The traditionally secretive inner-workings of the papal conclave were brought to viewers through the innovative use of extended reality (XR) technology. Networks like NBC News and CNN created detailed virtual recreations of the Sistine Chapel, the location where cardinals cast their votes to elect the next pope. These virtual environments were used in explainer segments, offering viewers a clear visualization of the election process.
Both networks incorporated floating informational panels into their virtual chapels, outlining the steps involved in electing a new pope. While there were similarities between NBC's and CNN's versions – likely due to the extensive documentation of the Sistine Chapel's interior – NBC’s rendition boasted a richer visual quality. CNN's virtual chapel, in contrast, included figures of cardinals seated within the space. Exterior views of the Vatican City were also integrated into both networks' presentations. CNN's visualization also highlighted the chapel's famous vaulted ceilings with wider shots emphasizing the scale and frescoes.
The segments produced by CNN and MSNBC appeared to be pre-recorded. The future use of these virtual spaces, whether for live broadcasts or future segments, remains to be seen.
CBS took a different approach, utilizing its virtual production capabilities to place its talent within a circular room frequently used for weather segments. While not a full-scale virtual recreation of the Sistine Chapel, this technique allowed CBS to effectively illustrate the conclave's processes using virtual walls and imagery, such as incorporating a map onto the virtual floor. This was a more modest application of virtual production compared to the large scale models of NBC and CNN. The level of detail and scale of use differs between the networks, demonstrating diverse approaches to this emerging technology.
The production credits included Evan Hirsch, John Duber, Sam Mandragona, Nick Lerman, Geraldine Cols Azócar, Moriah Humiston, Kwame Antwi, Kevin Long, Erich Bartlebaugh, Barry Herzner, Matthew Nieroda, James Matarese and Marc E. Greenstein. Produced in collaboration between NBC Artworks and its studio production team.