Netflix’s The Two Popes is a compelling drama that imagines conversations between Pope Benedict XVI and Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio (later Pope Francis) leading up to Benedict’s unprecedented resignation. While rooted in real events and personalities, the film takes significant liberties with historical accuracy, presenting a fictionalized account rather than a documentary.
The Kernel of Truth: Real Popes, Real Resignation
The film draws its strength from the genuine historical context. Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation in 2013 was a monumental event, the first papal resignation in nearly 600 years. Jorge Mario Bergoglio was, in fact, elected as his successor and took the name Pope Francis. The film accurately portrays their contrasting personalities and theological viewpoints: Benedict as a conservative, traditionalist scholar, and Bergoglio as a more progressive, pastoral figure focused on social justice. However, the specific content and even the settings of many of the depicted encounters are largely products of artistic license.
Art Meets Interpretation: Where the Film Deviates
The most significant departure from reality lies in the intimate, lengthy dialogues depicted between the two men. There is no public record of these conversations, which are based on speculation and the screenwriter’s interpretation of their known stances and biographies. The film uses these fictionalized exchanges to explore themes of faith, doubt, tradition, and the future of the Catholic Church. While these themes are relevant and thought-provoking, they are presented through a lens of dramatic storytelling rather than historical reporting.
The Impact of Creative License
The film’s use of creative license is understandable. A purely factual account of papal transitions would likely be far less engaging for a general audience. However, viewers should be aware that The Two Popes offers a particular interpretation of events and personalities, emphasizing certain aspects while downplaying others. It’s a work of fiction inspired by real events, not a definitive historical record.
FAQs: Deeper into the Papal Drama
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the relationship between the film The Two Popes and historical reality:
Is Benedict XVI really retired?
Yes, Benedict XVI, born Joseph Ratzinger, retired from the papacy on February 28, 2013. He continues to live in the Vatican, residing in the Mater Ecclesiae monastery. He maintains the title of Pope Emeritus and has largely withdrawn from public life, though he occasionally publishes writings and statements.
Did Pope Benedict XVI and Cardinal Bergoglio actually meet before the resignation?
Yes, they definitely met prior to Benedict’s resignation. As a cardinal, Bergoglio would have interacted with Benedict on numerous occasions, especially during meetings of the College of Cardinals. The film’s premise of them meeting to discuss Bergoglio’s potential resignation as Archbishop of Buenos Aires is plausible, although the specifics of such a meeting, if it occurred, remain undocumented.
Is it true that Bergoglio wanted to retire as Archbishop of Buenos Aires?
According to some reports, Bergoglio did indeed consider retiring from his position as Archbishop of Buenos Aires due to age and health concerns. He reportedly submitted his resignation request to Pope Benedict XVI around 2010. However, the precise reasons for his potential retirement, and the nature of any discussions about it, are not publicly known in detail.
Did Pope Benedict XVI actually like the Beatles and watch Inspector Derrick?
The film contains whimsical moments depicting Benedict enjoying The Beatles and the German TV show Inspector Derrick. There’s no definitive evidence to confirm these specific preferences. While Benedict is known for his love of classical music, there are no verified accounts of him being a Beatles fan. The inclusion of Inspector Derrick is likely a nod to his German heritage. These details serve to humanize him and add to the film’s narrative, but shouldn’t be taken as strict historical facts.
How accurate is the film’s portrayal of Buenos Aires?
The film includes flashbacks to Bergoglio’s life in Buenos Aires during the Argentine Dirty War. While the film effectively conveys the oppressive atmosphere and the social injustices of that period, it dramatizes certain events and conflates timelines. Some of the specific events depicted may not have occurred exactly as shown, or may have been inspired by multiple real-life occurrences.
Was Bergoglio really involved in rescuing priests during the Dirty War?
Bergoglio’s actions during the Dirty War have been a subject of controversy and debate. While some accuse him of not doing enough to protect priests and others from the military junta, others maintain that he actively worked behind the scenes to save lives. The film portrays him as having complex and morally ambiguous actions during this period, reflecting the ongoing discussion about his role. Definitive proof either way remains elusive, and historians continue to investigate this aspect of his life.
How accurate is the depiction of the Sistine Chapel in the film?
The recreation of the Sistine Chapel is visually stunning and arguably one of the film’s strongest elements. However, it is not an exact replica. Due to restrictions on filming inside the actual Sistine Chapel, the filmmakers constructed a highly detailed set. While they aimed for authenticity, there are inevitably some differences in size, lighting, and details.
What languages do Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis speak?
Both Popes are multilingual. Benedict XVI is fluent in German, Italian, and Latin, and also speaks English and French. Pope Francis speaks Spanish, Italian, and German. He also understands English, French, and Portuguese. The film accurately depicts them communicating in Italian and other languages.
Did Benedict XVI really reveal the “Third Secret of Fatima” to Bergoglio?
The film suggests a private discussion about the Third Secret of Fatima. The actual content of any such conversation, if it occurred, is unknown. The Vatican has officially released its interpretation of the Third Secret, but speculation and debate continue to surround it. The film uses this ambiguity to explore the characters’ inner thoughts and anxieties.
What theological differences are highlighted in the film? Are they real?
The film accurately captures the theological differences between the two men. Benedict is portrayed as a traditionalist deeply concerned with maintaining doctrinal purity and upholding traditional Church teachings. Bergoglio, on the other hand, is depicted as a more progressive figure focused on social justice, outreach to the marginalized, and adapting the Church’s message to the modern world. These differences reflect their publicly stated positions and theological perspectives.
Is the film biased towards one Pope or the other?
While the film attempts to present a balanced perspective, it arguably portrays Bergoglio in a more sympathetic light. He is depicted as more relatable and concerned with the everyday struggles of people. Benedict, while presented with respect, is often portrayed as more rigid and detached. This bias is a result of the filmmakers’ artistic choices and perspective.
What’s the best way to understand The Two Popes in its proper context?
To fully appreciate The Two Popes, it’s essential to recognize it as a fictionalized narrative inspired by real events. Supplementing your viewing with historical readings about the papacy, the lives of Benedict XVI and Pope Francis, and the history of the Catholic Church will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the context in which the film is set. Remember to distinguish between the dramatized events and documented facts.