The Two Popes (Film)

The Two Popes is a 2019 biographical drama film released on the Netflix platform, directed by Fernando Meirelles and written by Anthony McCarten. The film dramatizes a pivotal moment in the recent history of the Catholic Church through ideological and personal dialogues between Pope Benedict XVI and Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio (later Pope Francis). Based on real events, the film explores debates surrounding papal reform, religious responsibility, and moral questioning.

The film is set in 2012. Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, known for his calls for modernization and reform within the Catholic Church, is summoned to Rome to submit his resignation to Pope Benedict XVI. During this visit, however, Pope Benedict himself is contemplating his own resignation and considers Bergoglio as his successor. The film centers on the extended conversations between the two religious leaders, shaped by their meetings in the Vatican, their personal histories, belief systems, and ideological differences.

The film examines the conflict between calls for reform and conservative tradition within the Catholic Church through the contrasting perspectives of its two main characters. Cardinal Bergoglio’s advocacy for change and openness stands in opposition to Pope Benedict XVI’s more traditional and conservative approach.

Flashbacks to the lives of both leaders reveal personal and societal traumas they have endured. The film illustrates that even devout individuals can experience doubt, regret, and the search for forgiveness.

The responsibilities, isolation, and spiritual burden of the papacy lie at the heart of the film. The moral dimensions of leadership and its impact on human beings are especially reflected through Pope Benedict XVI’s internal conflicts.

• Anthony Hopkins – Pope Benedict XVI
• Jonathan Pryce – Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio (Pope Francis)
• Juan Minujín – Young Bergoglio
• Sidney Cole – Cardinal Turkson
• Thomas D. Williams – Cardinal Sodano

The film was produced by Netflix and premiered at the 2019 Venice Film Festival before being released globally on digital platforms. Filming took place in Argentina, Italy, and around the Vatican, with locations such as St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel meticulously recreated to match their original appearances.

The screenplay, written by Anthony McCarten, is based on his own stage play. The film was shot in English and Spanish.

The Two Popes received numerous international award nominations in 2020, including the Academy Awards (Oscars):

• Best Actor (Jonathan Pryce) – Oscar Nominee
• Best Supporting Actor (Anthony Hopkins) – Oscar Nominee
• Best Adapted Screenplay (Anthony McCarten) – Oscar Nominee
• 2020 BAFTA Awards – Nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay
• 2020 Golden Globe Awards – Nominations for both lead actors