I saw 'Conclave' in theaters 5 times. Here's why Gen Z was so obsessed with it — and the real thing.

Cardinals attending the opening of this year's conclave.

Vatican Media/Vatican Pool - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images

• Gen Z's intrigue with the papal conclave surged because they'd had a juicy primer in the film "Conclave."
• The movie offered a fictional glimpse into the secretive papal selection process.
• "Conclave" became a box-office hit, resonating with Gen Z's love for drama and exclusivity.

I have a confession.

I saw "Conclave," the movie, five times in the theater.