The film “The Two Popes” offers a compelling, albeit dramatized, portrayal of the relationship between Pope Benedict XVI and then-Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio before Bergoglio’s ascent to the papacy. While the film captures the essence of their differing theological viewpoints and the historical context of Benedict’s unprecedented resignation, it takes considerable liberties with the specifics of their conversations and interactions.
A Dramatic Rendition: The Truth Behind the Script
“The Two Popes,” directed by Fernando Meirelles, is a work of fiction inspired by real events. It aims to explore the complexities of faith, tradition, and change within the Catholic Church, using the dynamic between the conservative Benedict XVI and the more progressive Bergoglio as its central narrative engine. However, viewers should be aware that the film presents a highly speculative account of their personal interactions.
The film’s power lies in its imagined dialogues, portraying the men grappling with their roles, their beliefs, and the challenges facing the Church. These dialogues are largely the creation of screenwriter Anthony McCarten and are not based on verifiable transcripts or recordings. While the film draws upon established theological stances and publicly available information about the two men, its intimate scenes are fictionalized for dramatic effect.
The movie also condenses timelines and simplifies complex political and religious dynamics. The conversations depicted, particularly those taking place in the Vatican gardens and Castel Gandolfo, are conjectural renderings of their likely discussions, rather than accurate transcripts.
Historical Accuracy vs. Dramatic License
The film is more accurate in depicting the broader historical context. Benedict XVI’s resignation in 2013 was indeed a historic event, marking the first papal resignation in nearly 600 years. The film also accurately portrays the scandals that plagued the Catholic Church during Benedict’s papacy, contributing to the pressure that led to his departure.
Bergoglio’s background in Argentina is also presented with some fidelity, including his work with the poor and his experiences during the “Dirty War.” However, the film’s depiction of Bergoglio’s actions during this period has been subject to some debate, with historians and critics offering differing interpretations of his role.
While the underlying themes and historical backdrop are generally accurate, the core of the film – the personal relationship and specific conversations between the two men – is largely a product of the screenwriter’s imagination.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
H3 Did Pope Benedict XVI and Cardinal Bergoglio actually meet at Castel Gandolfo before Benedict’s resignation?
While they undoubtedly met on numerous occasions, there’s no public record or confirmation that a private, extended meeting like the one depicted in the film took place at Castel Gandolfo before Benedict’s resignation. Such meetings would likely have occurred, but the film’s dramatic portrayal is largely speculative.
H3 How accurate is the film’s portrayal of Benedict XVI’s personality and theological views?
The film accurately reflects Benedict’s conservative theological stance and his concern for preserving traditional Catholic teachings. Anthony Hopkins’ portrayal captures a sense of Benedict’s intellectual rigor and his internal struggles. However, the film may exaggerate his rigidity and reluctance to embrace change for dramatic effect.
H3 How accurate is the film’s portrayal of Jorge Bergoglio’s personality and theological views?
The film generally portrays Bergoglio’s progressive views and his commitment to social justice accurately. Jonathan Pryce captures Bergoglio’s humility and his emphasis on reaching out to the marginalized. However, the film simplifies the complexities of his theological positions for the sake of narrative clarity.
H3 Did Cardinal Bergoglio really consider resigning as Archbishop of Buenos Aires?
Yes, it is documented that Cardinal Bergoglio offered his resignation as Archbishop of Buenos Aires around the age of 75, as is customary for bishops. However, Pope John Paul II initially refused it. The film accurately portrays this fact, although the context and reasons for his desire to resign might be slightly dramatized.
H3 Is the film’s depiction of Bergoglio’s role during Argentina’s “Dirty War” accurate?
The film touches upon Bergoglio’s role during Argentina’s “Dirty War,” but this remains a subject of historical debate. While the film depicts him as sheltering dissidents, critics argue that he could have done more to challenge the military junta. The film offers a simplified and somewhat sympathetic portrayal, which has drawn controversy.
H3 Did Pope Benedict XVI really enjoy watching the TV show “Kommissar Rex?”
This is a well-documented detail. Pope Benedict XVI was indeed known to enjoy watching “Kommissar Rex,” an Austrian police procedural featuring a German Shepherd dog. This small, humanizing detail is accurate and adds a touch of realism to the film.
H3 How much of the dialogue in the film is based on actual conversations between the two popes?
Virtually none of the dialogue is based on verbatim transcripts or recorded conversations. The film’s dialogue is entirely the creation of the screenwriter, drawing upon the known theological positions and public statements of the two men.
H3 Was the election of Pope Francis really influenced by Benedict XVI’s support?
While it’s impossible to know the full extent of Benedict’s influence, it’s reasonable to assume that his resignation and subsequent presence at the Vatican indirectly shaped the environment in which the conclave took place. The film suggests a more direct endorsement, which is speculative.
H3 Does the film accurately depict the inner workings of the Vatican and the process of papal succession?
The film offers a simplified and somewhat romanticized view of the Vatican’s inner workings. The complexities of papal politics and the secretive nature of the conclave are condensed for dramatic purposes.
H3 Is it true that Bergoglio danced tango?
Yes, there is evidence and anecdotes suggesting that Bergoglio enjoyed dancing tango in his youth in Argentina. The film incorporates this detail to humanize his character and highlight his cultural background.
H3 What is the film’s overall message about the Catholic Church?
The film explores the tension between tradition and change within the Catholic Church, suggesting the need for both continuity and adaptation. It ultimately portrays the Church as a complex institution grappling with contemporary challenges, with the hope for renewal through dialogue and understanding.
H3 Should viewers consider “The Two Popes” a reliable source of historical information?
No. While the film is based on real events and figures, it is primarily a work of fiction designed to explore themes and relationships in a dramatic way. Viewers should not rely on it as a definitive historical account. Instead, it should be viewed as a thought-provoking, albeit speculative, interpretation of a pivotal moment in recent Catholic history.