Unveiled: 11 Must-See Pope-Centric Films and Shows From ‘Conclave’ to ‘The Borgias’ and More!

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The influence of the Pope, head of the Catholic Church, extends far beyond its boundaries – even reaching as far as Hollywood. Through various portrayals on television and film over time, the Vatican leader’s story has been both dramatized and accurately depicted. With the recent passing of Pope Francis and the election of Robert Prevost as his successor, who has taken the name Leo XIV, there is unprecedented curiosity about the papacy.

If you’ve watched the Bishop of Rome depicted in the Oscar-winning movie “Conclave” or the HBO series “The Young Pope,” you’ll find there are numerous productions centered around the leader of the Catholic Church. Here, The Hollywood Reporter has gathered 11 films and TV shows focusing on the pope for your viewing pleasure.

    ‘The Godfather Part III’ (1990)

    The scenes in Francis Ford Coppola’s third installment featuring Al Pacino, Andy Garcia, and Diane Keaton were inspired by some true events, specifically the 33-day papacy of Pope John Paul I in 1978. Similar to the movie’s character Cardinal Lamberto (played by Raf Vallone), who becomes John Paul I, the real-life John Paul I, affectionately called “the smiling pope,” was discovered deceased in his bed shortly after taking on the role of pontiff.

    ‘The Pope’s Toilet’ (2007)

    The film titled “El Bano del Papo” showcases the frantic preparations in a tiny South American village on the border of Uruguay and Brazil, in anticipation of Pope John Paul II’s expected visit in 1998. Directed by Cesar Charlone and Enrique Fernandez, this movie was Uruguay’s entry for the Academy Award race in the foreign-language film category, but unfortunately, it failed to secure a nomination.

    ‘Angels and Demons’ (2009)

    Brian Grazer and Ron Howard are well-known for adapting Dan Brown’s bestselling novel “The Da Vinci Code” into a movie, with Tom Hanks reprising his role as the symbologist Robert Langdon, initially introduced in the film. The story unfolds as Rome is getting ready for a conclave, and Camerlengo Patrick McKenna, portrayed by Ewan McGregor, takes temporary charge of the Vatican. As events progress, it’s revealed that McKenna had devised a plan to gain the papacy, ultimately leading to his suicide.

    ‘Pope Joan’ (2009)

    Donna Woolfolk Cross’ acclaimed historical book, which depicts a ninth-century pope who was actually a woman, has had a long journey to the silver screen, taking more time than most papal reigns. After spending decades in development limbo, German producer Constantin finally brought it to life. Johanna Wokalek, known for her role as a terrorist in the Oscar-nominated film “The Baader Meinhof Complex,” now steps into the shoes of the pope. John Goodman plays Pope Sergius, a character who indulges in wine.

    ‘The Borgias’ (Showtime)

    The infamous Borgia clan, a 15th-century dynasty notorious for producing some of the church’s most disreputable popes, has sparked more than a dozen films and television productions. In the Showtime series “The Borgias,” Jeremy Irons delivers an outstanding portrayal of Rodrigo Borgia, embodying his masterful manipulations as family head.

    ‘Borgia’ (Netflix)

    Similar to “The Borgias,” this Netflix series revolves around the Borgia family’s impact on the Vatican. In this production, John Damon portrays Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia, who later became Pope Alexander VI. The series spans over three seasons, delving into the Borgia family chronicles from 1492 to 1507, four years beyond Pope Alexander VI’s death in 1503.

    ‘We Have a Pope’ (2011)

    Renowned Italian director Nanni Moretti approached the topic of the Pope in one of his films, utilizing his signature dry humor. The storyline centers around the dynamic between a newly appointed Pope and his psychotherapist. Notably, Michel Piccoli was honored with the Best Actor accolade at the David di Donatello Awards, Italy’s prestigious film event, for his portrayal of the leader of the Catholic Church.

    ‘The Young Pope’ (HBO)

    In the television show “The Young Pope,” played by Jude Law, we find a fictional Pope Pius XIII. Accompanying him is Academy Award winner Diane Keaton as Sister Mary. In this HBO production, Law’s character shakes up the Vatican and primarily assigns duties to Sister Mary.

    ‘The Two Popes’ (2019)

    Prior to the Conclave, Hollywood had previously depicted the Vatican on the big screen through the 2019 film “The Two Popes”. This movie focused on the tale of Pope Francis’ rise (portrayed by Jonathan Pryce) and his bond with Pope Benedict XVI (played by Anthony Hopkins). The production earned three Oscar nominations, among them a best actor nod for Pryce, recognizing his portrayal of Francis.

    ‘The New Pope’ (HBO)

    As a dedicated gamer, I was initially excited for a one-time journey with HBO’s The Young Pope. But to my surprise, I found myself delving back into the Vatican in The New Pope! In this 2020 continuation, Jude Law steps once more into his role as the enigmatic Pope Pius XIII. However, Marcello Romolo’s Cardinal Viglietti quickly ascends to the papacy as Pope Francis II. Tragically, Viglietti met an untimely end, leading me to a new chapter with John Malkovich taking on the role of Pope John Paul III.

    ‘Conclave’ (2024)

    Edward Berger’s political drama, titled “Conclave,” revolves around a fictional gathering of the College of Cardinals following the unexpected demise of the pope. In this narrative, Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, portrayed by Ralph Fiennes, is entrusted with leading the search for the new pontiff. The story unfolds over three days within the Vatican in Italy, where Lawrence’s character delves into scandals surrounding potential candidates before a successor is selected. “Conclave” received eight Oscar nominations and secured one win, for best adapted screenplay, at the 2025 Academy Awards.

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2025-05-10 03:25