K. and want to access a U.K. service, you'd select U.K. from the list.
3. Sit back and watch the show. Head to BBC iPlayer to stream “Secrets of the Conclave” live or on demand.
How to watch ‘Secrets of the Conclave’ around the world
Can I watch ‘Secrets of the Conclave’ in the United States?
There isn’t a confirmed U.S. broadcast or streaming date yet. Based on typical BBC distribution, expect it to land later on services such as BBC Select (via Amazon Prime Video Channels, the Apple TV app, or The Roku Channel), with BritBox or PBS also possible.
If you want immediate access on December 22, use a VPN like NordVPN to connect to a U.K. server should you be a Brit abroad.
Can I watch ‘Secrets of the Conclave’ online or on TV in Canada?
There’s no confirmed Canadian TV slot yet.
Expect it to arrive on BBC Select in Canada within weeks or months of the U.K. premiere. BBC Select is available as an add-on via Amazon Prime Video or the Apple TV app and typically costs around $6.99/month, often with a free trial.
For day-one viewing, use a VPN such as NordVPN if you're out of the U.K. right now.
Can I watch ‘Secrets of the Conclave’ online in Australia?
There’s no confirmed Australian broadcast yet.
Visiting Oz from the U.K.? Unlock "Secrets of the Conclave" with NordVPN.
‘Secrets of the Conclave’ — Who’s in it?
- Featured: Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who became Pope Leo XIV during the 2025 papal election
- The Cardinal Electors: Interviews with several of the 133 cardinals who took part in the vote
- Production team: Directed by Elena Mortelliti (Pompeii: The New Dig) and produced by Wag Entertainment and Stand By Me
What is “Secrets of the Conclave,” and how is it different from the film “Conclave”?
“Secrets of the Conclave” is a factual BBC documentary with unprecedented access to the 2025 papal election inside the Vatican. The similarly titled film “Conclave” (Ralph Fiennes) is a fictional thriller and not related to this BBC special.
Is Pope Leo XIV a real person?
Yes. The documentary follows the real 2025 election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who took the name Pope Leo XIV after the death of Pope Francis.
How did the BBC get cameras inside the Sistine Chapel?
Vatican Media granted extraordinary, world-first access to the production teams (Wag Entertainment and Stand By Me), enabling filming of rituals, prayer, and the entry of the 133 cardinals into isolation.
Does the documentary show the actual voting ballots?
It features unseen footage of the ancient rituals and the voting process, alongside firsthand accounts from participating cardinals that explain the complexities of the secret election.
More from Tom's Guide
- How to watch "IT: Welcome to Derry"
- 10 greatest movies of the past decade, ranked
- How to watch The Ashes
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
