{"id":13941,"date":"2020-01-08T15:30:34","date_gmt":"2020-01-08T15:30:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogadmin.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/?p=13941"},"modified":"2025-04-28T10:47:46","modified_gmt":"2025-04-28T09:47:46","slug":"true-story-behind-the-two-popes-interview-tour","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/true-story-behind-the-two-popes-interview-tour","title":{"rendered":"The Two Popes:  A Vatican Guide Breaks Down Truth vs Fiction"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<p>Based on the play <em>The Pope<\/em> by Anthony McCarten, Netflix&#8217;s<em> The Two Popes<\/em> focuses on the <strong>encounters between Cardinal Bergoglio, later Pope Francis (Jonathan Pryce), and Pope Benedict XVI (Anthony Hopkins)<\/strong> in a series of meetings before the latter\u2019s resignation.<\/p>\r\n<p>The resignation of Pope Benedict from the Papal office in 2013 didn&#8217;t just make headlines, it made history.<strong> For the first time in over 600 years, two popes were alive simultaneously<\/strong>. A pope had resigned of his own will &#8211; a shocking event that hadn&#8217;t happened since 1294.\u00a0 And, for the first time ever, the Vatican became home to two popes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Much has been made of the historical accuracy (and inaccuracy) of the film and scenes of the two men sharing pizza and drinking Fanta have sparked debate. So we spoke with <strong>Vatican Walks\u2019 guide Camilla Mastrangelo<\/strong> to get a sense of the story behind the film.<\/p>\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-13891\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/The-Two-Popes-Location.jpg\" alt=\"filming of the two popes on location in rome, italy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/The-Two-Popes-Location.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/The-Two-Popes-Location-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/The-Two-Popes-Location-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote has-text-align-center is-style-large is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\r\n<p>The two Popes in question stroll Castel Gandolfo, inside the Papal Palace and around the beautiful Barberini Gardens.<\/p>\r\n<\/blockquote>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/true-story-behind-the-two-popes-interview-tour\/#Pope_meets_pope_Representing_historic_figures_on_screen\" >Pope meets pope: Representing historic figures on screen<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/true-story-behind-the-two-popes-interview-tour\/#How_accurate_is_The_Two_Popes_Fact_vs_fiction\" >How accurate is The Two Popes? Fact vs fiction<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/true-story-behind-the-two-popes-interview-tour\/#How_was_Pope_Francis_different_in_real_life\" >How was Pope Francis different in real life?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/true-story-behind-the-two-popes-interview-tour\/#Did_Pope_Francis_really_try_to_resign\" >Did Pope Francis really try to resign?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/true-story-behind-the-two-popes-interview-tour\/#What_about_the_dialogue_in_The_Two_Popes\" >What about the dialogue in The Two Popes?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/true-story-behind-the-two-popes-interview-tour\/#The_Two_Popes_True_Story_FAQ\" >The Two Popes: True Story FAQ<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/true-story-behind-the-two-popes-interview-tour\/#What_is_The_Two_Popes_movie_about\" >What is The Two Popes movie about?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/true-story-behind-the-two-popes-interview-tour\/#Is_The_Two_Popes_based_on_a_true_story\" >Is The Two Popes based on a true story?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/true-story-behind-the-two-popes-interview-tour\/#Were_Pope_Benedict_and_Pope_Francis_really_friends\" >Were Pope Benedict and Pope Francis really friends?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/true-story-behind-the-two-popes-interview-tour\/#Why_did_Pope_Benedict_XVI_resign\" >Why did Pope Benedict XVI resign?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/true-story-behind-the-two-popes-interview-tour\/#Can_you_visit_locations_seen_in_The_Two_Popes\" >Can you visit locations seen in The Two Popes?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pope_meets_pope_Representing_historic_figures_on_screen\"><\/span>Pope meets pope: Representing historic figures on screen<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><em>The Two Popes<\/em> aims to show the importance of opening up a dialogue between opposing sides with a focus on the human similarities between the two leaders. <strong>It&#8217;s a strikingly relevant theme at a time when opinions are becoming so divisiv<\/strong>e. So it should come as no surprise that the two men&#8217;s characters form a vital part of the story.<\/p>\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n<p>&#8220;Of course, they have two very different personalities; they are two very different men,&#8221; Camilla says. &#8220;<strong>On one side we have a conservative man, like Ratzinger and on the other a man of the future, a man who grew up in a completely different environment &#8211;\u00a0 Bergoglio,<\/strong> who is now Pope Francis.&#8221;<\/p>\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<div id=\"attachment_14079\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14079\" class=\"wp-image-14079\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogadmin.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Copia-low-new-di-POPE_Unit_14352-1.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"Antony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce as Pope Francis and Pope Benedict. Image courtesy of Studio Lucherini Pignatelli.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Copia-low-new-di-POPE_Unit_14352-1.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Copia-low-new-di-POPE_Unit_14352-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Copia-low-new-di-POPE_Unit_14352-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-14079\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Antony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce as Pope Francis and Pope Benedict. Image courtesy of Studio Lucherini Pignatelli.<\/p><\/div>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_accurate_is_The_Two_Popes_Fact_vs_fiction\"><\/span>How accurate is <em data-start=\"1379\" data-end=\"1394\">The Two Popes<\/em>? Fact vs fiction<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p>In the film, they&#8217;re portrayed as two sides of the same coin, but the acting goes a long way towards creating a convincing depiction. Camilla notes, \u201cJonathan Pryce has the same expressions and a similar voice [as Pope Francis] and, while Anthony Hopkins doesn\u2019t look identical to Benedict, he gives a great performance. So you can really enter into the distinct personalities of the two men.&#8221;<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Indeed, one of the most intriguing aspects about the Vatican for Camilla has always been the characters of the popes and the people behind the titles. She explains:<\/p>\r\n<blockquote>\r\n<p>It\u2019s fascinating to learn about the personalities of the popes &#8211; what they did and who they were &#8211; because they were human beings as well. Like Alexander Borgia who was known for so many scandals or Pope Paul VI who was known for modernising the church.<\/p>\r\n<p>In the past, the pope had to wear a crown. But of course, when you see somebody wearing a crown they look more like a king. It makes them less approachable. So Paul VI decided, no more crown let\u2019s use a little white hat. Those little things are fascinating, little things that make the pope more human.<\/p>\r\n<\/blockquote>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-14078\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Jonathan-Pryce-in-The-Two-Popes-1.jpg\" alt=\"Jonathan Pryce as Pope Francis in Netflix film The Two Popes, counting ballots in the Sistine Chapel during the Papal Conclave\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Jonathan-Pryce-in-The-Two-Popes-1.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Jonathan-Pryce-in-The-Two-Popes-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Jonathan-Pryce-in-The-Two-Popes-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><em>Interested in the locations behind the film? Check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/blog\/vatican\/the-two-popes-vatican-locations\">behind the scenes guide to The Two Popes.<\/a> <\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_was_Pope_Francis_different_in_real_life\"><\/span>How was Pope Francis different in real life?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">In <\/span><em style=\"font-size: 16px;\">The Two Popes,<\/em><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\"> Pope Francis is shown to adopt a simpler lifestyle than a traditional pope, but <strong>how much of this is true and how much was written for the film?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u201cFirst of all, he\u2019s a Jesuit and that\u2019s very different,&#8221; Camilla explains. &#8220;Pope Francis became the first Jesuit pope of the Catholic church when he was elected in 2013. Then choosing the name of St. Francis &#8211; like St. Francis of Assisi, the saint of the poor &#8211; is also important, as it represents his aim: to be humble, to be more like the poor, and more like Jesus. He doesn\u2019t wear expensive shoes like the previous popes, instead, he wears very normal shoes. Sometimes you even see him without the white hat.&#8221;<\/p>\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<div id=\"attachment_14081\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14081\" class=\"wp-image-14081\" src=\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/blogadmin.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Jonathan-Pryce-as-Pope-Francis.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"Jonathan Pryce as Pope Francis in Netflix's The Two Popes. Courtesy of Studio Lucherini Pignatelli. \" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Jonathan-Pryce-as-Pope-Francis.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Jonathan-Pryce-as-Pope-Francis-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Jonathan-Pryce-as-Pope-Francis-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-14081\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Jonathan Pryce as Pope Francis in Netflix&#8217;s The Two Popes. Courtesy of Studio Lucherini Pignatelli.<\/p><\/div>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>But Francis&#8217; pared-back lifestyle extends beyond clothing. As Camila explains, &#8220;He\u2019s using a blue second-hand Ford Focus instead of the big black Mercedes that the previous two popes used. He doesn\u2019t live in the grand papal apartments, where the pope has lived for the past 200 years. Instead, <strong>he lives in a small guest house in the Vatican, where he only has two rooms and a bathroom. He also speaks in a way that everyone can understand &#8211; very simple, very easy<\/strong>. And that appeals to people. You can tell when you go to St. Peter\u2019s Square on Sunday or on Wednesday during the audience. The people love him.&#8221;<\/p>\r\n<div id=\"attachment_21307\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21307\" class=\"wp-image-21307 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Walks_Vatican_St-Peters-Top-to-Bottom-0090.jpg\" alt=\"The view from St. Peters Basilica showing its large round plaza filled with people.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Walks_Vatican_St-Peters-Top-to-Bottom-0090.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Walks_Vatican_St-Peters-Top-to-Bottom-0090-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-21307\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">This view &#8211; from the top of St. Peter&#8217;s Basilica, will be a familiar site to anyone who&#8217;s seen the film The Two Popes.<\/p><\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Another key change to the pope\u2019s lifestyle in recent years is the fact that he is no longer using Castel Gandolfo as his summer residence. According to Camilla, it&#8217;s surprising because that was the first time a pope had ever done this.<\/p>\r\n<blockquote>\r\n<p>The previous popes would always go to Castel Gandolfo during the summer holidays. But <strong>Francis doesn\u2019t go on holiday at all <\/strong>&#8211; he hasn\u2019t had any holidays in his six years as pope. <strong>So Castel Gandolfo was opened up a few years ago to the public as a kind of museum.<\/strong> You can take the train and visit the bedrooms and beautiful gardens around the Papal Palace.<\/p>\r\n<\/blockquote>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><em>Read our post on <a href=\"https:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/blog\/uncategorized\/pope-francis\">how Pope Francis changed the Vatican (and how you can visit!)<\/a><\/em><\/p>\r\n<div id=\"attachment_13917\" style=\"width: 1610px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-13917\" class=\"wp-image-13917 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Rome-Castel-Gandolfo-Popes-Residence-Tour-2x3-0010.jpg\" alt=\"castel gandolfo, the pope's residence with sprawling gardens\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Rome-Castel-Gandolfo-Popes-Residence-Tour-2x3-0010.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Rome-Castel-Gandolfo-Popes-Residence-Tour-2x3-0010-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Rome-Castel-Gandolfo-Popes-Residence-Tour-2x3-0010-1536x864.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-13917\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Castel Gandolfo is well worth a visit.<\/p><\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Did_Pope_Francis_really_try_to_resign\"><\/span>Did Pope Francis really try to resign?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>One of the tensions the film centers on is the efforts of Bergoglio to resign. But did this really happen? Yes and no.<\/p>\r\n<p>One of the rules stipulated by the Church is that cardinals must offer their resignation at 75 to the pope, who can either accept it or decline it. <strong>Whether or not they met privately in person before Benedict\u2019s resignation in 2012<\/strong> (as depicted in the film) is up for debate.<\/p>\r\n<p>Because cardinals do not need to submit their resignation to the pope in person, <strong>most have assumed that the meetings depicted between Benedict and Cardinal Bergoglio did not take place.<\/strong> However, according to Camilla, it&#8217;s plausible.<\/p>\r\n<blockquote>\r\n<p>Apparently it\u2019s true that he went to Rome ahead of his retirement, and there were rumours that these meetings happened. We don\u2019t know for sure. Do I think they ate pizza, or watched the World Championship? Probably not. But <em>if<\/em> he did go, the gesture to come to Rome to resign is very meaningful.<\/p>\r\n<\/blockquote>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Interestingly, after he took office, Pope Francis changed the rule that non-cardinal bishops serving in the Vatican would now also offer a resignation rather than losing their posts automatically, as was previously the case.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_about_the_dialogue_in_The_Two_Popes\"><\/span>What about the dialogue in The Two Popes?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<div id=\"attachment_14080\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14080\" class=\"wp-image-14080\" src=\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/blogadmin.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/POPE_Unit_10803_rgb-1.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"Jonathan Pryce and Anthony Hopkins in The Two Popes. Image courtesy of Studio Lucherini Pignatelli.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/POPE_Unit_10803_rgb-1.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/POPE_Unit_10803_rgb-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/POPE_Unit_10803_rgb-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-14080\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Jonathan Pryce and Anthony Hopkins in The Two Popes. Image courtesy of Studio Lucherini Pignatelli.<\/p><\/div>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>As a film that centers on a series of meetings, the dialogue takes centre stage, and this was an important aspect for both McCarten and director Fernando Meirelles to get right. So much so, that most of the conversations on philosophical debates in the movie are based on official documents, including interviews, writings, and recordings. As a result, <strong>viewers can be assured that the content of their conversations is based on what the two men had actually stated <\/strong>at one point or another.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Best summed up as a faithful picture of an imagined encounter, from Camilla&#8217;s perspective, <em>The Two Popes<\/em> serves as a very accurate representation of a unique situation.<\/p>\r\n<blockquote>\r\n<p>Being here in Rome surrounded by the Vatican, the pope, and the Catholic religion for my whole life, I can say it\u2019s very well done &#8211; and very realistic.<\/p>\r\n<\/blockquote>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><em>Visiting the Vatican soon? <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/blog\/vatican\/visiting-the-vatican-tips-and-mistakes\"><em>Check out our do&#8217;s and don&#8217;t&#8217;s for your trip here!<\/em><\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\r\n<div id=\"attachment_22595\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-22595\" class=\"wp-image-22595 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Walks_Vatican_St-Peters-Top-to-Bottom-0170.jpg\" alt=\"Various people standing inside St Peter's Basilica listening to a tour guide.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Walks_Vatican_St-Peters-Top-to-Bottom-0170.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Walks_Vatican_St-Peters-Top-to-Bottom-0170-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-22595\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bring the historical and cultural context of the Vatican to life on a guided tour.<\/p><\/div>\r\n<h2 data-start=\"1799\" data-end=\"1848\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Two_Popes_True_Story_FAQ\"><\/span><strong data-start=\"1816\" data-end=\"1848\">The Two Popes: True Story FAQ<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"1881\" data-end=\"1923\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_The_Two_Popes_movie_about\"><\/span>What is <em data-start=\"1893\" data-end=\"1908\">The Two Popes<\/em> movie about?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1924\" data-end=\"2054\">The movie dramatizes the relationship between Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis during a pivotal time in Catholic Church history.<\/p>\r\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"2059\" data-end=\"2106\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_The_Two_Popes_based_on_a_true_story\"><\/span>Is <em data-start=\"2066\" data-end=\"2081\">The Two Popes<\/em> based on a true story?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2107\" data-end=\"2225\">Yes, the film is inspired by real events, though some dialogue and scenes are fictionalized for storytelling purposes. The movie accurately portrays the personalities and historical context, but invents some private conversations.<\/p>\r\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"2384\" data-end=\"2441\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Were_Pope_Benedict_and_Pope_Francis_really_friends\"><\/span>Were Pope Benedict and Pope Francis really friends?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2442\" data-end=\"2547\">While they shared mutual respect, their friendship as depicted is partly dramatized for emotional impact.<\/p>\r\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"2727\" data-end=\"2766\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_did_Pope_Benedict_XVI_resign\"><\/span>Why did Pope Benedict XVI resign?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2767\" data-end=\"2868\">Pope Benedict cited health reasons and the inability to fulfill the role effectively in modern times.<\/p>\r\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"2552\" data-end=\"2606\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_you_visit_locations_seen_in_The_Two_Popes\"><\/span>Can you visit locations seen in <em data-start=\"2588\" data-end=\"2603\">The Two Popes<\/em>?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2607\" data-end=\"2722\">Yes, many filming locations, including Vatican City and Sistine Chapel, are accessible via tours in Italy. From our original Pristine Sistine tour to privileged access at night, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/vatican-tours\/\">our Vatican tours<\/a> are perfect if you&#8217;re looking to explore these sacred sites with in-depth, knowledgeable guide. We hope to see you soon!\u00a0<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2939\" data-end=\"3026\"><em>Update notice: This article was updated on April 28, 2025.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The resignation of Pope Benedict from the Papal office in 2013 didn\u2019t just make headlines, it made history. For the first time in over 600 years two popes were alive at the same time. For the first time since 1294 a pope had resigned of his own will. And for the first time ever the Vatican became home to two popes.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":61,"featured_media":13891,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[19,211],"ppma_author":[166],"class_list":["post-13941","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-art-culture","tag-vatican","tag-vatican-city"],"authors":[{"term_id":166,"user_id":61,"is_guest":0,"slug":"aoifewalks","display_name":"Aoife Bradshaw","avatar_url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/53df06eda4a4ad27ba2bcdeb3ba2913c?s=96&d=mm&r=g","user_url":"","last_name":"Bradshaw","first_name":"Aoife","job_title":"","description":"Aoife Bradshaw is a writer from Ireland with a serious case of wanderlust. Passionate about travel, food, and film, she writes about any and everything cultural. She's happiest when she\u2019s exploring new ideas in different cities, or delving into their history. When she\u2019s not writing she can usually be found on rambling walks, engrossed in a good book or trying her hand at a new recipe. Aoife also contributes to CultureTrip and Hotpress Magazine."}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13941"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/61"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13941"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13941\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23217,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13941\/revisions\/23217"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13891"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13941"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13941"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13941"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=13941"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}