‘A great loss.’ World reacts to death of Pope Francis
World leaders and faithful across the globe paid tribute to Pope Francis after news of his death.
After the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, “Conclave” is the first movie that comes to a lot of people’s minds. But don’t forget about the actual film about the late pontiff.
Directed by Fernando Meirelles, the 2019 Netflix dramedy “The Two Popes” centers on religious rivals-turned-friends Pope Benedict (Anthony Hopkins), aka Joseph Ratzinger, and Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio (Pryce), the future Pope Francis. The engaging historical fiction balances a serious side and a strong sense of humor with its two different main characters: While Benedict has conservative leanings, Bergoglio is a liberal seeking church reform, and their debate tells a tale of human understanding and fallibility.
“The Two Popes” is a fascinating look at the ins and outs of papal elections – five years before “Conclave” made that cool again – and a gem that revels in being funny.
What is ‘The Two Popes’ about?
After the death of Pope John Paul II, a papal conclave in Rome convenes to choose a new leader of a church caught between tradition and progressivism. The German cardinal Ratzinger is thought of as a natural successor and ultimately is picked, though Bergoglio receives a surprising amount of support. The introverted Ratzinger isn’t a fan of the popular Argentinian: When they run into each other in the bathroom, Bergoglio whistles ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” and Ratzinger dismissively asks, “What hymn is that?”
Seven years later, as the church’s conservatism has alienated Catholics and leaked documents regarding corruption have surfaced, Bergoglio is called to Benedict’s summer residence to discuss the church’s future. The South American bishop tells the pope he wants to retire, feeling like “a salesman” for a product he can’t endorse anymore, but heated conversations lead to heart-to-hearts between the two where they get to know each other, bonding over Fanta, pizza and World Cup soccer.
How to watch ‘The Two Popes’
The movie is streaming on Netflix.
Who plays Pope Francis in ‘The Two Popes’?
Pryce stars as the future Pope Francis while Anthony Hopkins is Pope Benedict, and they have sensational chemistry together. Hopkins plays Benedict as testy and headstrong before Bergoglio brings out appealing aspects of a man wrestling with his connection to God, while Pryce nails being a rock-star priest able to talk to anybody yet still hiding what he deems his own failures.
Both actors received Oscar nominations for their roles, with Pryce garnering a best actor nod and Hopkins landing in the supporting actor category. (Anthony McCarten also scored a screenplay nomination for adapting his own play “The Pope.”)
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