In April 2005, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio (Jonathan Pryce), the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, receives a crucial summons to Vatican City following the passing of Pope John Paul II. Known for his popularity in Argentina, Bergoglio harnesses his passion for football to connect with the masses, invigorating the faith among the people.
With the demise of John Paul, a liberal pontiff, the church is plunged back into the contentious discussions surrounding issues like homosexuality, abortion, contraception, and the ordination of women and married men. In this tense atmosphere, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, later elected as Pope Benedict XVI (Anthony Hopkins), represents a more conservative ideology and appears to be the natural successor. Tensions surface between Ratzinger and Bergoglio, as their differing beliefs imply an underlying animosity.
As Cardinal Martini (Achille Brugnini) and other cardinals participate in this pivotal conclave, Ratzinger, originally from Germany, is chosen by the 115 cardinals from around the globe to become Pope Benedict XVI after a decisive election where he garners the necessary votes quickly. Although Bergoglio places second in the voting, his heart isn't set on the papacy. Instead, he feels let down by the church's reluctance to embrace reforms.
Fast forward seven years, the Catholic Church grapples with the turmoil of the Vatican leaks scandal, overshadowing Benedict’s papacy with public scrutiny regarding his involvement in cover-ups tied to the egregious actions of pedophile priests, including the infamous Peter Hullermann, whom Ratzinger relocated despite his known history of abusing children. With an alarming number of followers turning their backs on the church under Ratzinger’s leadership, Bergoglio, despite submitting his resignation as Archbishop, faces silence from the Vatican.
Summoned unexpectedly to the Vatican, Bergoglio is set to engage in a critical meeting with the Pope at the Palace of Castel Gandolfo, marking a significant moment as Benedict receives a Cardinal at his summer residence for the first time. Their conversation pivots around the fundamental roles of God and the institution of the church, revealing stark differences in their views. Notably, Benedict stands firm against Bergoglio's perspectives on offering forgiveness to priests accused of sexual crimes, highlighting a contentious debate on church policies.
In a spirited exchange, Bergoglio asserts that Jesus embodies mercy, arguing that communion should be seen as a provision of grace rather than a mere reward, while Benedict fears that accepting Bergoglio's resignation would be interpreted as a denunciation of his leadership. Tensions mount as discussions about the church’s future unveil their clashing ideologies.
After an enlightening dinner, during which Bergoglio speaks of his intense love for football, the dialogue shifts to personal stories, recalling Bergoglio’s journey to priesthood. He shares memories from his youth and his gradual commitment to the Jesuit life, influenced along the way by Father Jalics (Lisandro Fiks) and other significant figures.
Benedict, adamant against accepting Bergoglio's resignation, contemplates the repercussions for the church's stability, leading their conversation to a more personal space where they engage in lighter topics, such as watching Benedict's favorite TV show, Kommissar Rex. However, the engaging banter eventually gives way to serious conversations about legacy, repentance, and guilt stemming from their tumultuous pasts, particularly regarding Bergoglio's connection to the Dirty War and the subsequent repercussions he feels for not protecting his Jesuit friends.
As the narrative unfolds, both leaders offer confessions, finding solace in each other's burdens, eventually stepping out to greet the public in a rare moment of camaraderie. Meanwhile, the world watches as Pope Benedict XVI eventually announces his resignation, paving the way for Cardinal Bergoglio to ascend and become Pope Francis. Their shared experience culminates fine moments, including a joint viewing of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Final, symbolizing a hopeful new chapter for the Church and its followers.
