The Two Popes (2019)
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A fictionalized meeting between Pope Benedict XVI and Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio explores their differing views on the Church's future.
The story
Predominantly set in Vatican City in the aftermath of the Vatican leaks scandal, the film follows Pope Benedict XVI as he attempts to convince Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who eventually becomes Pope Francis, to reconsider his decision to resign as an archbishop. As Benedict confides his own intentions to abdicate the papacy, the two meet at the Palace of Castel Gandolfo. They debate the roles of God and the Church, recount their paths into the priesthood, and gradually warm to each other despite their differing perspectives on tradition and the necessity of change within the Catholic Church.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
In April 2005, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio is called to the Vatican following the death of Pope John Paul II. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger is elected Pope Benedict XVI, while Bergoglio receives the second-highest vote count. Seven years later, during the Vatican leaks scandal, Bergoglio submits his resignation as archbishop. The two meet at the Palace of Castel Gandolfo, where they discuss their spiritual paths and the Church's role. Benedict initially rejects Bergoglio's resignation, fearing it would weaken his leadership. Later, in the Room of Tears within the Sistine Chapel, Benedict confides his own intention to abdicate, citing his awareness of Father Marcial Maciel's misconduct and a feeling that he no longer hears God's words. Bergoglio objects, arguing for tradition, but eventually offers Benedict absolution. One year later, Benedict delivers his resignation, and Bergoglio is elected as Pope Francis in the 2013 conclave. The film ends with the two watching the 2014 FIFA World Cup final together from their respective residences.
- First release year
- 2019
- Runtime (minutes)
- 125
- Production countries
- United Kingdom; United States; Italy; Argentina
- Original languages
- English; Spanish; Italian
- Directors
- Fernando Meirelles
- Writers
- Anthony McCarten · screenplay
- Cast and characters
- Anthony Hopkins · Pope Benedict XVI; Jonathan Pryce · Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio (who eventually becomes Pope Francis)
- Genres
- biographical drama
- Themes
- forgiveness; mercy; tradition vs. change
- Tone and mood
- humorous; dramatic
- Premise and plot tags
- biographical; religious; historical fiction
- Source material / true-story basis
- Anthony McCarten's play The Pope
- Reception
- The film received high praise from critics for the performances of Pryce and Hopkins and the screenplay. It was described as an 'unexpected hit' at its premiere and received generally favorable reviews, with a 89% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a weighted average of 75 on Metacritic.
- Production trivia
- The film features a full-size reproduction of the Sistine Chapel interior created at the Cinecittà studios in Rome.; The poster image is the hunting lodge of villa Farnese.; The film's viewership on Netflix increased 417 percent following the death of Pope Francis in April 2025.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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