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Two Popes, One Church: The Netflix Drama That Left Viewers Speechless

The UBJ Desk

The UBJ Desk

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Two Popes, One Church: The Netflix Drama That Left Viewers Speechless

What Is The Two Popes About?

The Two Popes is a biographical drama inspired by real events inside the Vatican. The film takes viewers deep behind the scenes of one of the most unusual transitions of power in modern religious history — the handoff of the papacy from Pope Benedict XVI to Pope Francis.

The film explores:

  • The resignation of Pope Benedict in 2013 (a rare move in Church history)
  • The rise of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, later known as Pope Francis
  • Their surprising friendship, despite opposite views on religion and leadership
  • The fallout of the 2012 Vatican leaks scandal

It’s not just about religion — it’s about change, legacy, forgiveness, and what it really means to lead.

Who Made The Two Popes?

The film comes from a team known for emotional, character-driven storytelling:

  • Director: Fernando Meirelles (The Constant Gardener)
  • Screenwriter: Anthony McCarten (Bohemian Rhapsody, The Theory of Everything)
  • Based on McCarten’s stage play, The Pope

This duo turns a political-religious moment into a gripping, human drama that plays like a dialogue between two minds — and two worlds.

Who’s in the Cast of The Two Popes?

Anthony Hopkins as Pope Benedict XVI

Famous for The Silence of the Lambs, Hopkins delivers a subtle, complex performance as the conservative and scholarly pope.

Jonathan Pryce as Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio (Pope Francis)

Known from The Crown and Game of Thrones, Pryce shines as the warm, humble, and progressive leader who will eventually become Pope Francis.

Juan Minujín as Young Bergoglio

He brings depth to flashbacks of Pope Francis’ early life in Argentina.

Both Hopkins and Pryce received Academy Award nominations for their roles.

What Happens in The Two Popes?

The movie begins shortly after the death of Pope John Paul II, when Cardinal Bergoglio wants to resign due to disagreements with the Church’s direction.

But instead of accepting his resignation, Pope Benedict XVI invites him to the Vatican. What follows is a powerful series of conversations — some tense, some humorous, and all meaningful — that lead to a historic decision.

Set against the backdrop of the Vatican leaks scandal, the film shows:

  • Two very different men learning from each other
  • The tension between tradition and progress
  • The quiet humanity inside global religious leadership

Eventually, Benedict reveals his plan to step down, and Bergoglio becomes his chosen successor.

Is The Two Popes Based on a Book?

Not exactly.

The movie is based on Anthony McCarten’s stage play The Pope, which was inspired by his trip to Rome. He learned it had been over 600 years since two popes were alive at the same time — and he imagined what their private conversations might have been like.

So while not a word-for-word history, The Two Popes is deeply inspired by real events.

Is The Two Popes a True Story?

Yes — mostly.

  • Pope Benedict XVI really did resign in 2013, shocking the world.
  • Pope Francis really was chosen as his successor after that.
  • The events occur in the wake of the 2012 Vatileaks scandal, involving leaked Vatican documents exposing corruption.

While some dialogue is dramatized, the overall story is rooted in historical fact.

Where Does The Two Popes Take Place?

The film is mainly set in:

  • Vatican City — the official residence of the Pope
  • Castel Gandolfo — the Pope’s summer retreat outside Rome
  • Argentina — showing flashbacks from Pope Francis’ early life

The visuals are stunning, with scenes shot in ornate churches, quiet gardens, and historic Vatican locations.

With the death of Pope Francis in April 2025, the film has seen a major spike in interest. Viewers are revisiting The Two Popes to better understand the man behind the papacy and his complex relationship with Benedict XVI.

It's a timely reminder of the legacy both men left behind, and the emotional weight of a quiet revolution within the world’s oldest institution.

Where Can You Watch The Two Popes?

You can stream The Two Popes on Netflix now.

It’s an emotional, thoughtful film that appeals not just to religious audiences, but anyone interested in power, transformation, and compassion.

Why You Should Watch The Two Popes

If you're looking for a movie that is:

  • Rich in dialogue and performance
  • Based on true historical events
  • A story of forgiveness and friendship
  • Full of Oscar-worthy acting

Then The Two Popes is a must-watch.

It’s not just a movie about popes — it’s a movie about people, trying to do the right thing in a complicated world.

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