What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedThe Two Popes
Fernando Meirelles · Film · 2019
If you loved The Two Popes, start with The New Pope (Paolo Sorrentino, 2020) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 2 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to The Two Popes across media.
If you loved The Two Popes, you will appreciate these profound examinations of faith, institutional power, and the weight of leadership.
Books on the same thread
The Power and the Glory
Graham Greene · Book · 1982
Explores: faith, persecution, redemption.
Like the moral dilemmas explored in The Two Popes, this narrative challenges a man of the cloth to reconcile his internal cowardice with the overwhelming demands of his faith.
I the Supreme
Augusto Roa Bastos · Book · 2019
Explores: Truth and Power, Dictatorship, Historical Memory.
Much like the philosophical dialogue between the two pontiffs in The Two Popes, this work probes the intersection of absolute power and the fallibility of the human spirit.
Hope
Pope Francis with Carlo Musso · Book
Explores: vocation, faith and service, global leadership.
This autobiography offers a deeper look at the personal history of Pope Francis, providing the real-world context for the character study presented in The Two Popes.
The Pope at War
David I. Kertzer · Book · 2023
Explores: Papacy, Catholic Church, Nazi Germany.
This historical account mirrors the tension found in The Two Popes by examining the immense political pressure and moral scrutiny faced by those leading the Catholic Church.
Series on the same thread
The Young Pope
Paolo Sorrentino · Series · 2016
Shares 3 threads with The Two Popes: faith and doubt, spiritual crisis, Religious Drama.
If the Vatican power struggles in The Two Popes intrigued you, this series offers an even more stylized and intense look at the internal politics of the papacy.
The New Pope
Paolo Sorrentino · Series · 2020
Shares 3 threads with The Two Popes: Faith and Doubt, Religious Drama, Political Drama.
Building on the themes of tradition and modernity seen in The Two Popes, this series continues the exploration of existential crises and leadership challenges within the Vatican.
Podcasts on the same thread
Padre Manolo Fernandez
Podcast
Explores: Gospel Reflections, Biblical Teachings, Faith.
This podcast echoes the introspective spiritual guidance provided by Cardinal Bergoglio in The Two Popes, focusing on daily reflections and the practical application of faith in life.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Ascension · Podcast · 2026
Explores: faith, spiritual growth, historical context.
The deep theological engagement found in The Two Popes is mirrored here as you follow a structured, reflective journey through the foundational texts of the Christian faith.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The Two Popes based on a true story regarding the 2012 Vatican events?
The Two Popes depicts Cardinal Bergoglio requesting permission to retire from Pope Benedict in 2012. The film explores their relationship as the Pope faces scandal and self-doubt, leading to a secret meeting in Rome that addresses the future and foundations of the Catholic Church.
Does The Two Popes focus on the transition between Pope Benedict and his successor?
Yes, The Two Popes centers on the interaction between Pope Benedict and his harshest critic, Cardinal Bergoglio. The film follows their dialogue as the Pope considers his retirement and the transition to his future successor amidst internal church scandal and personal reflection.
Who directed The Two Popes?
The Two Popes is a 2019 film directed by Fernando Meirelles. It explores the introspective journey of Pope Benedict and Cardinal Bergoglio as they confront the direction of the church and reveal secrets that impact the foundation of the Catholic institution.
What is the primary conflict in The Two Popes?
In The Two Popes, the conflict arises when Cardinal Bergoglio requests to retire due to frustrations with the church's direction. Pope Benedict summons him to Rome to confront scandal and self-doubt, ultimately revealing a secret that threatens to shake the foundations of the Catholic Church.