The Two Popes

Overview

Fernando Meirelles's The Two Popes (2019) is a captivating and surprisingly nimble drama that peers behind the austere walls of the Vatican to imagine the private conversations and ideological clashes between two successors of Saint Peter. Based on the play "The Pope" by Anthony McCarten, the film uses the historical framework of Pope Benedict XVI's unprecedented resignation and Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio's subsequent election to craft a profound, witty, and deeply human exploration of faith, doubt, forgiveness, and change. Anchored by two masterful performances from Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce, the film transcends its talky premise to become a moving study of contrasting men united by their devotion, yet divided by their vision for the future of the Catholic Church.

Plot Synopsis (NO SPOILERS)

The film unfolds primarily through a series of imagined dialogues in the years leading up to the 2013 papal conclave. Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio (Jonathan Pryce), the Archbishop of Buenos Aires known for his progressive views and humble connection to the people, requests permission from Pope Benedict XVI (Anthony Hopkins) to retire. What he expects to be a brief, formal meeting instead becomes an extended and increasingly personal series of encounters at the Pope's summer residence, Castel Gandolfo, and within the Vatican itself.

Benedict, a staunch traditionalist and intellectual theologian, is grappling with a Church in crisis, besieged by scandal and a declining global flock. Bergoglio represents the very winds of change that Benedict views with deep suspicion. Their conversations are a delicate dance of theology, philosophy, and personal revelation. They debate doctrine, music, the role of the Church in the modern world, and the nature of God's mercy. Through flashbacks to Bergoglio's younger life in Argentina (where he is played by Juan Minujín), we learn of the burdens and regrets he carries from a complex past during the nation's military dictatorship.

As the narrative progresses, a monumental event looms—one that would shake the foundations of the institution. The heart of the film lies not in the pageantry of the conclave, but in the intimate, sometimes humorous, and often poignant struggle between two men of God. It is a story about finding common ground, the courage to confront one's own failings, and the unexpected friendship that can blossom between the most unlikely of pairs when they dare to speak truthfully to one another.

Cast and Characters

Anthony Hopkins as Pope Benedict XVI

Anthony Hopkins delivers a brilliantly nuanced performance, stripping the Pontiff of mere caricature to reveal a man of profound loneliness, intellectual rigor, and weary conviction. His Benedict is not a villain, but a conservative idealist painfully aware of his own shortcomings and the crumbling edifice he is tasked to maintain. Hopkins masterfully conveys a deep intelligence laced with vulnerability, making his rigid positions understandable, even sympathetic.

Jonathan Pryce as Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio / Pope Francis

Jonathan Pryce is the film's radiant soul, embodying Bergoglio's warmth, humility, and internal conflict with effortless charm and gravitas. He portrays a man wrestling with a past he seeks to atone for, whose faith is expressed through service and openness rather than dogma. Pryce captures the cardinal's playful wit, his deep compassion, and his palpable discomfort with the trappings of power, making his journey utterly compelling.

Juan Minujín as Young Bergoglio

Juan Minujín provides crucial emotional heft in the flashback sequences, portraying Bergoglio during his time as the Provincial of the Jesuits in Argentina. His performance effectively charts the younger man's transformation, his moments of principled courage, and the decisions that would haunt him for decades, adding essential layers to Pryce's portrayal of the older, wiser man.

Director and Style

Director Fernando Meirelles, known for the dynamic energy of City of God and The Constant Gardener, brings a surprising and effective visual vibrancy to what is essentially a chamber piece. He avoids static, stagey compositions by using dynamic camera movements, shooting through doorways and corridors to create a sense of eavesdropping on history. The Vatican's majestic spaces are rendered both awe-inspiring and isolating.

Meirelles employs a desaturated, cool palette for Benedict's world, contrasting it with the warmer, more vibrant tones associated with Bergoglio and the flashbacks to Argentina. The editing is sharp, often using match cuts and clever transitions to weave between timelines and debates, keeping the intellectual and theological ping-pong match visually engaging. The film's style serves the dialogue, emphasizing the human drama within the hallowed halls without ever becoming visually dull.

Themes and Impact

At its core, The Two Popes is a film about dialogue. It argues for the necessity of conversation between opposing worldviews—traditionalism and progressivism, guilt and grace, doubt and certainty. The central theme of forgiveness operates on multiple levels: forgiveness from God, forgiveness from the people, and, most crucially, self-forgiveness. Both men are portrayed as carrying profound regrets, and their journey toward absolution is the film's emotional backbone.

The film also thoughtfully examines institutional change versus doctrinal purity. It asks whether an ancient institution must adapt to survive and serve, or if compromise betrays its foundational truths. Furthermore, it explores the humanity of leaders, demystifying the papacy to show the individuals beneath the vestments—men who enjoy football (soccer), share pizza, play the piano, and grapple with profound loneliness. The film's impact lies in its compassionate, even-handed portrayal, allowing audiences to understand and empathize with both perspectives in a deeply polarized world.

Why Watch

Watch The Two Popes for the sheer pleasure of watching two acting legends at the peak of their powers, engaged in a duet of extraordinary subtlety and depth. It is a film that proves dialogue-driven drama can be as suspenseful and cinematic as any action thriller. Beyond the performances, it offers a rare, humanizing glimpse into a world of absolute power and spiritual responsibility, making the esoteric accessible and emotionally resonant.

Whether you are religious, spiritual, or secular, the film's universal questions about conscience, legacy, and reconciliation are profoundly moving. It is witty, intelligent, and unexpectedly uplifting—a story that finds hope not in easy answers, but in the courageous act of listening to an opposing voice. The Two Popes is a masterclass in acting, a triumph of intelligent screenwriting, and a beautifully crafted reminder of our shared humanity.