It sets up a neat schism for debate as each represents conflicting wings of Catholicism. Benedict is old school: An authoritarian with rigid beliefs. Francis, though, longs for a more inclusive church, one that has more enlightened views on social issues, such as LGBTQ representation and abortion, which are an anathema to Benedict. ("An intrinsic moral evil" was the way Benedict described homosexuality.) For Francis, the church needs to be closer to the people. "I prefer a church which is bruised, hurting, and dirty because it has been out on the streets," says Bergoglio, "rather than a church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security."

While McCarten sets up the debate and executes it with witty dialogue, the big question – just why did Benedict choose Bergoglio – is never answered. At one point, he says that he hears the voice of God in what the Argentine cardinal says, but there is no real explanation as to why he embraces someone he disagrees with so vehemently.

The official reason for Benedict's departure was his declining health, which he said reduced his physical and mental prowess; but some have speculated the real reason was the scandal surrounding Pope's butler, Paolo Gabriele, who had leaked confidential documents exposing internal political battles in the Vatican ("Vatileaks" became its media moniker). Of course, the abuse scandal surrounding the Church is the elephant in the room, largely referred to in news reports that occur throughout the film but not by the two men – another curious omission. Instead, the film flashes back to Bergoglio's rise in the Church, his decision during the 1970s to compromise with the repressive junta that ruled Argentina and were responsible for the disappearance of thousands of its citizens. Bergoglio sees that behavior on his part as his greatest moral failing, and it haunts him years later.