Behind the walls of the Vatican, one of the most dramatic transitions of power in the history of the Roman Catholic Church unfolds. From Academy Award–nominated director Fernando Meirelles (The Constant Gardener) and screenwriter Anthony McCarten (The Theory of Everything), the biographical drama The Two Popes explores the role of the Church in the modern world through the relationship of two pontiffs: traditionalist Pope Benedict XVI and his liberal successor, Pope Francis. 

Pope Benedict, played by Anthony Hopkins, resigned from the papacy in 2013. Pope Francis, played by Jonathan Pryce, served in the role for 12 years until his death in April 2025. Both Hopkins and Price earned Oscar nominations for their portrayals. 

Where can I stream The Two Popes?

You can watch The Two Popes on Netflix now.

Who’s in the cast of The Two Popes?

• Anthony Hopkins (The Silence of the Lambs, Nixon) as Pope Benedict XVI
• Jonathan Pryce (The Crown, Tomorrow Never Dies) as Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, later Pope Francis
• Juan Minujín (Caught, El Marginal) as young Jorge Bergoglio 

What happens in The Two Popes?

Frustrated by the direction the Church is taking, Argentine Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio has sent multiple letters of resignation to the Vatican, all of which have gone unanswered. After deciding to resign in person, the Cardinal is surprised to learn he’s been summoned to join Pope Benedict XVI for a one-on-one meeting at the Vatican. When the pair meet, the sitting Pope repeatedly pushes back on Bergoglio’s more progressive beliefs. So the Cardinal is shocked to learn that not only has Benedict decided to step down from the papacy, he also sees in Bergoglio a suitable successor. Set in the aftermath of the 2012 Vatican leaks scandal, The Two Popes tells the story of the pontiffs’ relationship as they find commonality despite their opposing beliefs. 

Is The Two Popes based on a book?

No. The Two Popes is based on Academy Award–nominated screenwriter Anthony McCarten’s stage play The Pope, which he adapted into the screenplay for the film. The playwright and author was inspired to write the play following a trip to Rome, during which he’d learned it’d been more than 600 years since two pontiffs were alive at the same time. McCarten’s play imagines the conversations the two may have had as they prepared for a transition of power from one pope to the next. 

Is The Two Popes based on a true story?

Yes. The film was inspired by the real relationship between Pope Benedict XVI and his successor, Pope Francis, after the 2012 Vatican leaks scandal and upon Benedict’s resignation. 

Where does The Two Popes take place?

The Two Popes primarily takes place in Vatican City and in the pope’s summer residence, the Palace of Castel Gandolfo. The film also explores Pope Francis’ life in Argentina.  

Historical Dramas to Stream Now