The Two Popes_2019

THE TWO POPES
    Written by
    Anthony McCarten Pre-Title: Over a black screen we hear the robotic voice of a modern telephone system.
    VOICE:
    Welcome to Skytours. For flight information please press "1". If you're calling about an existing booking please press "2". If you're calling about a new booking please press "3" ...
    The beep of someone (Bergoglio) pressing a button.
    VOICE:
    Did you know that you can book any flight on the Skytour website and that our discount prices are internet only ...
    BERGOGLIO: (V.O.)
    Oh good evening I ... oh.
    He's mistaken this last for a human voice but ...
    VOICE: (V.O.)
    ... if you still wish to speak to an operator please press one ...
    Another beep.
    VOICE : (V.O.)
    Good morning welcome to the Skytours sales desk ...
    BERGOGLIO: (V.O.)
    Ah. Yes. I'm looking for a flight from Rome to Lampedusa. Yes I know I could book it on the internet. I've only just moved here.
    VOICE:
    Name?
    BERGOGLIO:
    Bergoglio. Jorge Bergoglio.
    VOICE:
    Like the Pope.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Well ... yes ... in fact.
    VOICE:
    Postcode?
    BERGOGLIO:
    Vatican city.
    There's a long pause.
    VOICE:
    Very funny.
    The line goes dead. Title: The Two Popes. (All the scenes that take place in Argentina are acted in Spanish)

EXT. VILLA 21 (2005) - DAY
    A smartly-dressed boy is walking along the narrow streets of Villa 21 - a poor area that is exploding with music, street vendors, traffic. He struts past the astonishing murals that decorate the walls of the area. The boy is heading for an outdoor mass, celebrated by Archbishop Bergoglio. As he walks along we tune into the sermon on VO ...
    BERGOGLIO (V.O.)
    Once a young man - his name was Francesco Bernadone - was walking in the wood...
    BERGOGLIO (V.O.)
    Había una vez un muchacho que caminaba por un bosque... se llamaba Francisco Bernadone.
    This fairy tale opening seems at odds with the noisy urban surroundings but as the young man walks, we see the murals on the wall come to life = animated illustrations of the story we are hearing ... On the dilapidated city wall we see this story from the life of St. Francis begin to unfold.
    BERGOGLIO: (V.O.)
    He found a chapel - a ruined chapel ...one wall had fallen down. So he stepped inside. The crucifix was still on the wall where the altar had been. Afterwards Francesco always said it "captivated his senses". It spoke to him. It said, "Francesco repair my Church." Francesco was a practical man. He said OK, went up to the quarry on top of Mount Subaccio, cut stones, carted them down the mountain and started to repair the broken wall.
    BERGOGLIO (V.O.)
    ... de pronto encontró una capilla - una capilla muy venida abajo... con todas las paredes prácticamente destruidas. El muchacho entró... El crucifijo todavía estaba ahí, en el lugar donde había estado el altar. De pronto, Francisco sintió como si alguien cautivara sus sentidos... El crucifijo le habló y le dijo: Francisco repara mi iglesia. Francisco era un hombre práctico. Y dijo "Cómo no..." Fue a la cantera en la punta del Monte Subaccio, cortó unas piedras, las arrastró hasta abajo y empezó a reconstruir las paredes que estaban caídas.
    At this point, another boy crosses the mural and we follow him down the street and into the back of a big colorful crowd...

EXT. VILLA 21 - OUTDOOR MASS (2005) - DAY
    The crowd is the congregation of the big outdoor mass which Bergoglio is con-celebrating with a younger priest - Pepe (38). The story we have been listening to was Bergoglio's sermon. He's finishing now ...
    BERGOGLIO:
    Even the longest journey has to start somewhere. Even the most glorious journey can start with a mistake. So when you feel lost, don't worry. That's when God is looking for you. And when you think everything is broken - don't worry. God will not give up on it. OK?
    BERGOGLIO:
    Cualquier travesía, por más larga que sea, siempre comienza en algún lugar. Cualquier travesía, por más gloriosa que sea, puede comenzar con un error. Por eso, cuando se sientan perdidos, no se preocupen. Ese es el momento en que Dios los va a estar observando. Y cuando piensen que todo está perdido, no se preocupen, Dios no se dará por vencido. ¿Entendido?
    This isn't a rhetorical question. People shout "si" back but not loud enough.
    BERGOGLIO:
    OK?
    BERGOGLIO:
    ¿Entendido?
    Now they shout louder. PICK UP ON the Lorenzo, who has cut through the crowd to join a group of other well-dressed young men, all perched on top of a slab. They're all pals. They're not that interested in what Bergoglio is saying.
    BERGOGLIO:
    And now we come to the part of the mass where we normally ask Our Lady to pray for us. But I've been thinking ... we've got lots of troubles here in Villa 21 so maybe it's not fair to leave it all to Our Lady. Who else could we ask to pray for us?
    BERGOGLIO:
    Ahora llegamos a esa parte de la misa donde generalmente le pedimos a Nuestra Señora que rece por nosotros. Pero estuve pensando... hemos tenidos muchos problemas, acá, en la villa 21, entonces quizás no es justo dejar todo en manos de Nuestra Señora... ¿A quien más le podemos pedir que rece por nosotros?
    He points to a well-dressed young man in the crowd.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Hombre, what's your name?
    BERGOGLIO:
    A ver... el joven... ¿cómo te llamás?
    YOUNG MAN:
    (on edge) Lorenzo.
    HOMBRE JOVEN:
    (sobre la losa) Lorenzo.
    BERGOGLIO:
    The name of my team - San
    BERGOGLIO:
    El nombre de mi equipo...
    Lorenzo! ¡San Lorenzo! This provokes huge, good-natured booing. In Villa 21 they support Huracán. But the young man looks uncomfortable about becoming the object of attention. He's with the well-dressed boy ...
    BERGOGLIO:
    San Lorenzo, pray for us.
    BERGOGLIO:
    San Lorenzo, reza por nosotros.
    The well-dressed young men are looking uneasy. They are drug dealers. CUT TO: Pepe and Bergoglio, making their way, people stop them to ask for blessings or just say hi. Someone hands Bergoglio a mate. He takes a drink and passes it on. A woman barges through the crowd to the priests and blurts out some news. The little bell from the local church rings...
    WOMAN:
    Fathers, it's the Pope. Pope is dead.
    MUJER:
    The murió.
    INSERT: ARCHIVAL FOOTAGE Straight off that announcement on a street in South America, we cut to the awesome sight of John Paul II's body being carried through the crowd to the Basilica.

INT. LOBBY WITH ARCHES, THE VATICAN (2005) - DAY
    CARDINAL Joseph RATZINGER (77), (soft spoken, a natural recluse) is walking along a corridor accompanied by his trusted assistant/PA - Paolo. Paolo has a set of flash cards - a photo on one side and some information on the back. As they walk he shows them - card by card - to Ratzinger, who responds by identifying the people in the photograph - he always gets it right ...they speak in Italian.
    RATZINGER:
    (of first photo). Lula, President of Brazil.
    RATZINGER:
    Lula, presidente del Brasile.
    PAOLO:
    Correct. Seems like he is saving the country.
    PAOLO:
    Giusto. Sembra che stia salvando il paese.
    RATZINGER:
    (of first photo) Margaret Queen of Denmark ...
    RATZINGER:
    Margareth Regina della Dinamarca.
    PAOLO:
    Correct.
    PAOLO:
    Giusto.
    RATZINGER:
    Chain smokes. Illustrates children's books.
    RATZINGER:
    Grande fumatrice. Illustra libri per bambini.
    Another card.
    RATZINGER:
    Mr. Blair prime minister of Britain, likes to be called Tony.
    RATZINGER:
    Il Signore Blair primo ministro della Gran Bretagna, gli piace essere chiamato Tony.
    PAOLO:
    Good. This one ...
    PAOLO:
    Bene. Questo...
    RATZINGER:
    Cardinal Arinze of Nigeria. Many say he will be the first African Pope.
    RATZINGER:
    Cardinale Arinze della Nigeria. Molti dicono che sarà il primo Papa Africano.
    PAOLO:
    Will he be?
    PAOLO:
    E lo sara'?
    RATZINGER:
    No because we've already had three. Admittedly the last one died in the year 492 so it's not surprising people have forgotten.
    RATZINGER:
    No perché ne abbiamo già avuiti tre. Legittimamente l'ultimo è morto nell'anno quattrocento novantadue, quindi non è sorprendente che la gente l'abbia dimenticato.
    The atmosphere between Paolo and Ratzinger is warm and familiar. Paolo has been a trusted aide for years. He shows another photograph - Bergoglio. Ratzinger doesn't respond.
    PAOLO:
    Bergoglio - Argentina. Leading advocate for reform in the Church. He's extremely popular in ...
    PAOLO:
    Bergoglio - Argentina. Principale difensore per la riforma della Chiesa. Molto benvoluto in...
    RATZINGER:
    I know who he is.
    RATZINGER:
    Lo so chi è.
    A bit sharp. Paolo is quick to pick up on the mood.
    PAOLO:
    Perhaps we should leave the clergy until later.
    PAOLO:
    Forse dovremmo lasciare il clero per dopo (più tardi)
    As they walk along the corridor, more and more officials tag along, hoping for a word. Paolo shows another card.
    RATZINGER:
    Yes, yes I know who George Bush is.
    RATZINGER:
    Si, si lo so chi è George Bush.
    He keeps moving. He seems to have the world at his finger- tips. Off the photos of World leaders we CUT TO:

EXT. BUENOS AIRES EZEIZA AIRPORT (2005) - DAY
    Bergoglio struggles through the crowd towards Departures.

INT. BUENOS AIRES EZEIZA (2005) - DAY
    Bergoglio is at security. He puts his bag, his belt and his shoes into one of the trays as it goes through the scanner. The X-Ray reveals a crucifix inside his bag. He looks anxiously at his watch. He watches his shoes go by on the conveyor belt. A security guard approaches and - by instinct - Bergoglio straightens up and puts his hands up, ready to be frisked.
    SECURITY:
    I was going to ask you for a blessing your Eminence.
    GUARDIA SEGURIDAD:
    Disculpe... Iba a pedirle su bendición, eminencia.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Oh. Right. Sure.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Ah... Claro... Cómo no...
    He blesses the man. This attracts attention and soon 3 other members of security are asking to be blessed.
    BERGOGLIO :
    I think we may be causing a little congestion. How about if I just blessed everyone
    BERGOGLIO
    Creo que si seguimos así vamos a provocar un lío bárbaro... ¿Qué les parece si
    ... mejor no los bendigo a todos juntos? He gets up on tip-toe and blesses everyone. They say amen and then thank you.

INT. VATICAN SECURITY ROOM (2005) - DAY
    Banks of monitors and keyboards, the feeds of the cameras that are keeping watch over the Vatican where the greatest gathering of World leaders ever seen will take place. On the screens we glimpse Chirac, Bush, Mandela. Ratzinger is overseeing it all.
    HEAD OF SECURITY:
    Monarchs and sovereigns take precedence over presidents. Presidents are seated in alphabetical order of country. Extra seating for the Polish delegation.
    CAPO DELLA SICUREZZA:
    Monarchi e sovrani hanno la precedenza sui presidenti. I presidenti sono seduti secondo l'ordine alfabetico dei paesi. Posti addizionali a sedere per la delegazione polacca.
    As he speaks we: INSERT: Footage of the funeral itself. World Leaders come up to be blessed by Ratzinger. CUT AWAY TO:

INT. IMPROVISED CHANGING ROOM - ST PETER'S BASILICA (2005) -
    DAY Ratzinger is standing in front of a mirror, practising his sermon. He tries different intonations. He tries not looking at his notes. He's trying to memorise it.
    RATZINGER:
    None of us can ever forget
    RATZINGER:
    Nessuno di noi potra' mai
    ... can any of us ever forget dimenticare... possiamo mai ... we shall never forget, dimenticare?... non never forget how on that Last dimenticheremo mai, mai come Easter Sunday of his life ... quell'ultima domenica di Pasqua della sua vita... CUT STRAIGHT: BACK TO:

EXT. ST PETER'S SQUARE (2005) - DAY
    Ratzinger is in the pulpit, delivering his sermon with ease and authority.
    RATZINGER:
    None of us can ever forget how in that last Easter Sunday of his life, the Holy Father, marked by suffering and visibly in pain, came one last time to the window and one last time gave us his blessing ...
    RATZINGER:
    Nessuno di noi potra' mai dimenticare quell'ultima domenica di Pasqua della sua vita, quando il Santo Padre, segnato visibilmente dalla sofferenza e dal dolore, venne un'ultima volta alla finestra e per un'ultima volta ci dette la sua benedizione...
    At this gathering of immensely powerful people, Ratzinger is centre stage. He seems comfortable and capable of the role. INSERT: Footage of the Saint Peter Basilica - The Cardinals - including Bergoglio and a few others who will meet later - ranged in front of the coffin in their red robes. End on the plain, simple coffin of John Paul II standing on display in the midst of all this. A wind blows turning the pages of the bible on the coffin.

EXT. ST. PETER'S SQUARE (2005) - DAY
    As the Cardinals filter across the square, some are grabbed for interview by TV crews, others greet old friends warmly.
    AMERICAN JOURNALIST:
    Having bidden farewell to the last Pope, the cardinals will vote for the new Pope, in a conclave, hidden from view, behind the locked doors of the Sistine chapel.

EXT. VATICAN PARKING LOT (2005) - DAY
    One group of cardinals finds time to banter quietly on their way in. They are Bergoglio, Turkson (warm, intellectual Ghanaian), and Hummes (Brazilian). They banter in English - the lingua franca.
    BERGOGLIO:
    It'll be like the World Cup - everyone will be hoping for a beautiful game between Brazil (NODS AT HUMMES) and Italy (NODS AT MARTINI) but in the end the Germans (NODS TOWARDS RATZINGER) will win on penalties.
    TURKSON:
    Yes and everyone will say this is surely Africa's year but then Ghana and Nigeria will crash out in the quarter finals.
    HUMMES:
    I'm not sure about Brazil. I think it might be Argentina this year ...
    He nudges Bergoglio.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Argentina? No, no, no. I'm a Jesuit. There's never been a Jesuit Pope.
    TURKSON:
    Exactly what we need. Something there has never been before.
    AMERICAN JOURNALIST & US TV REPORTER:
    The hidden machinery of the electoral process, unchanged since medieval times, will soon begin in secret. The cardinals will have a week of discussions and meetings before the voting. They will have to decide between the tradition supported by the Curia or for reforms supported mostly by non European cardinals.
    Cardinals wearing their black cassocks are talking everywhere. Feels like politicians. We see them in mini- buses, at the dining room in Santa Marta, in the gardens, in corridors.

INT. BATHROOM/ SISTINE CHAPEL (2005) - DAY
    Ratzinger is washing his hands. He pauses. Someone is whistling, a lovely, slow melody in the cubicle. He turns and looks at the cubicle. Out of the cubicle comes BERGOGLIO. They nod at each other. There is no love lost here. A moment of pause, then Ratzinger's diplomatic skills kick in. He asks a politely neutral question in Latin.
    RATZINGER:
    What's the name of the song you are singing?
    RATZINGER:
    Quid est nomen carminis quod cantas?
    BERGOGLIO:
    Dancing Queen
    BERGOGLIO:
    Regina Saltans
    Ratzinger looks slightly puzzled. Bergoglio goes into detail.
    BERGOGLIO:
    By Abba
    BERGOGLIO:
    Cantant Abba
    As Ratzinger leaves, Bergoglio carries on whistling.

INT. CURIA MEETING ROOM (2005) - DAY
    Before the Conclave starts the Cardinals gather at the Curia to talk to each other. Several groups are formed. It feels like the coffee break at a corporate convention. As they do so, they pass Ratzinger, who is deep in conversation with the elegant, austere, conservative Arinze. But even as he is having this philosophical discussion, Ratzinger greets each passing cardinal by name.
    RATZINGER:
    We have to protect his legacy. The truth is under siege. We need to build strong walls around the gospel.
    ARINZE:
    How many winds of change we have known in recent decades, how many ideological currents. We need a voice of certainty.
    Meanwhile PICK UP ON Bergoglio, he moves toward his little group of friends. He looks up in wonder. The place is astounding. The radical Italian cardinal - Martini - leans over his shoulder and mutters to him.
    MARTINI:
    The church is too used to this ... to glory, to Europe. Churches that are beautiful but empty. We're like a fire covered in ash. There is still light in there but someone needs to blow the ash away.
    BERGOGLIO:
    You?
    MARTINI:
    It would be better if it was someone from outside Europe.
    Is Martini lobbying Bergoglio? Ratzinger comes to the group where Bergoglio is. He's been greeting all the Cardinals one by one. Turkson first.
    TURKSON:
    Danke für die schöne Predigt bei der Beerdigung ...
    RATZINGER:
    Bitte schon. (TO HUMMES) Dom Claudio Hummes, a vida era mais fácil quando todos falavam Latin. Encantado.
    Hummes laughs and shakes his hand. Bergoglio is next. He gets nothing but a handshake, barely any eye-contact. As they move off, Hummes says quietly to Bergoglio.
    HUMMES:
    No "encantado" for you.
    BERGOGLIO:
    No.

EXT. ST. PETER'S SQUARE + ARCHIVE (2005) - DAY
    TV REPORTERS:
    The cardinals only communication with the outside World will be through that chimney. White smoke for a new Pope. Black for no decision.
    We get a close up of "THAT CHIMNEY" - a little tin stove pipe on top of the Vatican. Then we see news reporters from different countries all saying the same thing in their various languages. Amusingly, each one of them in turn points up to "that chimney" - making the same point one after another.

INT. - STAIRS TO THE SISTINE CHAPEL (2005) - DAY
    Cardinals climbing the majestic stairs, crossing the lobby. Swiss guards line their way as they head towards the doors of the Sistine Chapel.

EXT. ST. PETER'S SQUARE (2005) - DAY
    The square is full of people watching the pageantry on big screens, telling their rosary beads, holding their breath.
    TV REPORTERS
    And now the great doors will finally be locked. Not be opened again until we have a new Pope.

INT. SISTINE CHAPEL (2005) - DAY
    CLOSE ON: A BIG KEY locking the door to the CHAPEL. The sound of the key turning and then silence. We see the last few cardinals going to their places.

INT. SISTINE CHAPEL (2005) - DAY
    A scrutineer calls a cardinal by name. He stands up, walks the length of the chapel, hands over his vote, walks back to his place. We see cardinal after cardinal go up, vote and sit down - in a kind of ritual choreography. Until it stops.
    SCRUTINEER / CAMERLENGO:
    The results of the first round of voting are as follows...Joseph Ratzinger - 47 votes Jorge Bergoglio - 10 votes
    SCRUTATORE / CAMERLENGO:
    I risultati del primo scrutinio sono i seguenti... Joseph Ratzinger - 47 voti Jorge Bergoglio - 10 voti
    REACTION: BERGOGLIO, shocked. He barely can hear the rest of the votes as the Scrutineer continues ...
    SCRUTINEER / CAMERLENGO:
    Carlo Maria Martini - 9 votes Camillo Ruini - 6 votes Angelo Sodano - 4 votes ...
    SCRUTATORE / CAMERLENGO:
    Carlo Maria Martini - 9 voti Camillo Ruini - 6 voti Angelo Sodano - 4 voti
    REACTION: Ratzinger is watching Bergoglio trying to process what just happened. He too barely listens ...
    SCRUTINEER / CAMERLENGO:
    Oscar Maradiaga - 3 votes Dionigi Tettamanzi - 2 votes Giacomo Biffi - 1 vote Others - 33 votes
    SCRUTATORE / CAMERLENGO:
    Oscar Mariadaga - 3 voti Dionigi Tettamanzi - 2 voti Giacomo Biffi - 1 voto Altri - 33 voti
    REACTION: BERGOGLIO, shocked. REACTION: Ratzinger looks at Bergoglio trying to understand what has just happened.

EXT. ST PETER'S SQUARE (2005) - DAY
    Come in again on "that chimney pot". The first puffs of smoke appear.
    TV REPORTERS:
    And we have smoke! Is it white? Is it black?
    The EXCITED PUBLIC see smoke coming out of the CHAPEL CHIMNEY. They strain to see what color. They stand on tip toe, pull out binoculars.
    TV REPORTERS:
    It's Black! It's Black! So no candidate has achieved the seventy seven votes required for an overall majority. We go to another vote.
    Sigh of disappointment from the crowd.

INT. ST. MARTA (2005) - DAY
    The cardinals are queueing at the buffet. Pick up on Ratzinger talking to a cardinal. He'll make the same speech - discreetly - to one cardinal after another during the lunch break. The dialogue is continuous, but the lines will be repeated in four different situations. At the buffet, seated, standing in a corner with three African Cardinals, talking to a table full of Asian Cardinals.
    RATZINGER:
    We need one common point of reference. Interpreted from many angles yes. But one, unchanging eternal truth. Take the traveller who is lost. He takes out a, what?
    CARDINAL:
    A mobile phone?
    RATZINGER
    In my day a compass--Only when it finds True North can the compass help. Without God, humanity has no agreed reference point, no axis mundi.
    Pick up on Bergoglio sitting with his friends.
    BERGOGLIO:
    It's just ten votes.
    TURKSON:
    No one from the Southern Hemisphere has had so many before. The World just tipped on its axis.
    HUMMES:
    Martini got nine. That's nineteen votes for real change. If he tells his followers to transfer their votes to you ...
    TURKSON:
    Like the mustard seed which when it is planted is the smallest of all seeds but which when it grows ...
    HUMMES:
    The birds of the air make their nests in it.
    PICK UP ON Ratzinger giving his pitch to another cardinal. He goes from one table to the next like a groom at his wedding. Networking. Go back to Bergoglio, Hummes and Turkson. They talk out of the corners of their mouths. BERGOGLIO: Reform needs a politician. Transfer your votes to Cardinal Martini. He has fought for reform for years.
    HUMMES:
    I already voted for Martini.
    TURKSON:
    What!?
    HUMMES:
    (TO BERGOGLIO) You said you didn't want it and I believed you. And now Martini has just asked anyone who voted for him to vote for you instead.
    BERGOGLIO:
    No. Please.
    TURKSON:
    (Enjoying the discomfort) The most important qualification for any leader is not wanting to be leader....Plato.
    HUMMES:
    That's why it must not be Ratzinger. He really wants it.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Do you feel he wants it? I think he'd rather be in peace writing in Bavaria. Being Pope is like being a martyr.
    He looks over at Ratzinger as he says this. Ratzinger spots the look. He knows they are talking about him. He glances at the camera. A bell rings and we go back to:

INT. SISTINE CHAPEL (2005) - DAY
    That timeless choreography of cardinals going up one by one to vote. And of votes being counted. The results of the second vote are announced. Bergoglio is still in there. His vote has slightly increased.
    SCRUTINEER :
    Joseph Ratzinger 65 ... Jorge Bergoglio 35 ... Angelo Sodano 4... Dionigi Tettamanzi 2... Giacomo Biffi 1... Dario Hoyos 1…
    INSERT: Shot of "that chimney" and some black smoke. INSERT: Time lapse of the Sun going down over the dome of St. Peter's.

EXT. ST. PETER'S SQUARE (2005) - EVENING
    Now familiar shot of Vatican-watchers sighing with disappointment.

EXT. BUS PARKING SISTINE CHAPEL (2005) - EVENING
    The cardinals are filing out, ready to be shown into a cavalcade of mini-buses. PICK UP ON Bergoglio stepping back to let another cardinal get on the bus ahead of him. As he does so, Arinze - who is heading for a different mini-bus - pauses and says something to him discreetly.
    ARINZE:
    Ratzinger has been here all his life. If he was the man to change things he would have done it by now. I'll join you for breakfast tomorrow. I can bring you fifteen votes if the conversation goes well.
    He slides off. That was the most discreet piece of lobbying you ever saw in your life. Hummes however saw it, through the window of the minibus. He raises his eyes brows meaningfully at Bergoglio as he gets in. The busloads of cardinals move off.

INT. MINI BUS (2005) - EVENING
    The bus load of cardinals - including Bergoglio - drives round to the St. Marta. There's a matey, male atmosphere. Hummes, Bergoglio and others in the back of a minibus. Hummes whispers in Bergoglio's ear.
    HUMMES:
    If the taking you're refund Jorge.
    HUMMES:
    conservatives are you seriously... well going to have to get a on your return flight,

INT. BEDROOMS - ST. MARTA (2005) - NIGHT
    Hummes opens his room door and finds an A4 envelope on the floor. He picks it up, frowns. He looks down the corridor. Every one of the rooms has an identical envelope protruding from under the door.

INT. ST. MARTA - BREAKFAST ROOM (2005) - MORNING
    Hummes and Bergoglio are collecting their coffee and rolls. Hummes is telling him what happened. On a nearby table a group of cardinals are conversing. A couple of them have copies of the dossier with them. Some of them glance discretely look at Bergoglio.
    HUMMES:
    It's a dossier. About you. About your past.
    HUMMES:
    Es un informe. Sobre usted. Sobre su pasado.
    A look of anguish on Bergoglio's face.
    HUMMES:
    You've got an enemy, Jorge. Could be the government - back home. The last thing they need is to have to pretend to be pleased to have an Argentine pope, when he spends all his time attacking them for neglecting the poor. Or it could come from the leftwing press in Argentina, you know they don't like you either. Or it could be this lot - the Curia. You've got a choice of enemies, Jorge.
    HUMMES:
    Usted tiene un enemigo, Jorge. Podría ser el gobierno de su país... Lo último que desean es verse obligados a fingir que les encanta tener un papa argentino, cuando usted no ha dejado de atacarlos por ignorar a los pobres. O bien podría ser el ala izquierda de la prensa de Argentina... Usted sabe que a ellos tampoco les cae bien... O podría ser alguien de nuestro mismo grupo... La Curia. Usted tiene enemigos de toda clase, Jorge.
    BERGOGLIO spots Arinze coming towards him, carrying his own austere breakfast. Arinze turns on his heel, blanking him. Bergoglio's status has changed over night.

INT. SISTINE CHAPEL (2005) - DAY
    Back to the choreography of cardinals walking up to vote. Their votes are handed over. They are counted.

EXT. ST. PETER'S SQUARE (2005) - DAY
    Back to that stove-pipe chimney but this time the chimney is in the foreground, and the crowd is the background. A puff of smoke.
    TV REPORTERS:
    (WEARY) Black smoke again. This is the second day and the third round of voting so...no, wait. It's white. The smoke is white.
    A huge cheer from the square. Bells start ringing. INSERT: Shots of more cheering in - Tokyo, Manila, Madrid.

INT. ROOM OF TEARS / VATICAN (2005) - DAY
    MONTAGE of: A) One of three VELVET RED SHOES being selected by the ASSISTANT. B) The SHOES being slipped onto the PAPAL FEET... C) One of three PAPAL VESTMENTS is selected by the ASSISTANT. D) One of three WHITE SKULL CAPS... E) The PAPAL RING is lifted from a CRIMSON VELVET PILLOW.
    TV REPORTER (V.O.)
    The new Pope is taken into the dressing room which has been known for centuries as the Chamber of Tears. Pope John XXIII famously said that no one tells the new Pope whether they are tears of joy or of sorrow. He has to find out for himself.
    F) A SHORT RED CAPE, the MOZZETA, is selected. G) The PAPAL PALLIUM, a thick red decorated band that encircles the neck with pendants on the end, is lifted from a frame... H) A GOLDEN MITRE is set into the now RINGED HAND of the NEW PONTIFF...

EXT. ST. PETER'S SQUARE (2005) - DAY
    - the DOORS of the BALCONY open - and the red-robed Protodeacon - ESTEVEZ - appears, flanked by two SWISS GUARDS. One of the GUARDS swings a MICROPHONE on a pole in front of ESTEVEZ, as the CROWD falls silent....
    ESTEVEZ:
    Fratelli e sorelle carissimi (the italians roar) Queridísimos hermanos y hermanas.
    (the hispanic contingent roars)
    Bien chers frères et sœurs.
    (the French roar)
    Liebe Brüeder und Schwestern
    (a German roar)
    Dear brothers and sisters
    ESTEVEZ:
    Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum; habemus Papam!
    The CROWD ROAR, and then fall silent, awaiting the name of the new POPE.
    ESTEVEZ
    Eminentissimum ac Reverendissimum Dominum, Dominum Josephum Sanctae Romanae Ecclesiae Cardinalem Ratzinger, qui sibi nomen imposuit Benedictum XVI.
    ANGLE ON: The GERMAN contingent, identified by a GERMAN FLAG, who erupt in JUBILANT JOY, jumping up and down and screaming like football supporters. Estevez retires and - a second later - the NEW POPE steps out onto the BALCONY in FULL CEREMONIAL DRESS, wearing mitre. He raises his hands and joins them above his head, as the CROWD begin to CHANT:
    CROWD
    VIVA PAPA! VIVA PAPA! VIVA PAPA!
    CLOSE ON: RATZINGER, smiling.
    RATZINGER:
    My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, after the great Pope John Paul II, the cardinals have elected me, a simple and humble worker in the vineyard of the Lord. I am consoled by the fact that the Lord knows how to work even with flawed instruments.
    RATZINGER:
    Cari fratelli e sorelle, dopo il grande Papa Giovanni Paolo II, i signori cardinali hanno eletto me, un semplice e umile lavoratore nella vigna del Signore. Mi consola il fatto che il Signore sa lavorare e agire anche con strumenti insufficienti.
    REACTION CROWD: Listening, respectfully, but - seem UNEMOTIONAL, COOL.

INT. VATICAN (2005) - EVENING
    Bergoglio is talking to Hummes as they leave. We can still hear music and cheering from outside.
    CLAUDIO HUMMES:
    What will you do now?
    CLAUDIO HUMMES:
    ¿Qué piensa hacer ahora?
    BERGOGLIO:
    Back to Buenos Aires. Plan my retirement.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Volver a Buenos Aires y planear mi retiro.
    CLAUDIO HUMMES:
    I was actually asking what you were going to do for lunch. You're too young to retire.
    CLAUDIO HUMMES:
    En realidad le preguntaba que pensaba hacer para el almuerzo. Usted es demasiado joven para retirarse.
    BERGOGLIO:
    The church has just voted to make sure overdue reforms remain overdue. I can probably do more good as a parish priest.
    BERGOGLIO:
    La Iglesia acaba de votar para que las reformas que no se hicieron sigan sin hacerse... Creo que puedo ayudar más trabajando como un simple cura de parroquia.

EXT. BUENOS AIRES GALLERIA (2012)- SATURDAY EVENING
    Bergoglio is coming out of a barbershop, having just had his hair cut. Outside the shop is a post office kiosk. A woman - LISABETTA - is also at the kiosk, buying stamps. Bergoglio goes in for a bit of banter.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Don't buy stamps from 'Tonio. They don't work.
    BERGOGLIO:
    No le compres estampillas a Tonio que no sirven para nada.
    TONIO:
    There's nothing wrong with my stamps.
    TONIO:
    Mis estampillas no tienen nada de malo.
    BERGOGLIO:
    I wrote a beautiful, elegant letter to someone a month ago and no reply. Sent the same letter again, still no reply. His stamps don't work.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Escribí una carta preciosa el mes pasado y nunca me respondieron. La mandé de nuevo y tampoco recibí respuesta. Sus estampillas no sirven.
    LISABETTA:
    It doesn't matter how good your letter is, Jorge, they are never going to let you play in goal for San Lorenzo.
    LISABETTA:
    (bromea) No importa lo bien escrita que esté su carta, Jorge... nunca van a dejarlo jugar en
    San Lorenzo! Bergoglio sonríe.
    LISABETTA: (CONT'D) (CONT'D) LISABETTA:
    Maybe you got the wrong Talvez la mandó a la address. dirección equivocada.
    BERGOGLIO:
    It's quite a well-known address.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Imposible... Es una dirección bastante conocida.
    LISABETTA:
    Who is it?
    LISABETTA:
    ¿A quién se la mandó?
    BERGOGLIO:
    The Pope.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Al Papa
    Lisabetta gives Bergoglio a letter.
    LISABETTA:
    So Tonio's stamps work. I came to bring you this letter. It's from the Vatican.
    LISABETTA:
    Las estampillas de Tonio si' funcionan. Vine a traerle esta carta. Es del Vaticano.
    PICK UP. Lisabetta and Bergoglio walk along the galeria. Bergoglio takes the letter from the envelope and starts reading.
    LISABETTA:
    Why do you want to talk to the pope?
    LISABETTA:
    Porque quiere hablar con el Papa?
    PICK UP ON - He hasn't yet read the letter.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Already booked my flight.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Ya reservé mi vuelo.
    LISABETTA:
    No. Seriously? Why? What's so urgent?
    LISABETTA:
    No. En serio?? Porqué? Qué puede ser tan urgente?
    Once again he doesn't respond except by looking through the letters. He's being evasive. She guesses.
    LISABETTA:
    You're going to resign.
    LISABETTA:
    Usted quiere renunciar.
    He looks up.
    LISABETTA:
    You wrote telling him and he didn't reply. No. Don't. We need you. Maybe that's why he didn't reply. Maybe he can see how much Buenos Aires needs you.
    LISABETTA:
    Le escribió para decírselo y él no le contestó. No. No lo haga. Nosotros lo necesitamos. Tal vez por eso no le contestó. Tal vez él puede ver cuanto lo necesita Buenos Aires.
    BERGOGLIO:
    He'd need a good telescope to spot that from the Vatican palace. (Skim -reading) He's
    BERGOGLIO:
    Va a necesitar un buen largavistas para verlo desde el palacio del Vaticano.
    summoned me to Rome. (lee por encima la carta) Quiere verme en Roma.
    LISABETTA:
    Maybe he does have a telescope.
    LISABETTA:
    Parece que ya se consiguió un buen largavistas...
    BERGOGLIO:
    I booked my flights BEFORE I was summoned.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Yo reservé mi vuelo antes de recibir este citatorio.
    LISABETTA:
    That's quite a coincidence.
    LISABETTA:
    Es una coincidencia.
    BERGOGLIO:
    There's no such thing as coincidences. We're in God's hands.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Las coincidencias no existen. Todos estamos en las manos de Dios.

INT. PRIVATE CHAPEL, VATICAN (2012) - DAY
    Ratzinger alone, praying in Latin, takes his HANDS FROM HIS FACE, and finishes praying in a little side-chapel.
    RATZINGER:
    Domine exaudi orationem meam.
    He makes a weary SIGN of the CROSS, approaches the ALTAR and, with a CANDLE SNUFFER, SNUFFS out the flame. Oddly, the SMOKE from the flame doesn't rise, but drifts left and right, meandering! Ratzinger looks upward, for the cause. He tries to waft the smoke upwards.

EXT. /INT (2012) - NEWS REPORT
    MONTAGE: of news reports of Benedict as Pope.
    NEWSREADERS:
    It's "What the Butler leaked" as another scandal rocks the Vatican. Word today of a new crisis as a leaked 300 page dossier surfaces which paints a damning picture of the curia. Riven with factionalism, resisting reform, malpractice by the Vatican bank; and even sexual misconduct among high-ranking members of the clergy. The man who leaked the document - the Pope's own personal assistant, Paolo Gabrielle - has been arrested and charged with theft for stealing the document.
    A) Paolo opens the door for Ratzinger at the private entrance at the Vatican. B) Paolo pours Fanta for Ratzinger as he dines with other Cardinals. C) We could also have a bad quality image of a priest with a prostitute in the street at night. D) Vatican Bank seen from outside. E) Money. F) A Bishop coming out of a fancy car. G) On the TV, Paolo is being lead away by some Italian police. Off Paolo's face we - CUT TO:

EXT. BUENOS AIRES HIGHWAY TO AIRPORT (2012) - END OF DAY.
    Bergoglio looks out of the bus window at the passing shanty town.

INT. FIUMICINO - LEONARDO DA VINCI (2012) - DAY
    Bergoglio's battered shoes stroll through Arrivals. He is wearing a black jacket and trousers, like a parish priest. When he steps through the doors he spots a liveried driver holding up a sign with BERGOGLIO written on it. DRIVER: Are you the Cardinal Archbishop of Buenos Aires? He is. The driver was expecting someone better dressed. DRIVER: Eminence ... He offers to take Bergoglio's bag. BERGOGLIO: No, no. It's fine thanks.

EXT. FIUMICINO - LEONARDO DA VINCI (2012) - DAY
    Bergoglio strolls out of the airport, stops and stares. The car that is waiting for him is a massive Merc.
    BERGOGLIO:
    I'm guessing it's that one?
    He goes to open the front passenger door. The driver opens the back one.
    DRIVER:
    Oh but Eminence ...
    BERGOGLIO:
    I prefer to ride up front.

INT. CAR (2012) - DAY
    The car drives off. As it pulls away, two motorbikes cruise in front of it.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Did you hear the story of the time the Pope was out in one of these and he really wanted to drive it himself so he persuaded the driver to give him a go?
    DRIVER:
    With respect Eminence I am the Papal driver and I don't recall any such incident.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Anyway the driver got in the back, the Pope got behind the wheel and he really let rip - full throttle, way over the speed limit.
    DRIVER:
    Whoever told you this was not telling you the truth.
    BERGOGLIO:
    So the police pull him over and he winds the window down. The policeman looks shocked. He radios back to his station. He says, boss I don't know what to do. I just pulled a guy over. I don't know who he is but he must be super- important. Because his chauffeur is the Pope.
    The driver still hasn't clocked that this is a joke. BERGOGLIO: It wasn't the present Pope by the way so ... Suddenly it clicks and the driver bursts out laughing.

EXT. ROADS (2012) - DAY
    As they drive towards the Lazio hills...
    BERGOGLIO : (V.O.)
    This isn't the way to Rome.
    DRIVER:
    The Pope - the present Pope - is in his Summer residence.
    BERGOGLIO : (V.O.)
    Oh. Summer residence. Maybe that's why he didn't get my letters.

EXT. ROADS IN LAZIALE (2012) - DAY
    As the car draws closer to Castel Gandolfo. DRIVER: Eminence, if you are meeting His Holiness this morning he prefers to see his bishops dressed like bishops and his cardinals like cardinals.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Really? Do you have a spare cardinal's hat.
    The driver is taken aback but it's just another joke.
    BERGOGLIO:
    It's Ok, I do have my cassock with me.
    PICK UP ON The big limo and outriders parked up in a lay by next to a porqueto snack truck. Behind the truck, Bergoglio takes off his jacket and shirt and pulls on a black cassock. Across the lake we can see the dome of Castel Gandolfo.
    BERGOGLIO:
    (Of the distant town) Is that it?
    The driver nods. Bergoglio looks uneasy.

EXT. CASTEL GANDOLFO (2012) - DAY
    The POPE's Summer Retreat. The LIMO arrives and enters the gate. Evidence everywhere of wealth, and power.

INT. POPE'S OFFICE/CASTEL GANDOLFO (2012) - DAY
    TRACK IN on: Ratzinger (now Pope Benedict), from behind, as he looks out of the window at the arriving Limo. A nun goes to greet the limo and welcome the guest. Behind him his new assistant - Roberto - is on the phone. We can just about overhear...
    ROBERTO:
    Yes, His Holiness is reading the report as we speak. Yes, His Holiness is very much aware. He will return to Rome very soon.
    ROBERTO:
    Si', Sua Santita' sta leggendo la relazione proprio mentre parliamo. Si, Sua Santita' ne e' al corrente. Rientrera' a Roma molto presto.
    Roberto hangs up.
    RATZINGER:
    Make him comfortable. I'll come and speak with him shortly.
    RATZINGER:
    Mettetelo a suo agio. Verro' a parlargli tra breve.

EXT. GARDEN/CASTEL GANDOLFO (2012) - DAY
    A NUN leads Bergoglio into a stunning, formal, immaculately manicured garden. Fountains bubble. Birds sing. Topiary casts elegant shadows.
    NUN:
    His Holiness will join you shortly.
    Bergoglio chooses a stone bench upon which to sit. He waits, looks at his watch.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Does the Holy Father meet his Cardinals here often?
    NUN:
    No. First time.
    The servant returns with an umbrella.
    BERGOGLIO:
    It's not raining.
    NUN:
    In Rome, one never knows what will happen next.
    The servant goes. Bergoglio looks up at the sky, takes out his breviary and starts to pray.

INT. CASTEL GANDOLFO (2012) - DAY
    Ratzinger is walking along the corridor accompanied by Roberto. They are intercepted by a well-dressed Vatican APPARATCHIK who mutters something to Roberto. He's carrying an iPad and showing Roberto stuff as he goes along.
    ROBERTO:
    Holiness ...
    ROBERTO:
    Santita'...
    Ratzinger allows himself to be turned aside. He seems to be a prisoner here.

EXT. CASTEL GANDOLFO - GARDEN BRIDGE (2012) - DAY
    Bergoglio is still reading but now the heat is intensifying. He checks his watch and mops his brow. He unties his shoes. He sees a gardener from where he's seated. He checks his watch again, decides to go and chat to the gardener.

EXT. CASTLE GANDOLFO - GARDEN BRIDGE - DAY
    Ratzinger crosses the little bridge that leads to the garden but can't find Bergoglio, he sees only his suitcase on the bench. He looks up and sees Bergoglio talking to the gardener, marvelling at how easily he gets on with people.
    RATZINGER:
    (TO ROBERTO) How long has he been here?
    RATZINGER:
    (a ROBERTO) Da quanto tempo e' qui?
    ROBERTO:
    An hour.
    ROBERTO:
    Un'ora.
    RATZINGER:
    He looks as though he's lived here all his life.
    RATZINGER:
    Sembra che abbia vissuto qui tutta la vita.

EXT. CASTLE GANDOLFO - HERB GARDEN - DAY
    BERGOGLIO:
    Is this oregano?
    BERGOGLIO:
    Questo e' origano?
    It is. He plucks a leaf and smells it.
    BERGOGLIO:
    It takes me back. My mother swore by oregano. It made everything taste good. It could cure the common cold
    BERGOGLIO:
    Mi riporta nel passato. Mia madre non poteva farne a meno. Dava a tutto un buon sapore. Curava il
    ... it could raise the dead. raffreddore... poteva resuscitare i morti.
    GARDENER:
    Mine was the same. Shred it into the breadcrumbs ...
    GIARDINIERE:
    Anche la mia. Lo tritava nel pangrattato...
    BERGOGLIO:
    I still do it that way.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Io lo preparo ancora cosi'.
    They're laughing and chatting when we pull back to find Ratzinger and Roberto have now entered the garden. Ratzinger takes a breath, smooths himself down and transforms himself from a rattled, edgy old man into a decorous, dignified pontiff. He seems to do this with a single breath. He glides over to Bergoglio and greets him in Spanish.
    RATZINGER:
    Good morning.
    RATZINGER:
    Buenos días.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Holiness ...
    BERGOGLIO:
    Sanctitas...
    He kisses Ratzinger's ring and holds the umbrella so it shades both himself and the Pope.
    RATZINGER:
    Last time we met we spoke Latin.
    RATZINGER:
    Ultima qua convénimus occasione, latine locuti sumus
    BERGOGLIO:
    It was a very short meeting. But please, not Latin. I was never the student you were, Holy Father
    BERGOGLIO:
    Conventus brevissimus erat.Obsecro, non Latine. Numquam studiosus fui ut tu, Sancte Pater.
    Ratzinger humorously agrees to slip into English. He displays his sense of humour about the irritable cardinals.
    RATZINGER:
    Latin is useful. Especially when I have to announce bad news to Cardinals. Only 20% become angry as only 20% know what I have said. I'm sorry to have kept you waiting. I know you value punctuality.
    BERGOGLIO:
    It's a beautiful afternoon. I have my breviary. I take the last hour as a gift of peace from you.
    RATZINGER:
    My last assistant - Paolo - he would have made sure I got here on time. He was perfect.
    BERGOGLIO:
    But now he's in jail.
    He knows this isn't a sensitive comment.
    BERGOGLIO:
    That must have been hard for you.
    Ratzinger indicates the bench, inviting him to sit down. The lake is seen behind.
    BERGOGLIO:
    We could walk if you preferred.
    RATZINGER:
    That might not be wise.
    Puzzling remark. He clarifies.
    RATZINGER:
    Your shoelaces are undone ...
    BERGOGLIO:
    Oh!
    Instinctively he goes to hand the umbrella to Ratzinger so he can tie his laces but Ratzinger doesn't offer to take it. That would be a breach of protocol. So Bergoglio is left awkwardly trying to put down the umbrella and tie his shoes at the same time. It's a power play. While Bergoglio is crouched down Ratzinger takes advantage of his discomfort.
    RATZINGER:
    You wrote to me asking for permission to resign.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Oh. Yes. I have my papers with me.
    He takes the papers from his jacket but when he looks up. Ratzinger seats on the bench with the view of the lake behind. Bergoglio catches up, now juggling papers and umbrella.
    RATZINGER:
    Cardinals are not required to offer their resignation until they're seventy five. Are you ill?
    BERGOGLIO:
    I have a problem with my lungs.
    RATZINGER:
    You were born with that. It's not really troubled you so far.
    Bergoglio looks askance. Ratzinger makes a gesture for him to seat. He does.
    RATZINGER:
    It's in your file.
    BERGOGLIO:
    My file!?
    RATZINGER:
    We have files on everyone. You have no reason to feel flattered.
    BERGOGLIO:
    I'm not ill.
    RATZINGER:
    In fact you're very active. You walk everywhere. Sometimes use a bicycle.
    BERGOGLIO:
    I also tango. Once a week.
    Ratzinger is taken aback at this.
    BERGOGLIO
    I'm Argentinian. Football and tango are compulsory.
    RATZINGER
    With ... somebody?
    BERGOGLIO
    One might look foolish if one attempted the tango alone. So for the sake of the dignity of my office - yes. With someone.
    RATZINGER
    You have been one of my harshest critics. There's a lot of competition for that title.
    BERGOGLIO:
    I've never spoken out against you.
    RATZINGER:
    Not directly. When I made it easier to get permission to use the old Tridentine mass, I was criticized because it contains a prayer for the conversion of the Jews.
    BERGOGLIO:
    I never said a word.
    RATZINGER:
    You invited the chief rabbi to a public lunch.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Rabbi Skora and I go back a long way. Also I'd cooked too much. Wasting food is stealing from the poor.
    By now they have strolled into one of those decorative mazes. Preoccupied, they take the twists and turns as they come.
    RATZINGER:
    You refuse to live in the official Archbishop's palace.
    BERGOGLIO:
    It's too big for me. Too grand.
    RATZINGER:
    By living so simply you imply that the rest of us are not living simply enough.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Surely one can never live simply enough.
    RATZINGER:
    On married priests ...
    BERGOGLIO
    I was misquoted. I said celibacy can be a blessing but it might also be a curse.
    RATZINGER
    On homosexuality ...
    BERGOGLIO:
    All I said was ...
    RATZINGER
    You were no doubt misquoted again?
    BERGOGLIO:
    Taken out of context.
    Ratzinger stops walking and faces Bergoglio.
    RATZINGER
    Might I suggest you try telling newspapers the opposite of what you think?! Your chances of being quoted correctly might improve!
    Ratzinger seems rattled. Bergoglio composed. He smiles.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Yes, Holiness.
    They are interrupted by a beep from the watch. Ratzinger explains.
    RATZINGER:
    My doctor gave it to me. It counts your steps and monitors your heart beat ... He said "you are in good shape for 86, but very bad shape for a human being." I believe this was a joke.
    The watch speaks again.
    RATZINGER:
    I'm patronized by a watch!
    BERGOGLIO:
    I know how it feels to be patronized.
    Benedict gives Bergoglio a look. The watch pipes up
    WATCH:
    Don't stop now! Keep moving!
    Bergoglio smiles. Ratzinger smiles back. They get walking.

EXT. CASTEL GANDOLFO - MAZE 1 (2012) - DAY
    They walk through a maze with narrow aisles. Bergoglio is behind Benedict but still holding the umbrella so it protects the Pope. It's not easy. Again Ratzinger seems not to notice the other man's discomfort. They walk and talk.
    RATZINGER:
    You openly give the sacraments to those who are out of communion ... to the divorced, for instance ...
    Bergoglio comes back on this, cutting the Pope off.
    BERGOGLIO:
    I believe the sacraments are not a reward for the virtuous. They're food for the starving.
    RATZINGER:
    So what matters is what YOU believe, not what the Church has taught for hundreds of years.

EXT. CASTLE GANDOLFO, ARCH - DAY
    Ratzinger walks away looking slightly self-satisfied. He's provoked this explosion. Bergoglio follows.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Mark 2.xvii - "I came to call sinners," as the Church has taught for THOUSANDS of years.
    They walk up - ARCH
    RATZINGER:
    But if we do not draw a line ...
    BERGOGLIO:
    ... or build a wall to separate ...
    RATZINGER
    You speak as if all walls are bad. A house is made of walls. Strong walls.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Did Jesus build walls? His face is Mercy. The bigger the sinner, the warmer the welcome. Mercy is the dynamite that blows down walls.
    RATZINGER
    You have answers for everything. Don't you? You're clever. Far too clever.
    Ratzinger walks away.

EXT. - CASTLE GANDOLFO - TEA TABLE - DAY
    Ratzinger and Bergoglio are having tea.
    RATZINGER:
    You see my dilemma. You are eloquent. You are popular. If I allow you to resign, it will look like a protest. The Church being attacked from all sides. Why would you want to abandon her to her enemies? Does a shepherd run away when the wolves appear?
    BERGOGLIO:
    I'm not running away. I'll take a parish. I'll be a good shepherd to its people.
    RATZINGER:
    Don't you see? You were very nearly elected Pope. If you go, that is a criticism. The way you live is a criticism. Your SHOES are a criticism.
    Bergoglio looks down at his shoes...
    BERGOGLIO: (SMILING)
    What is wrong with my shoes? They look...
    RATZINGER:
    Do not make a joke. It's dishonest. I am the Pope. Have enough respect to show me your real anger.
    Bergoglio is on the back foot now.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Holy Father ...
    RATZINGER:
    If I allow someone of your standing simply to walk away - it will look like a protest. Is it a protest?
    Bergoglio is on the spot now.
    RATZINGER:
    Do you think the Church is failing?
    BERGOGLIO:
    We are losing people. In America, if Lapsed Catholics were a religion, it would be the fourth biggest one.
    RATZINGER
    And this is the fault of the Church? Not of Western relativism and permissiveness, of anything goes?
    RATZINGER:
    You called the church narcissistic. Or were you misquoted?
    BERGOGLIO:
    No. I did say that. It seems to me that the Church - your Church -
    RATZINGER
    My church?
    BERGOGLIO:.
    OUR Church is moving in directions I can't condone ... or not moving at all when the times cry out for movement. I no longer wish to be a salesman...
    RATZINGER:
    A salesman?
    BERGOGLIO:.
    For a product..
    RATZINGER:
    A product?
    BERGOGLIO:
    That I can't with full conscience endorse.
    RATZINGER
    ...that you don't believe in?
    BERGOGLIO:
    It's like we don't belong to this world...
    RATZINGER:
    "A church that marries the spirit of the age ...
    BERGOGLIO:
    ... will be widowed in the next age." Yes yes I know.
    RATZINGER:
    When you were leader of the Jesuits in Argentina you removed all the books on Marxism from the library.
    BERGOGLIO:
    For many years I made the seminarians wear cassocks all day - even when they were working in the vegetable patch. And I called civil marriage for homosexuals, the devil's plan.
    RATZINGER:
    You were not unlike me.
    There's a flicker of emotion here - as though this change in him is a personal betrayal.
    BERGOGLIO:
    I changed.
    RATZINGER
    No. You compromised.
    BERGOGLIO:
    No. I changed. It's a different thing.
    Ratzinger starts to walk away from Bergoglio again. He has had enough of semantics this morning. ("Changed" - "Compromised" - Enough!)
    BERGOGLIO:
    Life - the life He gave us - is all change. You are the successor of St. Peter. St. Peter was married!
    RATZINGER:
    Oh, thank you for telling me. I had no idea.
    BERGOGLIO:
    We didn't ask priests to be celibate until 12th Century. Angels! Barely mentioned until the fifth century then suddenly angels are everywhere -- like pigeons! Nothing is static in nature or in the universe, not even God.
    The Pope stops in front of a pond, turns to Bergoglio - He is tired of all of this. Pause.
    RATZINGER:
    God does not change!
    BERGOGLIO:
    Yes. He does. He is evolving. He moves towards us as we...
    RATZINGER:
    I am the way! The truth! And the life! Where should we find him if He is always moving?
    BERGOGLIO:
    On the journey?
    Ratzinger stops again. Buzz of dragonflies, insects and birds by the pond. He flicks a fly from his face. He sees a gardener. The gardener looks.
    GARDENER 2:
    Your Holiness.
    Ratzinger waves to him. Smiles.
    RATZINGER:
    Buon Giorno.
    The greeting made the gardener's day. They walk again, towards a gate.
    RATZINGER
    This is ego. You think you know better.
    BERGOGLIO:
    I'm an Argentinian. How does an Argentinian kill himself? He climbs to the top of his ego and jumps off!
    This quip is supposed to thaw the ice a little. It doesn't.

EXT. CASTLE GANDOLFO - WOODS - DAY
    They move through a gate into a wooded area. Ratzinger looks around, uneasy.
    RATZINGER:
    I'm not familiar with this part of the garden...
    He suddenly seems frail and elderly. Bergoglio takes his arm.
    BERGOGLIO:
    If there is some shade.
    RATZINGER:
    Yes, and perhaps we'll find God over there. On "the journey"! I'll introduce you to him.
    On a dirty wild path. Walk and talk. The sound of cicadas is suddenly shrill and deafening.
    RATZINGER
    We defend two thousand years of tradition. But Bergoglio knows better.
    BERGOGLIO:
    We - have spent these last years disciplining anyone who questions the line on birth control, divorce, being gay.
    BERGOGLIO:
    While our planet was being destroyed, while inequality grew like a cancer, we worried about whether it was alright to say mass in Latin, whether girls should be allowed to be altar servers? We built a wall around ourselves and all the time the real danger was inside with us.
    RATZINGER
    What are you talking about?
    They are in a less well-kept area, with fallen branches, an area where no one goes.
    BERGOGLIO:
    I think you know. We knew that there were priests ... bishops ... great men of the Church who preyed on children. And what did we do?
    RATZINGER:
    We are addressing this. No one could have imagined the scale, the difficulty. From the outside, with hindsight this seems simple but when you are trying to lead an organisation that has a billion members ...
    Bergoglio cuts him off.
    BERGOGLIO:
    We heard their confession. And moved them on to their next parish, where they could start all over again.
    RATZINGER:
    We believed if they showed repentance ...
    BERGOGLIO:
    "That it was better if nine children suffer than if nine million lost their faith because of a scandal?"
    RATZINGER:
    No. Of course not. That's grotesque.
    BERGOGLIO:
    A bishop. He said it to me.

EXT. CASTLE GANDOLFO - BENCH IN THE WOODS
    They are now in a little glade with a bench in it. Ratzinger doesn't answer but sinks down onto the bench. Bergoglio is not sure if protocol allows him to sit too.
    RATZINGER
    How did you answer him?
    BERGOGLIO:
    I ordered him to strip the priest of his priestly ministry, and to initiate a canonical trial in his tribunal. Straight away. I did not think that a few magic words from the priest would make everything alright again.
    RATZINGER
    "Magic words"?! Is that how you describe the sacrament of ...
    BERGOGLIO:
    Confession cleans the sinner's soul. It doesn't help the victim. Our whole church is in need of forgiveness. Where is our humility? Sin is a wound, not a stain. It needs to be treated, healed. Forgiveness is not enough.
    The urbane, calm approach he took at first has gone. He speaks with passion and anger. Ratzinger responds with forensic cool.
    RATZINGER
    You say "we" but you mean Ratzinger.
    BERGOGLIO:
    No, Father, believe me.
    RATZINGER
    Who was too busy defending our teachings? Who fretted about the words of the liturgy? I am the one you think was to blame.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Father ..
    RATZINGER
    Your resignation is a protest against the Holy See. And you are asking me to ratify it.
    BERGOGLIO:
    No.
    RATZINGER:
    You say you no longer wish to be a Cardinal Archbishop. Are you sure you still wish to be even a priest?
    Ratzinger turns on his heel and goes. Bergoglio groans. This didn't go well. He puts his head in his hands. Bergoglio walks, alone, towards the residence.

EXT. CASTEL GANDOLFO (2012) - EVENING
    At the door where she greeted him earlier, the nun is waiting holding his briefcase.
    NUN:
    The Holy Father has retired now until dinner. I'm to show you your room.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Room!?

INT. CASTEL GANDOLFO - CORRIDOR (2012) - EVENING
    Bergoglio is following the nun along the intimidating corridors. He's not happy here. The nun shows him a room.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Thank you, sister.
    NUN:
    Oh. I almost forgot. A message from your assistant in Buenos Aires ...
    She hands him a piece of paper. He unfolds it, troubled. She shows him to his room. As he goes into his room...
    NUN:
    Is it bad news, father?
    INSERT: Shot of the piece of paper in his hand. It's a starting line up for tonight's big San Lorenzo game.
    BERGOGLIO:
    I'm afraid so. Lavezzi is not in the starting line up for Argentina and Equador tomorrow.
    PICK UP ON Bergoglio trying to pray a little later. He is distracted by the decoration in the room - paintings of saints surrounded by beaming baby-faced cherubim.

INT. DINING ROOM / CASTEL GANDOLFO (2012) - NIGHT
    Bergoglio comes downstairs. He's lost until the same nun spots him and summons him. She shows him to the dining room. The nun shows him to his place. He's surprised to see the table is only set for one.
    BERGOGLIO:
    What about his Holiness?
    NUN:
    His Holiness eats in his room.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Was it something I said?
    The nun titters.
    NUN:
    No, no. The Pope eats alone.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Why?
    A covered plate is placed before Bergoglio.
    NUN:
    He just prefers it that way. But he has arranged for you both to eat the same meal. It's a traditional Bavarian dish. A favorite. Just as his Mother used to make it.
    She takes the lid off the plate. Underneath is a profoundly unappetizing Bavarian soup with noodles. Bergoglio reacts.
    NUN:
    Knoedel mit sosse.
    There's a lot of sympathy in just saying the name. Bergoglio laughs. The nun joins in. Off their laughter we - CUT TO:

INT. PAPAL APARTMENTS (2012) - NIGHT
    Ratzinger eating the same unappetizing soup, alone. He reaches for his wine glass and fills it with ... Fanta. We can just hear the faint echo of nun-laughter from below.

INT. CASTEL GANDOLFO - TV ROOM / MUSIC ROOM (2012) - NIGHT
    The Nun shows Bergoglio into a room with a TV in it.
    NUN:
    After dinner sometimes he comes here to relax.
    She goes. Idly, Bergoglio picks up the TV remote and channel flicks. He's looking for the match ... But an electronic voice says "Bravo". Surprised, Bergoglio looks up to see that Ratzinger has come in - still wearing his white ROBES but over it now a classic BAVARIAN KNITTED VEST.
    RATZINGER:
    The watch. 10000 steps. My target. We travelled a long way this afternoon.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Physically perhaps.
    RATZINGER places the papers and book(s) on the table and notices without even looking up (he misses nothing) BERGOGLIO moving to switch off the TV.
    RATZINGER:
    No. Please. I know you love football. I've never understood the excitement myself.
    RATZINGER looks around to find his reading glasses - somewhere in the room. Walks in front of BERGOGLIO.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Not even during the World Cup? You know, your national team, and mine, we could be in the final together next year. They could be - Germany - a match for Argentina.
    RATZINGER mouths a HARD CANDY MINT.
    RATZINGER:
    (disinterested)
    Yeah. It's good.
    BERGOGLIO pulls out his papers, for the POPE to sign.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Holy Father, I want you to -- look at my papers.
    RATZINGER:
    No, no, no, no -
    BERGOGLIO:
    Please, please, this is the reason I'm here.
    RATZINGER:
    (firmly)
    Nein!
    Awkward silence.
    RATZINGER:
    Please. I know you like to talk but I'm tired, I'm exhausted. I need to rest. Sit down and just be quiet together. Please sit. That's good... I get so tired. Would you like a tea or coffee?
    BERGOGLIO
    No, no. I find if I drink coffee too late at night I can't sleep.
    RATZINGER:
    Me, too...
    The men sit in silence for several moments. SILENCE.
    RATZINGER:
    You know... the hardest thing is to listen, to hear his voice...God's voice.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Even for a Pope?
    RATZINGER:
    Maybe especially for a Pope.
    Ratzinger is almost speaking to himself as he checks through the music sheets.
    RATZINGER:
    When I was young - many hundreds of years ago - I always knew what He wanted of me - God - What purpose He had for me. But now, I don't know - perhaps I need to listen more intently. What do you think Cardinal Bergoglio?
    They look at one another - no comment from Bergoglio.
    RATZINGER:
    I don't know. Perhaps I need a spiritual hearing aid. Who does knows? When I first heard that voice - that call - God - whatever that was - God's voice. It brought me peace. Such peace.
    (pause)
    You must have felt that?
    BERGOGLIO:
    The call yes, the peace...
    FLASHBACK TO:

EXT. TANGO CLUB/ BUENOS AIRES - NIGHT
    The opposite of peace. Tango music, laughter, bodies.
    BERGOGLIO: (V.O.)
    No, I wouldn't call it peace... The world around us can be chaotic... There can be such beauty in that movement (that chaos)...
    BERGOGLIO: (V.O.)
    When I was a kid I started to think about being a priest. I wasn't sure so my grandma said, "ask God for a sign". I did. Nothing. Silence.
    BERGOGLIO: (V.O.)
    I felt abandoned. God stopped talking to me. I stopped talking to him. So I got on with life. I had Amalia. I had a job. I had a future.
    Through the whirl of limbs comes the 19 year old Bergoglio with his girlfriend - Amalia. They are superb dancers, and their moves are replete with passion, drama, technical prowess, códigos and yeta, and milonga, their bodies arching away from each other but contacting at the hip. Hot stuff! They steal the show and then move to the shadows.
    AMALIA:
    I don't date bouncers. Nothing but trouble.
    AMALIA:
    Yo no salgo con gente de la noche. Sólo traen problemas.
    YOUNG BERGOGLIO:
    I'm leaving all this behind. Got the job at the laboratory.
    JOVEN BERGOGLIO:
    Eso ya quedó atrás. Conseguí el trabajo en el laboratorio.
    AMALIA:
    Oh! So, you're a scientist now?!
    AMALIA
    Ah! Entonces ahora sos un científico...
    BERGOGLIO:
    Correct.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Correcto.
    He kisses her. She pulls back.
    AMALIA:
    What are you doing?
    AMALIA:
    ¿Qué estás haciendo?
    YOUNG BERGOGLIO:
    I'm conducting a little experiment. In chemistry.
    JOVEN BERGOGLIO:
    Un pequeño experimento de química.
    He kisses her again.
    YOUNG BERGOGLIO:
    I have (kiss) a theory (kiss)
    JOVEN BERGOGLIO:
    Tengo (la besa) una teoría
    that if you fuse (kiss) two (la besa): si uno fusiona (la unstable elements (kiss) besa) dos elementos something magic happens ... inestables (la besa) sucede algo mágico... He reaches into the top of her blouse ..
    AMALIA:
    Stop. What are you ...
    AMALIA:
    Pará... ¿Qué estás---
    ... and produces as if by magic a ring. She beams.

INT. HICKTHIER FOOD LABORATORY (1955)
    Young Bergoglio hands a sheaf of papers to Esther. She scans them.
    ESTHER:
    These results are the same as last time.
    ESTHER:
    Son los mismos resultados de la última vez.
    YOUNG BERGOGLIO:
    Same experiment.
    JOVEN BERGOGLIO:
    Es el mismo experimento.
    She stares at him.
    ESTHER:
    No. I mean these are EXACTLY the same. You haven't re-done the experiment. How many times do I have to tell you, we test, test and test again. We live or die by facts. Facts are ... you've had a haircut.
    ESTHER:
    Quiero decir que son exactamente los mismos resultados. No repetiste el experimento. ¿Cuántas veces te lo tengo que decir? Tenemos que probar, probar y probar de nuevo... Vivimos o morimos por los hechos. Los hechos son---
    (se interrumpe, algo le llama la atención)
    Te cortaste el pelo.
    YOUNG BERGOGLIO:
    That is a fact.
    JOVEN BERGOGLIO:
    Eso es un hecho.
    She undoes the top of his lab coat.
    ESTHER:
    And you're wearing your best shirt.
    ESTHER:
    Y te pusiste tu mejor camisa.
    YOUNG BERGOGLIO:
    That's also a fact.
    JOVEN BERGOGLIO:
    Eso también es un hecho.
    ESTHER:
    You're finally going to ask her.
    ESTHER:
    ¡Por fin te decidiste! ¡Le vas a proponer casamiento!
    YOUNG BERGOGLIO:
    Now that is speculation.
    JOVEN BERGOGLIO:
    Eso es especulación.
    ESTHER:
    No. That's deduction.
    ESTHER
    No. Es una deducción.
    YOUNG BERGOGLIO:
    Well it's incorrect. I already asked her. Tonight I'm going to ask her parents.
    JOVEN BERGOGLIO:
    Bueno... Es incorrecta. Ya le propuse casamiento. Esta noche voy a hablar con sus padres.
    ESTHER:
    So you finally decided that you're not going to be a priest.
    ESTHER:
    Finalmente decidiste que no vas a ser cura!
    BERGOGLIO:
    That's a logical conclusion.
    JOVEN BERGOGLIO:
    Esa es una conclusión lógica.
    ESTHER:
    What took you so long?
    ESTHER:
    Porqué tardaste tanto?
    YOUNG BERGOGLIO:
    I had to, you know, listen.
    JOVEN BERGOGLIO:
    Tenía que escuchar a...
    (He points up to Heaven) I (mira hacia el cielo) thought He might have other ... vos me entendés... Pensé plans for me. que Él tenía otros planes para mi.
    ESTHER:
    The last thing this country needs is more priests. Go. I'll re-do the tests. But don't ever try to short- change me again. OK?
    ESTHER:
    Lo último que necesita este país es otro cura. Andá. Yo me encargo de hacer las pruebas de nuevo... ¡Pero no vuelvas a engatusarme nunca más!
    BERGOGLIO:
    OK.
    JOVEN BERGOGLIO:
    (asintiendo)
    Prometido.
    ESTHER:
    And Jorge - fix your hair.
    ESTHER:
    Y, Jorge..., arreglate ese pelo!

EXT. FLORES BASILICA (1955) - EVENING
    BERGOGLIO, dressed in his best clothes, stops to buy YELLOW ROSES from a stall in front of the basilica. As he passes the Church, he hears music playing. That's odd.

INT. AMALIA'S BEDROOM (1955) - EVENING
    AMALIA gets herself ready for JORGE, pulling on a pretty dress. Putting on make-up. Her Mother puts a flower in AMALIA's HAIR, and then nods, approving, excited. She knows what's going on.

INT. BASILICA OF ST JOSEPH OF FLORES (1955) - NIGHT
    Young Bergoglio goes into the church. It's empty. Or so it seems. The music stops. Suddenly theThe Pope / Contract. music stops and a priest crosses to the confessional. Seeing Bergoglio he waves him into the confessional. He assumes that that's what Bergoglio was waiting for ...
    YOUNG BERGOGLIO:
    Oh. No Father. I was just ...
    JOVEN BERGOGLIO:
    Oh... No, padre... Yo sólo estaba...
    But the door of the confessional has closed. Now Bergoglio steps inside.
    PRIEST (O.S.)
    Close the door.
    SACERDOTE (O.S.)
    Podés cerrar la puerta.
    He dimly sees the profile of a priest through the lattice. INTERCUT between - BERGOGLIO and his POV of the PRIEST through the LATTICE - and the PRIEST'S POV of BERGOGLIO through the LATTICE.

INT. CONFESSIONAL BOX/BASILICA OF ST JOSEPH OF FLORES (1955) -
    NIGHT BERGOGLIO kneels there in silence for a long moment, then finally "blesses" himself (makes the sign of the cross). Then-
    BERGOGLIO:
    Bless me father...
    JOVEN BERGOGLIO:
    Bendígame padre..
    (pause) (pausa)
    ...for I have sinned. ... porque he pecado.
    UNKNOWN PRIEST:
    Yes my son--and how have you sinned?
    SACERDOTE:
    Te escucho, hijo... ¿Qué pecado has cometido?
    BERGOGLIO becomes troubled--and falls silent again.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Father - before we start -
    JOVEN BERGOGLIO:
    Padre... - antes de empezar
    may I ask - I haven't seen ¿puedo preguntarle algo?... you before. Where are you No lo había visto antes... from? ¿De dónde es usted?
    UNKNOWN PRIEST:
    Parque Patricios. I come here to celebrate Mass here now and then.
    SACERDOTE:
    De Parque Patricios, de vez en cuando vengo a celebrar misa aquí.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Before we speak ... I pray you're not a Huracán supporter.
    JOVEN BERGOGLIO:
    Antes de que sigamos hablando... ya estoy rezando para pedir que usted no sea hincha de Huracán.
    UNKNOWN PRIEST:
    Your prayers are answered.
    SACERDOTE:
    Tus rezos han sido
    (beat) escuchados... No, I live close by, in the (pausa) priests' home for the sick. Vivo aquí cerca... En la casa parroquial para los enfermos.
    BERGOGLIO:
    You tend to the sick?
    JOVEN BERGOGLIO:
    ¿Cuida a los enfermos?
    UNKNOWN PRIEST:
    No. I am sick myself. I have cancer. Leukemia.
    SACERDOTE:
    No... Soy uno de ellos. Tengo cáncer. Leucemia.
    BERGOGLIO:
    (moved)
    JOVEN BERGOGLIO:
    (conmovido)
    Then father, why are you Entonces, padre, ¿porqué está here? acá?
    UNKNOWN PRIEST:
    Because--when I woke this morning at 6 o'clock, the Lord told me to come here to hear confession. But until you, no-one has come, so I suppose--he wanted me to be here, to speak to you.
    SACERDOTE:
    Cuando me desperté esta mañana a las seis, el Señor me dijo que viniera a confesar... Pero no vino nadie... hasta que llegaste... Por eso supongo que Ël quería que viniera para que hablara con vos.
    BERGOGLIO:
    To me?
    JOVEN BERGOGLIO:
    ¿Conmigo?
    UNKNOWN PRIEST:
    Si. Has something been troubling you? Your Father wants to help you.
    SACERDOTE:
    Sí... ¿Hay algo que te anda preocupando? Tu Padre quiere ayudarte.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Some time ago, father. I asked Him for a sign.
    JOVEN BERGOGLIO:
    Hace un tiempo Le pedí una señal, padre.
    UNKNOWN PRIEST:
    Perhaps He just gave you one.
    SACERDOTE:
    Quizás te la está dando ahora.
    BERGOGLIO is stunned by this news - and inside him he experiences an epiphany -
    UNKNOWN PRIEST:
    So now--my son--whom the Lord sees--make a full confession and free your heart.
    SACERDOTE:
    Hijo... ahora que ya sabés que el Señor te está mirando... Podés confesarte y liberar tu corazón.
    PICK UP ON the priest giving absolution. There is a little crucifix in the room with him. Young Bergoglio touches it as he joins in the prayer. Then he gets up and opens the door of the confessional onto... CUT TO:

EXT. CORDOBA (ARGENTINA) (1955) - DAY
    The confessional door opens onto a beautiful, empty landscape. The Young Bergoglio - still in his best clothes - walks out across the rocks and sand, looking up at the vast sky and far horizon. He steps into the shadow of a great rock. The shadow acts like a kind of doorway leading onto ..

EXT. RICOLETA (1955) - NIGHT
    Young Bergoglio, holding his bunch of roses, sits waiting for Amalia. He sees her coming towards him with her chaperone (a girl her own age). She smiles. He smiles back. But awkwardly. The chaperone moves aside as he walks towards her. We pull back and watch them approach each other like two dancers. He offers her the flowers. She takes them. They face each other as though about to dance. But then she turns from him and starts to walk away. He stands and watches. We are watching the choreography of break-up. As she walks away, she looks back one last time. He watches as she lets the flowers drop to the floor as she walks off. Only when she is out of sight does he turn away - alone and forlorn. CUT TO:

EXT. COLEGIO MAXIMO (1958) - DAY
    YOUNG BERGOGLIO arrives at a seminary, followed by another priest, where he is warmly greeted by the novice master - Fr. JALICS - who will become important to us later.
    JALICS:
    Bergoglio?
    JALICS:
    ¿Bergoglio?
    BERGOGLIO:
    Father ...
    JOVEN BERGOGLIO:
    Padre...
    JALICS:
    Welcome home.
    JALICS:
    Bienvenido a casa.
    As Young Bergoglio steps inside the seminary ...

INT. COLEGIO MAXIMO (1958) - DAY
    JALICS leads Bergoglio into the college. They walk some steps, Jalics continues as they walk away.
    JALICS:
    Do you know what you are saying No to?
    JALICS:
    ¿Sabés a qué estás renunciando entrando acá?
    BERGOGLIO:
    Yes. She even has a name.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Si. Mi renuncia tiene nombre, además.
    JALICS:
    Love has many names. Learn to know her by a new one. Thinking you can live without love, that's a great mistake.
    JALICS:
    El amor tiene muchos nombres. Aprendé a conocerla con un nombre nuevo. Pensar que podés vivir sin amor, es una gran equivocación.
    BERGOGLIO:
    I still have San Lorenzo.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Todavía me queda San Lorenzo.
    RATZINGER (V.O)
    Have you thought what your life would be like had that priest not been in that confessional booth at that moment?
    BERGOGLIO (V.O)
    No, I see now there was never any alternative. That priest--that day-- finding him... Even if I had passed by, God would have found another way to call me...

INT. MUSIC ROOM/CASTEL GANDOLFO (2012) - NIGHT
    Ratzinger stares at BERGOGLIO -
    RATZINGER:
    You have such certainty.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Yes. And now, I'm certain He wants me to retire...
    RATZINGER:
    Please. Just for this evening. I know we have our differences, our disagreements, but for this one evening let us just be brothers for a while. Shall we?
    RATZINGER goes over to the piano to close the lid of the keyboard. He closes the lid.
    RATZINGER:
    Do you play?
    BERGOGLIO:
    No. But I know you do. You made an album. "Music from the Vatican Alma Mater."
    RATZINGER:
    That's right, I did. Do you have a copy?
    BERGOGLIO:
    Yes, yes of course.
    RATZINGER:
    I could sign it for you.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Well I'm a bit out of practice. Let's see. I'll try.
    RATZINGER opens the keyboard lid and sits at the piano bench.
    RATZINGER:
    I've got this little piece by my favourite Czech -- a wonderful lullaby. I see what I can do.
    RATZINGER looks at the keyboard a moment. Then starts to play...
    RATZINGER:
    He lived a very tragic life, you know.
    (plays)
    You know the album - It was recorded at a world famous studio in London - I was told I should feel honoured because The Beatles were there - you know the Beatles?
    BERGOGLIO:
    Yes. I know who they are.
    RATZINGER:
    (laughs) Of course you do.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Eleanor Rigby.
    RATZINGER:
    Who?
    BERGOGLIO:
    "Eleanor Rigby."
    RATZINGER:
    I don't know -
    BERGOGLIO:
    "Yellow Submarine"
    RATZINGER:
    Sorry, I don't know.
    BERGOGLIO:
    The album. Yellow Submarine.
    RATZINGER:
    That's silly. Yellow Submarine. That's very funny.
    RATZINGER starts playing the Schumann Traumerei -
    RATZINGER:
    Anyway, the recording was done in London, at - I can't remember the name of the place - a church or something.
    BERGOGLIO
    Abbey Road.
    RATZINGER:
    Yes, an Abbey.
    RATZINGER starts playing the Schumann Traumerei
    BERGOGLIO:
    You went to Abbey Road?
    RATZINGER:
    Oh no. Not in person. That would have not been appropriate.
    RATZINGER switches tunes, and plays a more uptempo song -
    RATZINGER:
    You like?
    RATZINGER:
    It's very different! It's wonderful.
    RATZINGER:
    It's an old Berlin cabaret song. It was made famous before the war by a singer called Zara Leander.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Who?
    RATZINGER:
    Zara Leander. She was Hitler's favorite singer. She had a deep voice. She was Swedish.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Sorry, who was it?
    RATZINGER:
    Zara Leander. Would you like some wine? Next door.
    BERGOGLIO
    Oh, si. Grazie.
    BERGOGLIO exits, then returns with a DECANTER of wine.
    BERGOGLIO:
    For you?
    RATZINGER:
    No, no.
    (sings)
    Dah, dah, dah, dee dee...
    (plays)
    Good wine?
    BERGOGLIO:
    Good music.
    RATZINGER stops playing, closes the lid.
    RATZINGER:
    I am afraid at the keyboard, I am not infallible. But I enjoy it.
    RATZINGER and BERGOGLIO settle down into TWO ARM-CHAIRS in front of the TV.
    RATZINGER:
    Oh well. There. I get so tired. You know?
    BERGOGLIO takes out an ENVELOPE, and a PEN and puts them down on the coffee table. An awkward silence follows as BERGOGLIO waits for the POPE to pick up the PEN. Ratzinger leans forward. Is this it? No. He only picks up the remote from the coffee table.
    RATZINGER:
    A silly little program, a guilty pleasure. Wait.
    Suddenly Bergoglio is alert, excited by a possibility. ANGLE ON: The TV, as the POPE finally gets "Kommissar Rex" on the TV. Show the OPENING CREDIT SEQUENCE, an astonishingly cheesy German crime show, about a DOG. He hasn't been listening to Bergoglio - too busy with the TV.
    RATZINGER
    It is called "Kommissar Rex". Do you know it? It's about a German Shepherd dog that solves crimes. What trouble he gets into each week! Ha! Ha!
    BERGOGLIO looks at his watch - anxious - then back at the hilariously bad TV SHOW OPENING CREDITS -
    RATZINGER
    It takes my mind off things. You know, they liken me to a dog-"God's Rottweiler" - that is their nickname for me. The fierce guard dog of the house of God.
    BERGOGLIO is in mental pain about missing his football match.
    RATZINGER
    Oh. The signal is poor today. Strange how some days it's good, some days it's bad.
    Bergoglio clocks this remark. Smiles to himself.
    RATZINGER:
    It's a small pleasure.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Small pleasures are important.
    RATZINGER:
    I lack company. Always alone.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Isiah 41.x.
    RATZINGER:
    "Do not be afraid for I will be with you." Yes He's there but He doesn't laugh, you know. At least I don't hear Him laugh. You know. No, you don't know. Someone like you would not know.
    Bergoglio doesn't know how to react. Ratzinger sidesteps any emotional response by returning to the TV.
    RATZINGER:
    But I mustn't spoil your enjoyment of the show.
    LATER. BERGOGLIO sits there, as the PROGRAM plays, but his eyes turn to the POPE...

..who has nodded off in his CHAIR, emitting a soft snore. Held tightly in the POPE's hands is the REMOTE CONTROL.
    BERGOGLIO checks the time on his watch, and moves toward the sleeping POPE, carefully reaching out for the remote. The POPE's GRIP is too intense, and BERGOGLIO cannot prize the REMOTE CONTROL FREE. The POPE wakes up, with a SNORT, and immediately LAUGHS as he resumes watching the GERMAN PROGRAM...
    RATZINGER
    (to BERGOGLIO)
    You enjoy?
    BERGOGLIO:
    Yes of course. Thank you.
    Ratzinger gets up to go to bed but before he does so, bows his head and begins that beautiful little prayer - the Nunc Dimitis. Bergoglio joins in.
    RATZINGER:
    Nunc dimittis. Let your servant depart in peace now Lord, according to your word..
    BERGOGLIO:
    (joining in the prayer) ... For my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared for all the peoples. To be a light to lighten the world.
    RATZINGER:
    God grant us a quiet night and a perfect end. Goodnight.
    Bergoglio goes to give him a big hug but Ratzinger mistakes the gesture for an incoming handshake and they end up awkwardly holding hands as if about to dance.

EXT. CASTEL GANDOLFO - NIGHT
    The setting sun sets fire to the lovely mirror of Lake Albano. The sky is full of stars. A shooting star crosses the air. Feels like a Disney movie. But a telephone starts to ring breaking the magic. A telephone rings non stop.

INT. CASTEL GANDOLFO - DINING ROOM - MORNING
    A couple of Nuns have set up a buffet breakfast. Bergoglio is mid breakfast when Roberto swans in. In the distance a phone is ringing non-stop.
    ROBERTO:
    His Holiness apologizes. He has been called back to Rome. Urgent business. If you could be ready as soon as possible, Eminence. I will arrange for your bags to be collected.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Of course. Don't worry about my bags. I travel light.
    But Roberto doesn't respond. His own phone is ringing now too.

EXT. CASTEL GANDOLFO - MORNING
    Bergoglio comes out carrying his bag. He is intercepted by the gardener, who passes him a little bundle of fresh oregano.
    GARDENER:
    I took a cutting. When you get home you can plant it.
    GIARDINIERE:
    Ho preso delle talee. Quando arrivate a casa potete piantarle.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Thank you. I'll remember you whenever I cook with it.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Grazie. Mi ricordero' di lei ogni volta che le usero'.
    Roberto comes to chivvy Bergoglio. A car is waiting.

EXT. CASTEL GANDOLFO (2012) - HELIPAD DAY
    The car pulls up. Bergoglio climbs out and stares in amazement. A helicopter is waiting - Ratzinger already on board.

INT. PAPAL HELICOPTER (2012) - DAY
    Ratzinger indicates the head-set so that they will be able to speak to each other.
    BERGOGLIO:
    I hope this urgent business is nothing too distressing.
    But Ratzinger blanks this tenderness.
    RATZINGER:
    The plant? Is it basil?
    BERGOGLIO:
    Oregano. Your gardener ...
    RATZINGER:
    Ah yes. It must be very useful, this popularity of yours. Is there a trick to it?
    BERGOGLIO:
    I try to be myself.
    RATZINGER:
    Hmm, when I try to be myself, people don't seem to like me very much.
    The helicopter takes off, swinging into the sky.
    BERGOGLIO:
    With regard to my resignation ...
    Ratzinger points at the earphones with a "can't hear you" gesture.

EXT. THE VATICAN (2012) - DAY
    A SWEEPING AERIAL of the VATICAN CITY and the dome of ST PETERS.

EXT. HELIPORT (2012) - DAY
    The helicopter lands - still some distance from the Vatican. There's a car waiting for Ratzinger. As soon as he leaves the helicopter Ratzinger is given a fat report. Around him stand advisers, CLERGY and non-CLERGY. BENEDICT opens the REPORT as he is informed of its contents. (We do not hear what weighty matters are discussed, but can only infer that the crisis is a large one.) ANGLE ON: Ratzinger, troubled, heavily burdened, as he receives the BRIEFING, climbing into the car. He seems tired as he listens to the impassioned arguments and counsel of his Curia staff. Bergoglio has been more or less forgotten. Roberto appears next to him.
    ROBERTO:
    The Holy Father wants to finish his conversation with you but first he must deal with...an urgent matter.
    BERGOGLIO:
    May I know the nature of it?
    ROBERTO:
    When the Holy Father is ready I'll come and find you.
    Roberto goes to the car. Bergoglio is left behind.

EXT. ST. PETER'S SQUARE (2012) - DAY
    Bergoglio - bag in hand - is leaving the Vatican. He runs into a pack of opportunistic photographers and journalists. We assume they are connected with whatever it is that has brought Ratzinger back to Rome.
    AMERICAN JOURNALIST:
    Father would you care to make a statement about the latest events?
    BERGOGLIO:
    The second goal was never off-side. If the referee wasn't blind, San Lorenzo would be sitting on top of the Primera today.
    AMERICAN JOURNALIST:
    Father, the international community ...
    BERGOGLIO:
    Oh! International! No worries on that score. Argentina will definitely qualify for the World Cup.
    AMERICAN JOURNALIST:
    Do you have anything to say about the latest scandal?
    BERGOGLIO:
    I'm just visiting. If you don't mind...what IS the latest crisis?
    Rebuffed and wondering, Bergoglio moves on. The journalists roll their eyes, thinking Bergoglio is playing them.
    AMERICAN JOURNALIST:
    Ok father. I know you can't talk... Good luck tonight...

EXT. STREETS - ROME (2012) - DAY
    Bergoglio glances back at the mighty facade. He walks towards the Domus Internationalis. He's just an ordinary man, walking through city crowds.

INT. DOMUS INTERNATIONALIS (2012) - DAY
    Bergoglio is washing his socks in the sink, while watching the TV - a report on about a scandal at the Vatican bank.
    UK FEMALE NEWSREADER:
    It's the only bank in the World where the ATM gives you instructions in Latin. It's the only bank in the World - says a new report - that operates an off-shore tax haven from the centre of a capital city. Tonight the Italian government has seized tens of millions in deposits from the Vatican Bank. Pope Benedict has been forced to return from Castel Gandolfo - his summer palace - to talk to one of the bank's directors - a priest - Father Scarano. Tonight, the Vatican itself is under siege.
    Bergoglio watches as the TV plays images of Ratzinger leaving the helicopter earlier - the very journey on which Bergoglio was a passenger just a few hours ago.

EXT. SPORTS BAR, ROMA (2012) - NIGHT
    There's a bar with an Argentinian flag over the door and jerseys on the wall. Bergoglio hurries towards it. He knows it from previous trips.

INT. RATZINGER'S BEDROOM - VATICAN (2012) - NIGHT
    Benedict kneeling in intense prayer in his bedroom.
    CUT TO:
    INT. SPORTS BAR ROMA (2012) - NIGHT
    Argentina are playing Ecuador in the World Club qualifier. Everyone is cheering. Argentina has scored. Bergoglio turns to his fellow fans.
    BERGOGLIO:
    You prayed for it to go in. You should give thanks that it did.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Ya que rezaron para que meta el gol... ¡Ahora deberían agradecer que lo metió!
    There's a grudging acknowledgement of this logic.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Thank you Lord for the gift of El Pipita.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Gracias Señor por el talento de El Pipita.
    FAN:
    Amen.
    FAN:
    Amen
    BERGOGLIO:
    Help to keep his temper.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Te pedimos que lo ayudes a controlar su carácter.
    FAN:
    Amen. Double amen.
    FAN:
    Amen. Doble Amen.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Also, God bless our Pope.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Que Dios bendiga a nuestro Papa también
    One fan immediately object to this.
    FAN:
    This Pope?! The German. No, no, no. Let him bless himself.
    FAN:
    ¿Este papa? El alemán. No,no,no! Que él se bendiga solo.
    Bergoglio is taken aback by the popular dislike for Ratzinger. On the TV the commentator is becoming excited. Another goal maybe. Everyone turns back to the TV. But Bergoglio has lost his sociability. He stands at one remove.

INT. RATZINGER'S BEDROOM - VATICAN (2012) - NIGHT
    Back to Ratzinger praying. This time we hear his prayer. It's the Nunc Dimittis in Latin.
    RATZINGER:
    Nunc dimittis servum tuum, Domine, secundum verbum tuum in pace.
    BERGOGLIO: (V.O.)
    Let your servant depart in peace now Lord, according to your word.
    BERGOGLIO: (V.O.)
    Ahora, Señor, según tu promesa, puedes dejar a tu siervo irse en paz

INT. DOMUS INTERNATIONALIS BEDROOM (2012) - NIGHT
    Bergoglio saying HIS prayers. He's praying for Ratzinger.
    BERGOGLIO:
    God grant him a quiet night and a perfect end.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Que Dios le conceda una noche serena y un final feliz.
    INSERT: The sun comes up over Rome. Big stone pines silhouetted against a red sky.

INT. CORRIDOR VATICAN (2012) - EARLY MORNING
    Roberto almost runs along the corridor. His phone keeps buzzing. He keeps having to reject calls. PICK UP ON him talking to Ratzinger who is being dressed by his dresser. Ratzinger is still in his underwear - his unusually lengthy underpants and long socks look slightly comic.
    RATZINGER:
    What do you mean he's not here?
    RATZINGER:
    Che vuol dire con non e' qui?
    ROBERTO:
    I ... we can't find him.
    ROBERTO:
    Io... Non lo troviamo.
    RATZINGER:
    (frantic) What room did you give him?
    RATZINGER:
    (Agitato) Quale stanza gli avete dato?
    ROBERTO:
    I assumed, as a Jesuit, he would be staying in the Jesuit mother house.
    ROBERTO:
    Ho dato per scontato, che come gesuita, avrebbe alloggiato alla Casa Professa dei Gesuiti.
    RATZINGER:
    He hasn't stayed there for years. He has a problematic relationship with the order.
    RATZINGER:
    Non alloggia li' da anni. Ha un rapporto difficile con l'ordine.
    CUT TO:
    INT. VATICAN SECURITY ROOM - DAY
    The Head of Security listens to Roberto who is looking for Bergoglio. He turns and gives an order to someone next to him. (improvised)

EXT. ST PETER'S SQUARE - DAY
    A Swiss Guard standing in front of the gate at Paolo VI listens to the walkie-talkie and looks around.

EXT. VATICAN - PAOLO VI (2012) - DAY
    Bergoglio - bag in hand - walking back towards the Vatican. There are still hordes of journalists and TV crews. A journalist approaches him with a microphone. Bergoglio doesn't stop walking. The journalist follows him.
    PRESS:
    Holiness do you have anything to say about the arrest of Father Scarano?
    BERGOGLIO:
    What do you want me to say?
    PRESS:
    Will the Vatican be contesting it?
    BERGOGLIO:
    What? No. It's not like he's been arrested for praying too many rosaries! I can't give a statement, but I can give you a blessing.
    Swiss guard interrupts the interview.
    SWISS GUARD:
    Cardinal! Emminence ...
    He leads Bergoglio by the elbow towards the entrance. He talks into his walkie-talkie, saying he's found him.

INT. VATICAN STAIRS (2012) - DAY
    The young Swiss Guard - in his fabulous uniform is now leading Bergoglio silently up the big stairs..
    BERGOGLIO:
    I've always wondered ... the uniform, is it comfortable?
    No response.
    BERGOGLIO:
    It can't be easy to keep clean. Maybe someone else cleans it?
    They come to a door in the middle of the stairs. The Guard stands back to let Bergoglio pass through it but as Bergoglio is about to pass him, he says quietly ...
    SWISS GUARD:
    It's not comfortable. But it is based on a painting by Michelangelo so...I'm a work of art.
    They go up the stairs that feel like back-stage.
    BERGOGLIO:
    You won't be a work of art forever.
    SWISS GUARD:
    I'm a student. Economics.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Ah! Economics...
    SWISS GUARD:
    Eminence, what you said about the trickle-down theory of wealth creation...
    BERGOGLIO:
    That nothing trickles down but humiliation and suffering?
    SWISS GUARD:
    I quoted it in my dissertation.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Did you get a good mark?
    SWISS GUARD:
    A-star.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Good work. When you finish your studies ... don't be a banker.
    The Swiss Guard opens a door.
    BERGOGLIO:
    That's where we're meeting?
    SWISS GUARD:
    I don't know. I was just asked to bring you here.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Thank you.
    Bergoglio goes through the door into ...

INT. SISTINE CHAPEL (2012) - DAY
    The Sistine Chapel - so vivid, so alive. It's heart- stopping. Bergoglio stops to take it all in. Walks towards the altar. Bergoglio considers the Last Judgement all alone. CLOSE ON: His old BLACK SHOES as he crosses the marble floor. He stops at the huge end-panel, with its rendering of HEAVEN and HELL, the ANGELS hauling up to heaven those souls in hellish torment - a powerful depiction of SIN. A door opens. A figure appears. It's Ratzinger. The POPE walks to BERGOGLIO, whose heart begins to pound, such is the drama of the setting.
    RATZINGER:
    I've never been in here when it was empty before. I wanted to share the moment with you.
    They both stand looking up at it, marvelling.
    BERGOGLIO:
    If I was Pope I'd be in here every day.
    RATZINGER:
    What else?
    BERGOGLIO:
    What?
    RATZINGER:
    If you had been chosen. What else would you do?
    BERGOGLIO:
    Holy Father ...
    RATZINGER:
    This place would be different, I think.
    BERGOGLIO:
    I wouldn't eat alone for a start. Apart from the theology, it's not good for you.
    Ratzinger nods - noticing the concern as well as the ideology.
    BERGOGLIO:
    All through the gospels Jesus is always breaking bread, feeding the people. Even after he came back from the dead he barbecued fish on the shore of Lake Galilee ...
    He's describing some of the scenes from the frescoes.
    RATZINGER:
    What else?
    BERGOGLIO:
    I'd sort out the bank.
    RATZINGER:
    Good luck with that.
    Ratzinger laughs. Bergoglio is thrown.
    BERGOGLIO:
    The banks almost destroyed my country. They beg for deregulation like tigers pleading to be let out of their cages. They devour everything in sight.
    RATZINGER:
    The Curia's a machine. You put your hand inside, it chops it into mincemeat. It protects itself. To become Pope is to become breakfast.
    Ratzinger sounds exhausted and bitter. Bergoglio looks and walks towards the Ghirlandaio fresco of the Vocation of the Apostles (it shows Christ on a beach with fishermen).
    BERGOGLIO:
    The only way to follow Him is to be where He is. Where is He? Right now? In the bomb craters in Syria. On the little beaches welcoming refugees. At Lampedusa. In hospitals...
    BERGOGLIO:
    (referring to the chapel)
    Not here... see?... You're beginning to be glad I'm resigning.
    RATZINGER:
    For weeks, I've been praying for a sign.
    BERGOGLIO:
    I don't understand.

INT. SISTINE CHAPEL - (PART 2) - DAY
    They're now seated on the marble bench against the curtain.
    RATZINGER:
    When your request to resign came I knew I couldn't accept it without speaking to you. You had to come here. But perhaps you had to come here for some other purpose.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Like what?
    RATZINGER:
    I have made a decision about something. A decision of great importance for the life of the whole Church. For her future. Something I ask you to hide in your soul, and speak of to no-one.
    RATZINGER:
    Sometimes you notice little things. The other night after prayers I blew out the candle. Instead of rising up, the smoke went down. Like Cain's offering. Do you notice such things?
    BERGOGLIO:
    I bought the tickets for my flight here before you requested my presence.
    Ratzinger looks up at this. It's as though it's a clincher for him.
    RATZINGER:
    No! Really? That gives me encouragement. You are the right person. I'm going to resign.
    He's thrown this last sentence away so casually that Bergoglio doesn't notice it at first.
    BERGOGLIO:
    The right person for what?
    RATZINGER:
    To tell. I need to say it out loud to someone first.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Say what?
    RATZINGER:
    What I just said. I'm going to resign.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Resign from what?
    RATZINGER:
    The Papacy. The Chair of St Peter. The Bishopric of Rome. I'm going to renounce them all.
    BERGOGLIO:
    But then...I mean...you can't. If you did that, you wouldn't be Pope any more.
    RATZINGER:
    Yes
    BERGOGLIO:
    But you are the Pope...
    RATZINGER:
    Yes.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Popes can't resign.
    RATZINGER:
    In fact it's not without precedent. Celestine V did it in 1294.
    Ratzinger is not comfortable on the marble bench. He looks to a security guard's cloth chair in the corner of the chapel.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Holy Father...You think people will not be shocked because this happened once before...seven hundred years ago!
    Ratzinger stands up and goes to grab a chair.
    RATZINGER:
    The marble is too cold.
    BERGOGLIO:
    I can't breathe... I came here just to ask for your signature on a piece of paper.
    On his way to the chair he points to the door on the opposite side of the chapel, as if saying: "get that other chair for you". Bergoglio goes.
    RATZINGER:
    Now you know why I couldn't give you that. There will be another conclave. It is important that you are there.
    BERGOGLIO:
    But, Holy Father, you cannot do this. You must not! Why do the Presidents of America and Russia, of China, all come to you? Because, unlike them, your authority derives from the fact you will suffer and die on the job. A Pope represents service - life long - until death! - a martyr for justice and truth. For this all people come. Forgive me but...
    RATZINGER:
    But?
    BERGOGLIO:
    ... Christ did not come down from his cross.
    Ratzinger is stung. But also reflective, almost wondering.
    RATZINGER:
    God always grants you the right words.
    BERGOGLIO
    The Pope must go on, to the end. Be the personification of the crucified Christ! If you resign you will damage the prestige of the papacy forever.
    They are now seated facing each other. Ratzinger seems to think this over before replying.
    RATZINGER:
    And what damage will I do if I remain?
    BERGOGLIO registers this point - But his thoughts flee and regroup like flocks of starlings.
    BERGOGLIO:
    I can't understand how this conversation is happening. The last time anyone discussed a thing like this, these frescoes weren't painted. Two Popes? Unthinkable.
    RATZINGER:
    In 1978 we had three.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Not at the same time!
    RATZINGER:
    I was making a little joke.
    BERGOGLIO:
    A joke?
    RATZINGER:
    A German joke. It doesn't have to be funny.
    BERGOGLIO:
    What would we call you?
    RATZINGER:
    Father Ratzinger? Brother Joseph?...
    German humour again? Ratzinger comes up with a name:
    RATZINGER:
    Pope Emeritus? Would that work?
    BERGOGLIO:
    Two Popes. Both commanding authority.
    RATZINGER:
    Only one would command authority. I would hide away...out of the spot- light. Silence incarnate! "Silentium Incarnatum"
    BERGOGLIO:
    Even if you are never seen or heard again, you will still exist.
    RATZINGER:
    For a while at any rate.
    BERGOGLIO:
    But your views, very well known views, will exist. And therefore will have authority still! Could you accept that?
    RATZINGER:
    There's a saying - the Lord corrects one Pope by giving us the next. I'd like to see my correction.
    BERGOGLIO throws up his hands -
    BERGOGLIO:
    Where would you live?
    RATZINGER:
    I'll find somewhere. I would keep out of your way.
    BERGOGLIO:
    "My" way?!
    RATZINGER:
    Possibly. I think it has to be a possibility ...
    Bergoglio isn't going to have that conversation.
    BERGOGLIO
    Are you being pressured to go? The Curia?
    RATZINGER:
    If there was pressure from there, I would resist it. I know my reasons are pure.
    The Pope stares, neither confirms or denies this -
    RATZINGER:
    I'm a scholar not a manager--I have a pace-maker and can no longer see out of my left eye. Governance requires eyes I don't have.
    RATZINGER:
    I have fought and fought to do what needs to be done. But I have lost.
    BERGOGLIO is amazed to see the POPE humble himself like this. Ratzinger's watch beeps. "-Time to walk"". Ratzinger stands up and starts walking towards the entrance of the chapel. He doesn't need to explain anything. Bergoglio follows Ratzinger and they both walk and talk back and forth in the Sistine Chapel as if it was a gym.
    BERGOGLIO:
    It is our weakness that calls forth the grace of god. When we offer our weakness, He gives us strength.
    RATZINGER:
    I've answered your question... Be satisfied.
    BERGOGLIO
    With respect, Holiness, it's not I who has to be satisfied. It's 1.2 billion believers. They will need to know why. Otherwise they will think there is some scandal, some plot...
    Ratzinger goes quiet. Maybe there IS some mystery?
    RATZINGER:
    That is the calculation of leadership. A calculation we must both make.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Both? Why?
    RATZINGER:
    For weeks I have been praying. I wanted to resign. But the thought that stopped me - what if at the next conclave, they voted for you.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Then I offered my resignation.
    RATZINGER:
    Exactly. And I was delighted. One reason I didn't want to resign was...what if you were next.
    This is only half in jest. Bergoglio smiles.
    RATZINGER:
    And so you came. And now I've changed.
    BERGOGLIO:
    You compromised.
    RATZINGER:
    No. I've changed. It's a different thing. Your approach, your style is radically different from mine. And I don't agree with most things you say and do...
    BERGOGLIO smiles -
    RATZINGER
    But now I can see a necessity for Bergoglio. I cannot do this without knowing that there is at least a possibility that you might be chosen.
    BERGOGLIO:
    No. Father, I could never...not me.
    RATZINGER:
    We both know, in our hearts, that it could be. The Church needs change and you could be that change.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Not, not me, never. It could not be me.
    RATZINGER:
    Why not?
    BERGOGLIO:
    You know why...
    RATZINGER:
    I've read your files.
    BERGOGLIO:
    (emphatic)
    The files are incomplete.
    FLASHBACK TO:

INT. CONFESSIONAL - BASILICA DE FLORES (1955) - NIGHT
    We're back in 1955 with the young Bergoglio in the confessional, as we saw before.
    YOUNG BERGOGLIO:
    Bless me father for I have sinned.
    JOVEN BERGOGLIO:
    Bendíceme padre porque he pecado...
    PRIEST:
    Go now and sin no more ...
    SACERDOTE:
    Podés irte y en adelante no vuelvas a pecar.
    Young Bergoglio opens the door of the confessional but - as before - it doesn't lead into the peace of the basilica ... CUT TO:

EXT. RIVADAVIA (1976) - DAY
    An armored car rumbles by incredibly close. People peep out from behind curtains and shutters, too scared to protest. Soldiers barge past. Off this unnerving, violent moment we lurch into

EXT. ARCHIVAL FOOTAGE/ DIRTY WAR/ ARGENTINA - DAY
    In a mix of re-enactments and archival footage Archive footage: We get the atmosphere of life under the Junta - including footage of tanks and protests.
    VIDELA (ARCHIVE)
    Al pueblo de Argentina. El país transita por una de las etapas más difíciles de su historia
    Presence of military on the streets. Civilians are violently approached. Cars are stopped and checked.
    BERGOGLIO (V.O.)
    In the 70's, the government was overthrown by a military dictatorship. At that time, I became the head of the Jesuit priests in Argentina.
    DURING A MASS, BERGOGLIO IS PLACING COMMUNION WAFERS ON THE TONGUES OF THE CONGREGATION WHO FILE FORWARD AND OPEN THEIR MOUTHS...
    BERGOGLIO: (V.O.)
    Everybody was a suspect. 30,000 people were killed. Anyone who disagreed, disappeared. Esther, my old boss, my friend, her daughter was among them.
    INSERT ARCHIVE of MUGICA'S speech:
    PADRE MUGICA:
    No se trata más que de restituir al pueblo, lo que al pueblo le corresponde. Todo ser humano en una sociedad civilizada en la cual se aplique los principios de Jesus Cristo, tiene que tener derecho a su trabajo.
    Fr. MUGICA - is gunned down outside his church.
    BERGOGLIO: (V.O.)
    Many priests were seen as supporters of the armed resistance. Father Mugica, the voice of the poor in Argentina was martyred in 1974... After him many priests and nuns were killed.
    The body of a PRIEST is thrown on to the train tracks. Another PRIEST is shot. The DEATH SQUAD then drive away.
    BERGOGLIO:
    This is not a time I am proud of, father.
    A nun is dragged, about to be thrown from a military plane. Bergoglio is being presented to Massera in the lobby of his headquarters. He sees Astiz.
    BERGOGLIO: (V.O.)
    I felt my job was to make sure my priests were safe. So I talked to Admiral Massera, one of the leaders of the Junta. I tried to reason with him, to compromise.

EXT. PLAZA DE MAYO (1977) - DAY
    Footage of disappeared and the mothers of Plaza de Mayo. Esther is in the crowd being interviewed.
    ESTHER:
    Somos Argentinas, vivimos en Argentina, lo que podemos asegurar es que hay miles y miles de madres sufriendo mucha angustia, mucho dolor, mucha desesperación. Sólo queremos saber dónde están nuestros hijos. Vivos o muertos.
    INSERT (ARCHIVE):
    VIDELA:
    "There's no way we can deal with the disappeared because they disappeared."

INT. ESTHER'S HOUSE (1977) - DAY
    Esther and Bergoglio are having an argument. Esther's flat is a typical activist's home - full of books and leaflets.
    BERGOGLIO: (V.O.)
    Esther was an atheist, a Marxist. Before the dictatorship that didn't matter. Now she thought I was the enemy.
    Bergoglio selects the books and put them on a card box, Esther just watches.
    ESTHER:
    All of them?
    ESTHER:
    Todos?
    BERGOGLIO:
    No, this one can stay, the rest I'll take with me.
    BERGOGLIO:
    No, éste se puede quedar, el resto me los llevo.
    ESTHER:
    How do you know that they are watching me?
    ESTHER:
    Como sabés que me están vigilando?
    Bergoglio opens a news paper in which Astiz is seen among the mothers protesting. Esther's face turns ashen white. She looks as though she has been hit.
    BERGOGLIO:
    This man who "speaks out" with you. His name is Astiz. Personal friend of Admiral Massera. They call him the Blonde Angel of Death. That's why I'm here. To warn you. He's an informer.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Este hombre que protesta con ustedes se llama Astiz. Es amigo personal del Almirante Massera. Le dicen el Angel de la Muerte. Por eso vine hasta acá. Para prevenirte. Es un informante.
    ESTHER:
    Do you know him? What are you doing? Why don't you speak out!?
    ESTHER:
    Lo conoces? Y que estás haciendo acá? Porque' no salís a hablar!?
    BERGOGLIO:
    If I spoke out I would not be able to help you.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Si dijera algo, ya no podria ayudarte.
    BERGOGLIO: (V.O.)
    I took her books away for safekeeping. Marx, Gramsci, Guevara...
    Esther's Daugther is arrested inside a bus and dragged to a paramilitar car. PICK UP ON a young woman, weeks later, walking into the flat. It's Esther's daughter. She is pregnant
    BERGOGLIO: (V.O.)
    She looked at me like a stranger... with fear... That was the last time I ever saw her. She warned me and I didn't listen. Had I listened I would not have made the mistakes I made.
    CUT TO:

INT. SEMINARY LIBRARY (1976) - DAY
    Helped by discontented seminarians, an orderly is taking books from the shelves and putting them into a trolley. And by a fuming Father JALICS (who we saw greet him when he joined the order)
    BERGOGLIO: (V.O.)
    I saw my role as to protect the Jesuit order and its priests. As you mentioned, I purged the library of Marxist texts.

INT. BASILICA (1976) - DAY
    During a MASS, BERGOGLIO is placing COMMUNION WAFERS on the tongues of the congregation who file forward and open their mouths...
    BERGOGLIO:
    The body of Christ...The body of Christ...
    BERGOGLIO:
    El cuerpo de Cristo... El cuerpo de Cristo.
    But then a POOR WOMAN has her MOUTH CLOSED.
    BERGOGLIO: (V.O.)
    I stuck to the rules.
    POOR WOMAN:
    Remarried.
    MUJER HUMILDE:
    Me volví a casar, padre.
    BERGOGLIO nods, understandingly, and instead of offering her a WAFER, makes the SIGN OF THE CROSS instead, thereby "blessing" her. He then moves on to the next person and resumes setting wafers on tongues....

EXT. RIVADAVIA - CAR WORKSHOP (1976) - DAY
    Yorio and Jalics are overseeing a car repair workshop run by young people - it's a slum project (we'll see more of later).
    BERGOGLIO: (V.O.)
    I closed down our projects in the slums.

INT. RIVADAVIA - CAR WORKSHOP (1976) - DAY
    Some teenage boys are working under the bonnet of a truck in a roughly constructed workshop - the walls are made of old billboards. An older man (LUIS) is showing them what to do. Bergoglio arrives. Fr. Jalics sees him and comes to greet him warmly.
    JALICS:
    Jorge, Father Jorge. My dear son.
    JALICS:
    Jorge, padre Jorge... Mi hijo querido.
    He embraces Bergoglio and introduces him to Luis.
    JALICS:
    This is Fr. Jorge. I used to teach him and now he is the head of all Jesuits in Argentina. Oh. And Uruguay.
    JALICS:
    Te presento al Padre Jorge. Yo fui su maestro y ahora él es el superior de todos los Jesuitas de Argentina... ah... y de Uruguay!
    Warm greetings.
    JALICS:
    The young men are learning skills here. (WRY) They're also learning about injustice
    JALICS:
    Los muchachos están aprendiendo algunas habilidades ...
    - the injustice of their own (irónico) lives. También están aprendiendo sobre las injusticias --- empezando por la injusticia de sus propias vidas.
    BERGOGLIO:
    I need you to close Rivadavia down.
    BERGOGLIO
    Necesito que cierren Rivadavia.
    JALICS:
    What?!
    JALICS:
    ¿Qué decís?
    PICK UP ON Bergoglio and Jalics have now been joined by two other priests - YORIO and DOURRON.
    YORIO:
    We've built this mission from nothing. These are our people.
    YORIO:
    No construimos esta misión para nada... Esta es nuestra gente.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Since Massera took over, I have not lost one Jesuit because...
    BERGOGLIO:
    Desde que Massera llegó al poder, no perdí ni un jesuita porque---
    JALICS:
    Because you don't speak out against the regime. Because you've made us irrelevant.
    JALICS:
    --- porque no hablás en contra del régimen. Porque nos hiciste pasar por irrelevantes.
    BERGOGLIO:
    No. I don't speak out. I shelter people in the Maximo. Smuggle people over the border.
    BERGOGLIO:
    No... No hablo en contra... Sin embargo le di refugio a muchos en el Máximo... Y ayudé a otros a cruzar la frontera...
    YORIO:
    That's not the point. Saving a few here a few there. We need to save the country.
    YORIO
    Ese no es el punto. Salvás a unos pocos por acá y a otros pocos por allá... Nosotros necesitamos salvar el país.
    BERGOGLIO:
    They're watching you. They don't like what they see. I know this for a fact.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Los están vigilando. Y no les gusta lo que están viendo. Lo sé. Es un hecho.
    YORIO:
    How?
    YORIO:
    ¿Cómo?
    BERGOGLIO:
    What?
    BERGOGLIO:
    ¿Qué?
    YORIO:
    How do you know that, Jorge?
    YORIO:
    Cómo lo sabés, Jorge.
    Bergoglio looks uncharacteristically shifty.
    BERGOGLIO:
    My role is to protect the order.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Mi función es proteger a la Compañía.
    YORIO:
    That's our calling now? To protect ourselves?
    YORIO:
    ¿Ese es nuestro llamado ahora? ¿Protegernos a nosotros mismos?
    JALICS:
    I TAUGHT you in the seminary. How do we get to know Christ? By following his footsteps. Where do they lead? Here.
    JALICS:
    Yo te lo enseñé en el seminario. ¿Cómo llegamos a conocer a Cristo? Siguiendo sus pasos. ¿Y dónde nos llevan esos pasos? Acá.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Or to the firing squad.
    BERGOGLIO:
    O al pelotón de fusilamiento.
    YORIO:
    And if so, so be it.
    YORIO:
    Si eso es lo que tiene que ser, que sea.
    BERGOGLIO:
    I am your provincial, and I'm begging you - come back to the Maximo.
    BERGOGLIO
    Yo soy su superior. Y les estoy rogando que vuelvan al Máximo.
    YORIO:
    And if we don't?.
    YORIO:
    ¿Y si no obedecemos?
    BERGOGLIO:
    You're Jesuits. You made a vow, break that vow and you are no longer Jesuits.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Ustedes son jesuitas. Hicieron un voto, rompan ese voto, y dejarán de ser jesuitas.
    DOURRON:
    If we aren't recognised by the Order, we are no longer protected. You could be signing our death warrant.
    DOURRON:
    Si no somos reconocidos por la Compañía, ya no estamos protegidos... Podés estar firmando nuestra sentencia de muerte.
    BERGOGLIO:
    (imploring)
    BERGOGLIO:
    (implorando)
    So keep to your vows. Come Entonces mantengan sus votos. back with me to the Maximo. Vuelvan al Máximo. Jalics looks at the others before speaking.
    JALICS:
    We refuse to cease our activities here. You carry on taking tea with killers.
    JALICS:
    Nos oponemos a terminar con nuestras actividades acá. Podés seguir tomando té con los asesinos.
    BERGOGLIO:
    I will talk to anyone who can help me save lives. And you will shut down, under obedience, your project in Villa 11.14, Rivadavia. That's an order.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Yo voy a hablar con quien sea que me pueda ayudar a salvar vidas. Y ustedes, bajo mandato de obediencia, van a terminar con su proyecto en la Villa 11.14, Rivadavia. Es una orden.
    YORIO and JALICS say nothing, but rather turn and walk out. BERGOGLIO is furious. He kicks something.
    BERGOGLIO: (V.O.)
    They disobeyed my orders... questioned my authority...
    CUT TO:

INT. SISTINE CHAPEL (2012) - DAY
    Bergoglio and Ratzinger are seated together under the balcony..
    RATZINGER:
    You made a difficult, perhaps an imperfect choice.
    BERGOGLIO:
    What is an order if it's not its priests and its people. I missed it. I was supposed to protect them. I failed.
    CUT TO:

EXT. BUENOS AIRES EZEIZA (1976) - DAY
    Father DOURRON is pedalling along a narrow street on his bicycle when he sees military vehicles approach the Mission. He looks behind him - some troops are walking into place at the other end of the street. He hides behind a fence. CUT TO:

EXT. RIVADAVIA (1976) - DAY
    Soldiers pile out of trucks and run to the Mission. PICK UP ON Jalics, who is trying to get to the Mission. He almost runs into a group of soldiers who level their weapons at him. He goes down on his knees with his hands in the air. At the same time the paramilitary take Yorio from the Mission to the second truck.
    BERGOGLIO: (V.O.)
    It is not easy to entrust oneself to God's mercy. I know, he has a very special capacity for forgetting our mistakes. God forgets, but I don't.

INT. SISTINE CHAPEL - DAY
    Bergoglio looks up from the memory into the face of Ratzinger.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Fathers Jorio and Yalics - my old teachers - were taken away and tortured for months. Their hands were broken.
    He looks up at the images of blood and martyrdom that run through the frescoes.
    BERGOGLIO:
    I went back to Massera. I took my tea. I implored for their freedom. But it wasn't enough.

INT. ADMIRAL MASSERA'S OFFICE - DAY
    BERGOGLIO enters the Marine headquarters determined to talk to Massera. After a long wait he's taken to Massera's room. The door opens, Massera is watching a Tennis Match, Villas and Borg. He is a big fan.
    BERGOGLIO:
    You have two of my priests. Fathers Jalics and Yorio. You're detaining them...
    BERGOGLIO:
    Usted tiene a dos de mis sacerdotes. Padres Jalics y Yorio. Usted los tiene detenidos.
    ADMIRAL MASSERA
    I will of course make enquiries, Father.
    ALMIRANTE MASSERA
    Por supuesto haré la investigación pertinente, padre.
    BERGOGLIO:
    They are not involved in any activities.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Ellos no están involucrados en ninguna actividad.
    ADMIRAL MASSERA
    Then why did you kick them
    ALMIRANTE MASSERA:
    ¿Entonces porqué los expulsó
    out? (de la Compañía)?
    BERGOGLIO:
    I did not kick them out. They were temporarily out of communion. A technical issue only. Who told you this?
    BERGOGLIO:
    No los expulsé. Sólo les negué la comunión temporalmente. Una cuestión técnica, nada más. ¿Quién le dijo eso?
    ADMIRAL MASSERA:
    We see and hear everything.
    ALMIRANTE MASSERA:
    Nosotros vemos y oimos todo.
    BERGOGLIO:
    It's been four months. What are you doing with them?
    BERGOGLIO:
    Ya pasaron cuatro meses. ¿Qué está haciendo con ellos?
    ADMIRAL MASSERA:
    I am sure they are being well taken care of. I've told all this to Tortolo
    ALMIRANTE MASSERA:
    Estoy seguro de que los están cuidando muy bien. Ya he hablado de todo esto con el arzobispo Tortolo.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Monsignor Tortolo
    BERGOGLIO:
    Monsignor Tortolo
    ADMIRAL MASSERA:
    (losing temper) Now look here Bergoglio!
    ALMIRANTE MASSERA:
    (perdiendo la paciencia) Ya basta, Bergoglio!
    BERGOGLIO:
    Admiral! I know full well where my priests are, and I need them freed!
    BERGOGLIO:
    Almirante! Yo sé perfectamente dónde están mis sacerdotes, y exijo que los liberen!
    ADMIRAL MASSERA:
    But they're not your priests, are they? As you said - a
    ADMIRAL MASSERA:
    Pero no son sus sacerdotes, no es así? Como usted bien
    "technical issue". You should dijo, "una cuestión técnica". think of the implications Debería pensar en las before you act. implicancias de sus actos antes de actuar.

INT. ESMA - DAY
    JALICS and YORIO sit semi naked in their cells, with sacks over their heads...
    BERGOGLIO (V.O.)
    My words had no impact. Empty.
    RATZINGER : (V.O.)
    Well you did all you could.
    BERGOGLIO : (V.O.)
    It wasn't enough. I did what was safe... and justified it as trying to protect my Order.
    RATZINGER : (V.O.)
    Dictatorships take away our freedom to choose... we both know that.
    BERGOGLIO : (V.O.)
    Yes, or perhaps they reveal our own weaknesses. They test who we are.

INT. SISTINE CHAPEL (2012) - DAY
    The two men are still sitting under the balcony.
    BERGOGLIO
    December 18th, 1977.
    RATZINGER:
    What is that?
    Bergoglio looks haunted. CUT TO:

INT. HERCULES MILITARY PLANE (1977) - DAY
    The scream of aero-engines. Esther's hand is grabbed by a naval officer and stretched out to its length. Another officer injects her with something. She is struggling but the injection makes her stop. WIDE: TWO OTHER WOMEN are being unshackled. They have all been drugged. The DOORS on the AIRCRAFT are then SLID OPEN, and we see that the PLANE is flying over Ocean. One by one the WOMEN are flung to their deaths. They do not resist. Cannot resist. Finally it's Esther's turn. She is pulled to the edge. And then thrown out into the sea.
    BERGOGLIO: (V.O.)
    And then they took Esther, my dear friend.
    BACK TO:

INT. SISTINE CHAPEL (2012) - DAY
    Bergoglio and Ratzinger still talking together next to Michelangelo's Last Judgement with its images of smashed and tortured bodies.
    BERGOGLIO:
    There were so many bodies washed up on the shores that the coast guard complained they could no longer cope.
    BERGOGLIO's expression is one of great guilt. The Pope's face is bent in prayer. He finally opens his eyes and looks at BERGOGLIO...
    BERGOGLIO:
    Where was Christ in the days of the dictatorship - was he having meetings in the presidential palace, or was he being tortured in the prisons. And where was I?
    RATZINGER:
    Dictatorships take away the freedom to choose. We both know that.
    BERGOGLIO:
    I could have spoken out in public.
    RATZINGER:
    And if no one had listened. What then?
    BERGOGLIO:
    Every choice that Fathers Yorio and Jalics made, I made the opposite. A leader belongs with his people, not hidden away in a palace.
    CUT AWAY TO:

EXT. CORDOBA (MID 1980'S) - DAY
    The figure of Bergoglio walking through the desolate, dusty condor-haunted hills. The image may seem like a metaphor at this point but we'll discover that it's a memory...
    RATZINGER: (V.O.)
    Perhaps the path appears straight when we look back at it. On the way we often feel lost...

INT. SISTINE CHAPEL (2012) - DAY
    Ratzinger places his hand on Bergoglio's.
    RATZINGER:
    You cannot teach mercy without having experienced mercy. Let me show you another Bergoglio, the one you are blind to. Let me reveal you to yourself -
    Bergoglio looks up. What's going on? Is Ratzinger defending him?
    RATZINGER:
    You talk about your authority. What did you do with that authority? You used it to save dozens of lives.
    Bergoglio is surprised that Ratzinger knows this.
    RATZINGER:
    It's in the file. You hid families of trade unionists in the seminary. You even drove some of them up to the border yourself.
    BERGOGLIO
    It wasn't enough.
    INSERT: Bergoglio hides activists at Colegio Maximo.
    RATZINGER:
    Not for your brother Jesuits, no.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Pride obscured my judgement. The right to say Mass was removed and with it, the protection of the Church. I was supposed to protect them...I failed.

INT. COLEGIO MAXIMO OFFICE (MID 1980'S) - DAY
    BERGOGLIO surrenders his many keys to the RECTOR...who solemnly watches this stripping away of BERGOGLIO's power...
    RATZINGER (V.O.)
    They accused you of hard line views, of being right-wing, of having sinned by doing too little, of being egotistical. These are the things that were said about you in the dossier, during the conclave.
    CUT TO:
    MONTAGE:
    A) Majestic wide-shots of - mountains, dry hills, peasant farmers working their dry land...
    RATZINGER: (V.O.)
    You were cast out--removed from your position, stripped of all authority. Your supporters were dispersed, sent abroad and told not to contact you. Finally, in shame ..
    B) BERGOGLIO, travelling by BUS, through this landscape. C) MIDDAY. CORDOBA. BERGOGLIO stands, looking at the Jesuit Residencia Mayor in Cordoba, Argentina. D) ROOM No. 5 of the simple adobe sleeping cells. The room is small and red. Heavy red curtains, red-tiled floor, red coverlet on the bed. A painting of the Crucifixion is the only adornment. It looks like the cell of a monk or a prisoner. BERGOGLIO enters - E) Canteen. Bergoglio is serving dinner to a group of old priests.
    BERGOGLIO: (V.O)
    Two years of introspection, of dark days and nights, of interior crisis.
    F) Bergoglio bathes an old priest G) BERGOGLIO scrubs pots. H) - Bergoglio unfolds a packet with books related to Liberation Theology. Bergoglio reads a book related to the Theology of People Many other books are around. I) BERGOGLIO sleeps on a simple small bed.
    BERGOGLIO(V.O.)
    I heard a lot of confessions ...I
    learned to listen and saw people that I didn't see before. BERGOGLIO in Room No. 5, sitting on his bed, under the shuttered window, hears Confession through the shutters. Outside the open shutters, a PEASANT admits his sins -
    PEASANT 1
    Bless me father for I have sinned.
    CAMPESINO 1
    Bendígame, padre, porque he pecado.
    PEASANT 2
    Bless me father for I have sinned.
    CAMPESINO 2
    Bendígame padre, porque he pecado.
    PEASANT 3
    Bless me father...
    CAMPESINO 3
    Bendígame padre---
    BERGOGLIO, on his bed, his back to the wall under the shuttered window, weeps.

INT. SMALL CHAPEL/ CORDOBA (MID 1980'S) - DAY
    BERGOGLIO is saying MASS to a small collection of country folk in a simple country CHAPEL. He moves to the LECTERN to deliver his sermon and looks at the simple COUNTRY FOLK. The COUNTRY FOLK look back at him. He goes to speak but his LIPS DO NOT MOVE - at first. But then he knows what he wants to say...
    BERGOGLIO:
    I used to have a TV. I like to
    BERGOGLIO:
    Yo solía tener televisión. Me gustaba mirar fútbol.
    watch football. (se detiene un instante) (beat) Yo soy hincha de--- bueno, My team is--well--I can tell eso se lo puedo decir más anyone who is interested tarde al que esté later. interesado... Una televisión (beat) necesita una antena. Y una A TV needs--an aerial. And a señal. A veces la señal es signal. Some days the signal mala, quien sabe porqué... is Como cuando rezamos. A veces bad--who knows why. Like la señal que nos envía Dios prayer. Some days the signal es fuerte y clara, funciona from God is strong, it goes bien, uno puede sentir la very well, you feel that conexión, estamos realmente connection, really plugged enchufados, en comunicación in, in direct communication, directa... Pero hay otros but other days--it's all you días donde uno solo puede can do to feel "well, I tried- decir: "bueno... por lo menos -at least today I tried." You lo intenté"... Porque uno feel you got nothing back. siente que no recibe nada... People expect it to be que no tiene respuesta. La different for a priest, as if gente piensa que para God nosotros, los sacerdotes, and I have a hot-line, funciona distinto, como si installed by Michelangelo Dios tuviera línea directa working from a diagram by Da con nosotros, una línea Vinci. construida por Miguel Angel gracias a un diagrama de Da Vinci. INSERT: Images of Bergoglio, alone, walking on the beautiful and dry landscape of Cordoba.
    BERGOGLIO:
    (smiles)
    BERGOGLIO:
    (sonríe)
    What I'm saying is...I am not Lo que quiero decir es... que worthy to deliver a sermon hoy no merezco darles un today. The words would be sermón... Mis palabras serían just my words would only be solo mis palabras... y mine...and so most likely probablemente serían wrong or misleading. It would equivocadas o confusas... Son be better that you teach me. ustedes los que me tienen que I am sorry. enseñar a mi. Eso sería lo mejor. Disculpen. He moves back to the altar and continues the MASS - the congregation are stunned!

INT. SMALL CHAPEL CORDOBA (MID 1980'S) - DAY
    In a SLUM CHURCH, during a small MASS for the SLUM DWELLERS, he offers the WAFER (during "COMMUNION") then puts it into the open ouths of the congregation who file forward...
    BERGOGLIO
    The body of Christ... The body of Christ... The body of Christ...
    BERGOGLIO
    El cuerpo de Cristo... El cuerpo de Cristo... El cuerpo de Cristo...
    But then one WOMAN has her MOUTH CLOSED. She whispers -
    SLUM WOMAN 1
    Father, I am divorced.
    MUJER HUMILDE 1
    (por lo bajo)
    Padre, soy divorciada. BERGOGLIO nods, then doesn't hesitate, he places a WAFER into the woman's mouth.
    SLUM WOMAN 2
    Me too.
    MUJER HUMILDE 2
    Yo también soy divorciada.
    He serves her. Then moves to the next man, who also has his mouth closed.
    SLUM MAN 1
    Remarried.
    HOMBRE HUMILDE
    Me volví a casar, padre.
    BERGOGLIO serves him too, then notices that the next man also has his MOUTH CLOSED. BERGOGLIO looks at the entire congregation. He shouldn't really be giving communion to any of these people - but does so.

EXT. SMALL CHAPEL/ CORDOBA (MID 1980'S) - DAY
    Bergoglio is outside of the chapel sharing mate with the people that has just left. He's light and happy. MONTAGE CORDOBA LANDSCAPE CONTINUES: A) Bergoglio is walking with some priests. B) Bergoglio is sitting on a rock. C) Bergoglio is camping by a lake. D) Bergoglio is playing football with local teenagers.

EXT. CORDOBA (MID 1980'S) - DAY
    Bergoglio walks alone along a dirty road. Huge mountains behind. He's insignificant compared to that landscape.

INT. SISTINE CHAPEL (2012) - DAY
    Ratzinger and Bergoglio are still sitting together.
    RATZINGER:
    It took years. Until you were noticed. Cardinal Quarracino noticed you at an international conference. You gave a famous speech. I have it here ...
    He starts to read it...

INT. MODERN BUILDING - BUENOS AIRES - 2000 - DAY
    A packed INTERNATIONAL AUDIENCE of PRIESTS and LAY-PEOPLE await the SPEAKER... BERGOGLIO (our older Bergoglio) is at the lectern, speaking in English.
    RATZINGER (V.O.)
    We have known tyranny in this country, but--a new tyranny rises up...
    BERGOGLIO walks up to the lectern. Ratzinger's VO fades and Bergoglio's voice comes to the fore.
    BERGOGLIO:
    A new tyranny rises up. Not just here, but across the world.
    He stands there and surveys the large packed congregation, pausing before speaking. A protestor shouts...
    PROTESTOR
    Who are you to talk about tyranny! You were friends with the tyrant!
    People join in, booing Bergoglio. Bergoglio bows his head, taking it, almost expecting it.
    BERGOGLIO
    A tyranny not just of oppression or repression or terror. A tyranny of unfair economic structures that create huge inequalities.
    BERGOGLIO
    Twenty percent of the world's population consumes resources at a rate that robs the poor nations and future generations of what they need to survive. Just as the commandment "Thou shalt not kill" sets a clear limit in order to safeguard the value of human life, today we also have to say "thou shalt not" to an economy of exclusion and inequality which idolises money. Such an economy also kills.
    ANGLE ON: CARDINAL ANTONIO QUARRACINO, who realises he is hearing something new here, and so takes out a DICTAPHONE to record this. He starts TAPING the ADDRESS... Here, BERGOGLIO falls silent - and we prelap the POPE's words into the next scene -
    BERGOGLIO:
    There is a phrase now "trickle down economics". Let me tell you, nothing trickles down to the poor but poverty and injustice.
    CARDINAL QUARRACINO looks around him to see how BERGOGLIO's message is being received. His POV of: transfixed people, riveted. He turns back to BERGOGLIO, who resumes -
    BERGOGLIO
    Every community is called to be an instrument for the liberation, the liberation and the promotion of the poor!
    He steps down. The CONGREGATION are not quite sure what they have heard. Cardinal Quarracino sees Bergoglio surrounded by journalists. Quarrantino approaches to congratulate and talk to Bergoglio but we don't hear what they're saying.
    RATZINGER: (V.O.)
    You were made bishop. But you did not live like one.
    RATZINGER: (V.O.)
    You renounced luxury. You became the "Bishop Of The Slums. You did the work you once denied Fathers Yorio and Jalics!

EXT. BUENOS AIRES (2012) - DAY
    A Drone Shot shows two faces of the vast city; firstly showing the affluent skyline of office blocks then we're in the middle of Villa 21. Bergoglio is being driven on a trike through the Villa. The drone follows him from behind. Some people greet him as he walks.

EXT. VILLA 21 (2002), FOOD KITCHEN AND CLOTHES DISTRIBUTION
    CENTRE - DAY Bergoglio helping out in a food kitchen and distributing clothes.
    BERGOGLIO: (V.O.)
    I tried to walk the road from which I banished them. Every vegetable I chopped... Every eviction we prevented. Every case we pleaded, was some kind of penance.
    RATZINGER: (V.O.)
    Yes.

INT. SISTINE CHAPEL (2012) - DAY
    He is still sitting close to Ratzinger. He looks him in the eye.
    RATZINGER:
    My dear son, you have confessed to me. Allow me to absolve you.
    Bergoglio hesitates. Has he been out-manoeuvred?
    RATZINGER:
    Believe in the mercy that you preach.
    Bergoglio bows his head.
    RATZINGER:
    I absolve you in the name of the father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit.
    Bergoglio looks up. He looks less haunted, more ready.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Thank you, Father.
    The tourists door opens. Roberto comes in. Two security guards stay close to the door. We're aware of noise outside.
    ROBERTO:
    Holy Father, it's nine o'clock, they are opening the doors to the public.
    The doors at the far end of the chapel open. A couple of Swiss Guards come in and take up positions.
    RATZINGER:
    Oh, Heaven. The museums...the tourists...
    ROBERTO:
    Should I delay the opening, Holy Father?
    RATZINGER:
    No, no. Of course not. Some of those people have waited all their lives to see this. (TO BERGOGLIO) Come ...
    The guards hold the entrance door till the Pope has gone. The sound of tourists can be heard outside. Ratzinger opens a little door and they slip into...

INT. VATICAN - CHAMBER OF TEARS (2012) - DAY
    As they settle down...
    BERGOGLIO:
    Holy Father, are you hungry?
    Ratzinger looks startled. No one ever asks him that.
    RATZINGER:
    Do you know, I think perhaps I am.
    He glances at Roberto, who is taken aback.
    ROBERTO:
    I could ask the kitchens to ...
    BERGOGLIO:
    No need. There's a place just in front of Via de Porta Angelica. Excellent coffee and pizzas.
    Roberto looks utterly nonplussed. But the Pope nods at him.

INT. SISTINE CHAPEL (2012) - DAY
    The door is opened, as the tourists enter Roberto crosses the way in the opposite direction.
    GUARDS
    No photos, please... Nessuna foto, per favore...
    GUARDIE
    Niente foto, per favore... Nessuna foto, per piacere.

EXT. ROME - VIA DE PORTA ANGELICA (2012) - DAY
    Roberto - looking painfully uncomfortable - has just ordered at the bar.
    BAR:
    To take away?
    BAR OWNER:
    Da portare via?
    ROBERTO:
    (NEVER SAID THIS BEFORE IN HIS LIFE) Yes. To take away.
    ROBERTO:
    (IN TUTTA LA SUA VITA NON L'HA MAI DETTO QUESTO) Si. Da portare via.

INT. VATICAN - CHAMBER OF TEARS (2012) - DAY
    RATZINGER:
    They call it the Chamber of Tears. I came in here Josef Ratzinger, I left as Benedict XVI. No one tells you if they are tears of joy or tears of sorrow.
    BERGOGLIO:
    I suppose that's up to you.
    RATZINGER:
    Yes. I suppose it is.
    Roberto comes in with coffee, fanta and a pizza.
    ROBERTO:
    Fathers.
    RATZINGER:
    Thank you, Roberto.
    He goes. Only when he's gone does Ratzinger allow himself to giggle.
    RATZINGER
    You know, whenever a Pope eats, there used to be three Jesuits present to act as "food tasters." Lack of Jesuits has poisoned more than one Pope.
    BERGOGLIO:
    I can take a bite of your slice if you like. Just to be on the safe side. Would you say grace, Father?
    RATZINGER:
    Thank you Lord, for this food-- that we enjoy here--in this place--outside of time and the-- the relentless concerns of the outside world...
    BERGOGLIO begins the Sign Of The Cross, thinking Grace completed...but...
    RATZINGER:
    ...where--if but for a moment-- we may find serenity--peace-- tranquility...
    (silence, then - )
    Lord, your church, your flock is in crisis. Grant us the wisdom--and the strength...
    BERGOGLIO thinks again the grace is over, until -
    RATZINGER
    ...to oppose the hypocrisy that disfigures her.
    Is it over? Surely it is! Until - the POPE resumes, even more fervently...the knuckles of his folded hands white with strain...something BERGOGLIO notices with concern -
    RATZINGER:
    St. Francis intercede for us as we seek to repair the church...
    The POPE then opens his eyes - and looks DIRECTLY at BERGOGLIO...
    RATZINGER:
    Would you like to add anything?
    BERGOGLIO:
    Amen?
    RATZINGER:
    Amen.
    They pick up the pizza.
    RATZINGER:
    I was thinking of your teachers - Yorio and Jalics - did you ever reconcile with them?
    BERGOGLIO:
    With Jalics. We said a Mass together...
    FLASHBACK TO:

INT. SACRISTY - CHURCH, ARGENTINA (1980'S) - DAY
    In the vestry, BERGOGLIO dresses. His back is to the door, when it opens and in walks - Fr. Jalics!
    BERGOGLIO
    Can you make sure the candles are lit?
    BERGOGLIO
    ¿Controlás que las velas estén encendidas, por favor?
    BERGOGLIO turns - and sees Jalics. Tension between them.
    JALICS:
    Arch-Bishop.
    JALICS
    Arzobispo...
    BERGOGLIO
    Jalics.
    BERGOGLIO
    Jalics.
    Silence, then -
    JALICS:
    I must get ready.
    JALICS:
    Tengo que prepararme.
    CUT TO:

INT. MASS (1980'S) - DAY
    Bergoglio and Jalics are con-celebrating the mass together. Jalics pour water on Bergoglio's hand. Bergoglio washes it. As he gets the towel to dry, they look at each other. Bergoglio is uncomfortable. PICK UP:
    BERGOGLIO:
    The peace of the Lord be with you. We can give each other a fraternal hug to go in peace.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Que la paz del Señor esté con ustedes. Podemos darnos, fraternalmente entre todos, un abrazo de Paz.
    They both turn to each other. Eyes meet eyes - both have compassion for the other.
    BERGOGLIO (V.O.)
    We cried. In each other's arms. He forgave me.
    With his eyes, Jalics forgives, smiling through his tears.

INT. VATICAN THE CHAMBER OF TEARS (2012) - DAY
    BERGOGLIO has begun to cry, at the memory. RATZINGER: And Yorio?
    BERGOGLIO:
    To the end he thought me a traitor. And now he is dead. I am still divisive in Argentina.
    RATZINGER:
    Yesterday you told me that Life is never static? (slight pause) You lead, not by power, not by intellect, but by how you live or the way you HAVE lived. (slight pause) You have changed.
    BERGOGLIO:
    But, Father, that man, that doubt is still inside me.
    Ratzinger looks around - almost as if looking for a clock - something distracting - something to deflect the conversation.
    RATZINGER:
    What is the time I wonder?
    Ratzinger gets up and goes to check that they are alone, looks at BERGOGLIO - then makes a decision.
    RATZINGER:
    I am going to introduce you to a man who has not changed and refuses to change, and you are going to hear for yourself the price he has paid. I have to request that YOU hear his confession.
    RATZINGER:
    My old friend Father Carmine usually hears it but this time I would prefer you. I mean, you wouldn't deny me a confession, would you Cardinal?
    (pause)
    Don't be afraid.
    BERGOGLIO:
    How should I start?
    RATZINGER:
    I don't know... What do you usually say?
    BERGOGLIO: (FEELS WRONG)
    How long since your last confession?
    RATZINGER:
    Eight days. Perhaps.
    Bergoglio asks the formula questions and immediately gets nervous - they're not very Pope-appropriate.
    BERGOGLIO
    And have you sinned greatly in that time? I don't mean to imply that you ...
    RATZINGER:
    Of course I've sinned - numerous sins - venal sins.
    (he begins)
    To God - I wish to repent for the sins of my life. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against You, Lord, whom I should love above all things.
    (pause)
    As a child I failed you first--by not having the bravery to taste life. I hid away in books.
    (pause)
    RATZINGER:
    Then in war I joined the Hitler Youth. Every fourteen year old was ordered to. I deserted. But within the church, I took part in the enforcement - enforcement of the truth.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Oh?
    RATZINGER:
    Yes. Rules, you see, defined my life. Obedience under the law.I know now that this has left me empty of the world our Church is meant to help. Is this why, as Archbishop--of Munich I failed you again?
    BERGOGLIO:
    Go on...
    And here, POPE BENEDICT leans in closely to BERGOGLIO's ear. ECU on: his LIPS, as they begin to move. WIDE: We do not hear the POPE's CONFESSION. But see it at a distance - hearing nothing, until - BERGOGLIO moves back from him..
    RATZINGER:
    Forgive me.
    Still BERGOGLIO withholds forgiveness
    BERGOGLIO:
    He was transferred--from parish to parish?
    RATZINGER:
    I did not give sufficient attention to the duties assigned to this one priest.
    BERGOGLIO:
    "Sufficient attention"?! (silence) On and on? Village after village?
    RATZINGER:
    Forgive me
    BERGOGLIO:
    RATZINGER:
    (Avoiding this) I should have known. The facts were sent to me. Evidence was placed on my desk
    BERGOGLIO:
    So while you were enforcing the truth, the rule, you forgot to love the people you were meant to protect. (beat). You confessed, you said there was more.
    RATZINGER
    I ask for forgiveness.
    Bergoglio touches his shoulder.
    BERGOGLIO:
    It's here, in confession, where we are forced to look at the vastness of our failures, that we finally see the vastness of His mercy.
    BERGOGLIO sees the Pope's pain - and moves back to him.
    BERGOGLIO
    If this confession is the sole reason you wish to resign, then it's even more important you stay now and heal this wound Stay here. Complete the work you have begun.
    RATZINGER:
    Every reason I give you is never enough. Then listen again...!
    (powerfully)
    SILENCE!
    (beat)
    I can no longer hear God's voice.
    BERGOGLIO:
    We all have that experience -
    RATZINGER:
    (powerfully)
    I can no longer hear God! I believe in God! I pray...but only silence. How can I reveal his Word to our millions of pilgrims if I do not hear his presence?
    BERGOGLIO:
    I too ... Mother Theresa ... the Lord Himself cried out why have you abandoned me.
    RATZINGER:
    No. I have been alone my whole life, but I have never been lonely, until now. You wished for an "extraordinary reason" for my resignation - do you have one now?
    BERGOGLIO:
    And you have told this to - ?
    RATZINGER:
    No-one. You. Just you. But these last two days, I have heard him again.
    BERGOGLIO:
    You see?
    RATZINGER:
    Speaking to me in the last voice I expected him to use - yours. Yours Cardinal.
    BERGOGLIO:
    No.
    RATZINGER:
    I have heard him in you. Perhaps I could no longer hear Him, NOT because He is withdrawing from me, but because He is saying, "go my faithful servant."
    Bergoglio helps him out of his chair and faces him, then closes his eyes and folds his fingers...
    BERGOGLIO
    God, the father of mercies, has sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins; May God grant you His pardon and peace and I absolve you of your sins ...
    In a more personal tone Bergoglio quotes Ratzinger to himself. There's a tender irony.
    BERGOGLIO:
    But remember... truth may be vital but without love it is also unbearable - Caritas in Veritate.
    BERGOGLIO walks away, his back turned on The Pope, to say -
    BERGOGLIO
    In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
    The POPE and the CARDINAL, at a distance, bless themselves... BERGOGLIO now looks very burdened by the truth as the POPE rises to his feet -
    RATZINGER:
    You have lifted a great burden from my shoulders.
    BERGOGLIO:
    You have placed a heavy one on mine.
    Bergoglio opens the door to leave but the Sistine Chapel is packed with tourists. He quickly closes the door again.
    BERGOGLIO
    Is there another route? Shall I call security?
    RATZINGER:
    I've been hiding behind security for too long. They're my people. I'm their Pope. For now. Let's go.
    Bergoglio grins. Opens the door. They go out into the fray.

INT. SISTINE CHAPEL (2012) - DAY
    Ratzinger and Bergoglio cross the crowded Sistine Chapel. They try not to draw too much attention to themselves but it soon becomes clear that the Pope is in the place. People crowd around Ratzinger, asking for his blessing and for selfies. Roberto and the security are waiting rush to rescue the Pope but Bergoglio waves them away.
    BERGOGLIO
    Look. He's happy. Let him enjoy the moment.
    Bergoglio steps back, watching and smiling at the fuss and the grace with which Ratzinger tries to deal with it. A barrage of cellphones point at Ratzinger, most of them with flashes on.
    GUARDS
    Nessuna foto, per favore...
    When Ratzinger finally gets free he walks with Bergoglio.

EXT. VATICAN FORECOURT (2012) - DAY
    Bergoglio is carrying his bags to a car, where sits the same driver we saw earlier.
    RATZINGER
    (beat)
    You will be pleased to go home I expect?
    BERGOGLIO
    Speaking English is exhausting.
    RATZINGER
    (nods)
    Terrible language--so many exceptions to every rule. Remember Cardinal -
    (pointing to himself)
    "silence incarnate".
    He looks up at the building.
    RATZINGER:
    You know the story of St. Francis? How when he heard God asking him to restore his church, he thought he meant bricks and mortar? Remember poor St. Francis. Remember even he was wrong sometimes.
    Bergoglio goes in for a hug. Once again it's a bit awkward - Ratzinger is not used to being hugged - but this time at least they're both going for the same thing. They end up in a slightly odd embrace.
    BERGOGLIO:
    You know Francis loved to dance. He would have learnt to tango.
    RATZINGER:
    Too late for me.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Easier than you think. Look.
    RATZINGER
    Nein, nein. No, no, no, no.
    BERGOGLIO:
    I will lead. My right leg, your left.
    BERGOGLIO then proceeds to do the first TANGO steps with the Pope. ANGLE ON: the SWISS GUARDS. Trying not to watch as - - BERGOGLIO tries to lead the POPE in a dance... accompanying the effort by quietly singing a tango ... The Pope is a lousy dancer. They finally stop and laugh, as the POPE waves to ROBERTO, who approaches with a farewell GIFT... BERGOGLIO goes to the waiting car. The same driver as last time. He greets the driver warmly. The driver opens the front door. Smiles. Bergoglio enters the car watching and admiring, as the POPE goes back inside.

INT. APOSTOLIC PALACE (2013) - DAY
    A routine canonization service. 60 Elderly bishops and cardinals are half asleep while Ratzinger reads from a prepared speech.
    RATZINGER:
    Dear Brothers, I have convoked you to this Consistory, not only for the three canonizations, but also to communicate to you a decision of great importance for the life of the Church. After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the certainty that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry.
    RATZINGER:
    Fratres carissimi, Non solum propter tres canonizationes ad hoc Consistorium vos convocavi, sed etiam ut vobis decisionem magni momenti pro Ecclesiae vita communicem. Conscientia mea iterum atque iterum coram Deo explorata ad cognitionem certam perveni vires meas ingravescente aetate non iam aptas esse ad munus Petrinum aeque administrandum.
    PICK UP ON a cardinal muttering a translation to another cardinal.
    BISHOP:
    Wait. This can't be right. Excuse me ...
    BISHOP:
    Aspetti. Mi devo essere sbagliato. Mi scusi...
    He looks at the next cardinal.
    CARDINAL:
    Excuse me did I hear correctly? Did I translate this right?
    CARDINALE:
    Mi scusi ma ho sentito bene? Ho tradotto bene?
    The Pope keeps talking.
    RATZINGER:
    For this reason, and well aware of the seriousness of this act, with full freedom I declare that I renounce the ministry of Bishop of Rome, Successor of Saint Peter, entrusted to me by the Cardinals on 19 April 2005, in such a way, that as from 28 February 2013, at 20:00 hours, the See of Rome, the See of Saint Peter, will be vacant and a Conclave to elect the new Supreme Pontiff will have to be convoked by those whose competence it is.
    RATZINGER:
    Quapropter bene conscius ponderis huius actus plena libertate declaro me ministerio Episcopi Romae, Successoris Sancti Petri, mihi per manus Cardinalium die decima nona Aprilis anni bis millesimi quinti commissum renuntiare ita ut a die vigesima octava februarii anni bis millesimi decimi tertii, hora vigesima, sedes Romae, sedes Sancti Petri vacet et Conclave ad eligendum novum Summum Pontificem ab his quibus competit convocandum esse.
    Like an autumn breeze blowing up dead leaves, the Pope's words disturb rank upon rank of elderly clerics one by one. CUT TO:

INT. CATHEDRAL KITCHEN (2013) - DAY
    Bergoglio is in the kitchen with Lisabetta watching EWTN or similar while preparing a meal. He's laughing. Lisabetta is seated, being served. This is in Spanish but the TV is in English.
    LISABETTA:
    You're requested to give a
    LISABETTA:
    Lo invitan a dar un discurso--
    speech at ... what? What are - qué pasa? De qué se ríe? you laughing at.
    BERGOGLIO:
    He did it in Latin! He always makes difficult announcements in Latin so that only a few of the cardinals will understand ...
    BERGOGLIO
    ¡Lo dijo en latín! Siempre que tiene que decir algo embromado lo dice en latín... y así sólo lo entienden unos pocos cardenales...
    Lisabetta still doesn't know what's going on. On EWTN the commentator has suddenly flipped into panic mode.
    COMMENTATOR:
    It seems that the Pope has just made an extraordinary announcement. We're waiting for a translation.
    COMENTARISTA:
    It seems that the Pope has just made an extraordinary announcement. We're waiting for a translation.
    BERGOGLIO:
    (TO LISABETTA) He just resigned.
    BERGOGLIO:
    (a Lisabetta) El Papa acaba de renunciar.
    LISABETTA:
    He what?
    LISABETTA:
    ¿Qué?!!!
    COMMENTATOR:
    We apologise for the delay in the translation. It's because no one has had to use this word in this context for a thousand years. The Pope has RENOUNCED the papacy. We're witnessing a papal renunciation.
    Off her astonishment we CUT TO:

EXT. VATICAN - DAY
    The College of Cardinals arriving for the Conclave, just as at the beginning of the film. Lots of journalists taking photographs. In the front of shot, a bus pulls up and Bergoglio gets off and walks in unnoticed by the press.

EXT. ST. PETER'S SQUARE - DAY
    That tin pot chimney again - smokeless at the moment.

INT. SISTINE CHAPEL - DAY
    The CARDINALS file up to the CHALICE to cast their vote. ANGLE ON: a reluctant-looking BERGOGLIO, sitting there, looking very weighed down, dazed, fearful of election. Beside him sits the ARCHBISHOP HUMMES, an old friend, who pats BERGOGLIO on the leg. BERGOGLIO would like to smile but can't. The first two SCRUTINEERS read the ballots silently and mark them on a TALLY...and then pass the ballot to - the THIRD SCRUTINEER, who calls out the name.
    THIRD SCRUTINEER
    Bergoglio!
    (next ballot)
    Bergoglio!
    (next ballot)
    Bergoglio!
    (and so on...)
    Applause breaks out - spontaneous applause from the Cardinals! - everyone has been keeping count. Everyone knows he's won.
    THIRD SCRUTINEER
    Bergoglio!
    (next ballot)
    Bergoglio!
    (and so on...)
    ANGLE ON: BERGOGLIO, as he opens his eyes. He looks at all the happy faces looking at him, applauding. Some rise to their feet. One or two CHEER. He stands up.
    BERGOGLIO:
    May God forgive you all for this.
    Beside him, HUMMES is grinning, and applauding too. They hug.
    HUMMES:
    No se olvide de los pobres.

EXT. ST PETER'S SQUARE - NIGHT
    Come in on the tin-pot chimney. White smoke begins to spill from it. The square is filled with umbrellas, it's a rainy night. The crowd strains its eyes - raises binoculars - it's white!
    VATICAN WATCHER:
    SMOKE! SMOKE! It's white!
    We hear the hubbub, outside, of the vast CROWD. Guarding the doors to the balcony are TWO SWISS GUARDS. THREE sets of PAPAL ROBES, of three different sizes, and FIVE sets of RED SHOES, await the new Pope. Enter, the PROTODEACON (Cardinal Jean Louis Tauran)... ...the GUARDS open the doors to the famous balcony, and Tauran steps outside - to a huge roar (OFF) before the doors are closed again. We thereafter hear his speech (OFF- STAGE)...
    TAURAN:
    Fratelli e sorelle carissimi (the italians roar) Queridísimos hermanos y hermanas.
    (the hispanic contingent roars)
    Bien chers frères et sœurs.
    (the French roar)
    Liebe Brüeder und Schwestern
    (a German roar)
    Dear brothers and sisters
    TAURAN :
    Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: HABEMUS...PAPAM!
    Enter BERGOGLIO, the new POPE FRANCIS (wearing the SCARLET ROBES of a CARDINAL)....with a NUN and the CAMERLENGO.... He removes his SCARLET robes, stripping down to a simple WHITE CASSOCK with a SILK SASH. He looks at the THREE SETS of RED VELVET ROBES, with ermine collars. But instead of choosing, he turns to the nun.
    BERGOGLIO
    Do you have a phone?
    BERGOGLIO
    C'e' un telefono?
    She looks amazed.
    BERGOGLIO
    I'd like to call the Pope. Pope Benedict.
    BERGOGLIO
    Vorrei chiamare il Papa. Papa Benedetto.
    She dials for him. INT - MATER ECCLESIAE (2013)- NIGHT Telephone rings in Mater Ecclesiae but nobody is around to pick up. Ratzinger is watching the announcement on TV. His staff, two Nuns and a priest, are with him in the room. None of them hears the phone. On the TV we see... EXT - SAINT PETER'S SQUARE (2013) - NIGHT. On the balcony ...
    TAURAN:
    The Lord Jorge Mario, Cardinal Bergoglio, who has taken the name Francis.
    TAURAN:
    Eminentissimum ac reverendissimum dominum, dominum Georgium Marium, Sanctae Romanae Ecclesiae Cardinalem Bergoglio, qui sibi nomen imposuit Franciscum.

INT. VATICAN - CHAMBER OF TEARS (2013) - NIGHT
    A GREAT ROAR from the crowd as the Vatican Bells ring out... BERGOGLIO (POPE FRANCIS) is still looking at the ROBES and the RING.
    NUN
    Nobody answered, Holy Father.
    CAMERLENGO
    You must choose, Holy Father.
    BERGOGLIO:
    I will wear what I am wearing. Thank you.
    CAMERLENGO
    But -
    BERGOGLIO:
    Please. Thank you.
    CAMERLENGO
    And the shoes? At least the red shoes! They are part of a tradition going back to ...
    He will wear what he is wearing already...simple BLACK SHOES.
    BERGOGLIO:
    My own are fine. Thank you.
    Then he is offered the scarlet stole.
    BERGOGLIO:
    No. Thank you. The carnival is over.
    He looks around the Room of Tears. He closes his eyes. For a second he sees, in his mind's eye, Ratzinger smiling at him saying the line about Francis being always happy. He opens his eyes and shakes these thoughts off.
    BERGOGLIO:
    If there have to be tears, let's make them tears of joy.
    He goes through to the balcony.

EXT. BALCONY / VATICAN (2013) - NIGHT
    He waves to the crowds, to a huge cheer.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Buona Sera.

INT. ROOM NEXT TO BALCONY / VATICAN (2013) - NIGHT
    The CAMERLENGO reacts with surprise at this break with tradition...
    CAMERLENGO
    (whispered, to the NUN)
    Buona Sera?

EXT. BALCONY / VATICAN (2013) - NIGHT
    BERGOGLIO:
    Good evening. You all know that the duty of the Conclave was to give a bishop to Rome. It seems that my brother Cardinals went almost to the ends of the Earth to find one-
    BERGOGLIO:
    Buonasera. Voi sapete che il dovere del conclave era di dare un vescovo a Roma. Sembra che i miei fratelli cardinali siano andati a prenderlo quasi alla fine del
    -but here we are. mondo -- ma, siamo qui... REACTION CROWD, EMOTIONAL, AMUSED, in thrall (in stark contrast to how they reacted to BENEDICT's LATIN address.)
    BERGOGLIO:
    Above all, I'd like to make a prayer now for our Bishop Emeritus Benedict XVI. Let's pray together for him...Pater nostro qui est en ciello..
    BERGOGLIO:
    Prima di tutto, vorrei fare una preghiera per il nostro Vescovo Emerito Benedetto XVI. Preghiamo tutti insieme per lui... Padre nostro che sei nei cieli...

INT. TV ROOM/ MATER ECCLESIAE/ VATICAN (2013) - NIGHT
    Benedict watches the ceremony in his room. It's an emotional moment for him. He knows this is also a personal message for him.

EXT. VATICAN BALCONY (2013) - NIGHT
    Bergoglio is addressing the crowds in Italian.
    BERGOGLIO:
    And now let us begin this journey, this journey together, a journey of brotherhood in love,
    BERGOGLIO:
    ... E adesso incominciamo questo cammino, questo cammino insieme, un cammino di fratellanza, d'amore, di fiducia fra noi.
    of mutual trust. (pausa) (pause) ...Prima che il vescovo Before the bishop blesses the benedica il popolo, Vi people, I ask that you would chiedo, che voi, preghiate al pray to the Lord--to bless me Signore affinche' benedica - me... In another break with tradition, he bends to touch his head on the balcony. The great crowd falls completely silent!

INT. FLAT IN BUENOS AIRES (2013) - DAY
    Lisabetta is watching these events on TV. She starts to cry. Her husband comes in.
    HUSBAND:
    You OK?
    MARIDO:
    ¿Qué pasó? ¿Estás bien?
    LISABETTA:
    Yes. Of course. I just feel so bad for him. He'll never have his life back. He'll never come home again.
    LISABETTA:
    Si... si... Estoy bien... sólo me siento triste por él... Acaba de perder la vida que tenía. Nunca más va a volver a casa.

EXT. - VILLA 21 (2013) - DAY
    In a community centre in villa 21 people gather around Padre Pepe watch the same images on a TV.

INT. ROOM NEXT TO THE BALCONY. / VATICAN (2013) - NIGHT
    The NUN, CAMERLENGO and the protodeacon - TAURAN - all bow deeply.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Where are all the other cardinals?
    NUN
    It's the custom to leave you alone, Holiness.
    BERGOGLIO:
    I don't want to be alone. I want company. How am I getting home?
    CAMERLENGO
    You are home, Holy Father.
    BERGOGLIO:
    I would like to spend the night in my old room. With my brother Cardinals.
    CAMERLENGO
    I shall arrange the limousine.
    BERGOGLIO:
    No, no, no, no. I will go with the other Cardinals.
    CAMERLENGO
    In--in the...?
    BERGOGLIO:
    The Mini-van. You can say it. The Mini-van.
    CAMERLENGO
    The Mini-van.
    BERGOGLIO:
    There! It didn't hurt you.
    INT - MINIVAN (2013) - NIGHT Bergoglio dressed in white is in the mini-van with other cardinals.

INT. ST. MARTA (2013) - DAY
    Bergoglio is on the phone. He's making the call with which the film opened. We hear the robotic voice on the other end of the line.
    VOICE:
    Did you know that you can book any flight on the Skytours website. Our discount prices are internet only...
    BERGOGLIO: (V.O.)
    Oh good evening I...oh.
    He's mistaken this last for a human voice but ...
    VOICE: (V.O.)
    ...if you still wish to speak to an operator please press one...
    Another beep.
    VOICE : (V.O.)
    Good evening welcome to the Skytours sales desk...
    BERGOGLIO: (V.O.)
    Ah. Yes. I'm looking for a flight from Rome to Lampedusa. Yes I know I could book it on the internet. I've only just moved here.
    VOICE:
    Name?
    BERGOGLIO:
    Bergoglio. Jorge Bergoglio.
    VOICE:
    Like the Pope.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Well ... yes ... in fact.
    VOICE:
    Postcode?
    BERGOGLIO:
    Vatican city.
    There's a long pause.
    VOICE:
    Very funny.
    The line goes dead.

INT. ST. MARTA CORRIDOR (2013) - DAY
    Bergoglio opens his bedroom door and is amazed to find a Swiss Guard standing outside.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Excuse me.
    The guard does not speak.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Are you supposed to stand there all night?
    SWISS GUARD 2:
    Yes, Holy Father.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Do you know how to get the wifi in here? I need to book a flight and apparently it can only be done online. I'd be really grateful if you could help...
    The Guard takes his cell phone from his pocket...
    SWISS GUARD 2:
    Of course, Holy Father...Where to?
    BERGOGLIO:
    Lampedusa
    SWISS GUARD 2:
    How many seats ?
    BERGOGLIO
    Just me.
    SWISS GUARD 2:
    Would they let you go alone, Holy father?
    ARCHIVE FOOTAGE Bergoglio arrives in Lampedusa on a boat followed by 40 other boats! There's a huge crowd waiting for him.

EXT. LAMPEDUSA 8TH JULY 2013 - DAY
    Bergoglio - Pope Francis - preaching and teaching among the refugees on the island of Lampedusa. Footage of Lampedusa. Bergoglio goes up the stairs inside the Vatican followed by 14 refugees. Bergoglio shows the refugees the Sistine Chapel. Bergoglio has lunch with lots of refugees.

INT. SANTA MARTA (2014) - DAY
    Passing through the dining room Bergoglio catches a familiar smell. He spots a tray of media-lunas. He asks the server who is behind the counter...
    BERGOGLIO
    Media-lunas? We have these all the time back home. Can I take them?
    SERVER:
    How many Holy Father?
    BERGOGLIO
    I'll take them all. I'll take them to Brother Benedict.

EXT. MATER ECCLESIAE / VATICAN (2014) - DAY
    Establisher of the former convent in the south-west corner of the Vatican City.

INT. MATER ECCLESIAE / VATICAN (2014) - DAY
    CAPTION: Summer, 2014 BENEDICT at his desk, he begins to write - he's working on a new huge theological book. A knock on the door. Enter POPE FRANCIS - wearing his SAN LORENZO FOOTBALL SCARF, carrying the tray with media-lunas.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Sorry to disturb you. I just thought you'd like to try these.
    Ratzinger tries one.
    BERGOGLIO:
    Media lunas. They're the classic Argentinian treat. What d'you think?
    Ratzinger nods as he finishes it.
    RATZINGER
    How are you, Holy Father?
    BERGOGLIO:
    Adjusting, Holy Father. What are you writing?
    RATZINGER
    Replying to a journalist who believes God is nonsense, and belief in God the source of all evil. He has written me 30 intelligent questions. He would like to publish my reply. Do I have your permission?
    POPE FRANCIS raises an eye-brow:
    BERGOGLIO
    "Silence incarnate"?
    BENEDICT shrugs. The two men smile.

EXT. VATICAN GARDEN / GROTTO OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES (2014) -
    SUNSET The two POPES walk in the gardens, swapping trade secrets. We hear some of their conversation while they walk away.
    RATZINGER:
    You are now under great pressure. How are you coping?
    BERGOGLIO:
    I cannot relax, Holy Father, until I know the outcome...

INT. TV ROOM/ MATER ECCLESIAE/ VATICAN (2014) - NIGHT
    A slice of pizza is taken from a cardboard box placed on a coffee table. There's also a couple of bottles of beer. The TWO POPES sit before the TV. Bergoglio is once more wearing his FOOTBALL SCARF. Is the World Cup Final between Germany and Argentina! Bergoglio and Ratzinger sing their NATIONAL ANTHEMS along with their teams. Footage of the Game... 0-0, scoreless. Missed shots on goal. The GERMAN player, SWEINSTEIGER, has a head knock and his face is covered in BLOOD. Bergoglio seems quite pleased with the injury to the dangerous Sweinsteiger. When Ratzinger looks to Bergoglio to denounce the violence, Bergoglio shrugs "that's football." Ratzinger takes an increasing interest in the game...and Bergoglio starts to become a little annoyed by the unexpected enthusiasm. The game ends. 0-0.
    RATZINGER:
    So-it is over. We both win.
    BERGOGLIO:
    No, no, no, no, no. Now we have extra time. I can't bear this.
    TENSION is now high in the room, and BOTH POPES are fully engaged in the result... In SLOW-MOTION as the ball is passed to MARIO GOTZE - who takes the ball on his chest, then flips it over the KEEPER into the GOAL. GERMANY 1 - ARGENTINA 0 While Bergoglio's world comes crashing down - Ratzinger becomes super-animated, even FIST-PUMPING in CELEBRATION, much to Francis's chagrin, who tries but fails to smile. In the EXCITEMENT, Bergoglio almost topples the COFFEE TABLE. Ratzinger, as a precaution, extinguishes the SMALL CANDLE that sits there. CLOSE ON: The SMOKE from the EXTINGUISHED CANDLE, rising up, up, up, heavenward, in a fine black trail. ENDS

Summary: In April 2005, Jorge Mario Cardinal Bergoglio, Archbishop of Buenos Aires, is called to the Vatican after the death of Pope John Paul II to elect a new pope. Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, a prominent German prelate, is elected Pope Benedict XVI; Cardinal Bergoglio receives the second-highest vote count. Seven years later, the Catholic Church is embroiled in the Vatican leaks scandal, and Benedict's tenure has been tainted by public accusations regarding his role in the coverup. Jorge Cardinal Bergoglio has submitted his resignation as archbishop, but the Vatican has not responded. As he prepares to go to Rome and personally deliver his resignation, he is summoned to the Vatican. Bergoglio and Benedict meet at the Palace of Castel Gandolfo, the Pope's summer residence. The two debate the roles of God and the Church. Benedict recounts what led him to the priesthood and talks about his interests. The two watch Benedict's favorite TV show, Inspector Rex, which further delays their discussion about Bergoglio's resignation. Bergoglio recounts his early life and path into the church. He ended his marital engagement and joined the Jesuits. He was met by Father Franz Jalics and Father Orlando Yorio, who become his spiritual friends. Benedict rejects Bergoglio's resignation, saying the world would perceive it as a vote of no confidence in his leadership and weaken the Catholic Church. Benedict and Bergoglio put aside their differences and chat informally, gradually warming to each other. The next day, the two go to the Vatican by helicopter. Benedict continues to avoid discussing Bergoglio's resignation. Benedict meets with Bergoglio in the Room of Tears within the Sistine Chapel, where he confides his intention to resign the papacy. Shocked, Bergoglio objects and argues for church tradition and continuity. Benedict says his opinions regarding tradition are different now and believes change is essential. Benedict says Bergoglio could be his successor, but Bergoglio rejects the idea, citing the perception that he had collaborated with the Argentine military dictatorship, and his failure to protect his friends and confront the junta may have damaged his reputation. Following the "Dirty War", Bergoglio was removed as head of the Argentinian Society of Jesus and exiled to serve as an ordinary parish priest to the poor for the next ten years. Over time, Father Jalics reconciled with Bergoglio, but Bergoglio regrets never reconciling with Father Yorio. Memories of his actions and inaction during the dictatorship continually haunt him. Benedict comforts Bergoglio, reminding him that the freedom to choose to help is often stifled; he gives Bergoglio absolution. Then Benedict confesses he was aware of Father Marcial Maciel's long-term sexual misconduct and regrets staying silent, implying that this is the reason why he wants to resign: Benedict no longer hears God's words and affirms his wish to abdicate. Bergoglio comforts Benedict and offers him absolution as well. The two emerge from the room, surprising tourists. Benedict goes outside to greet the masses and take selfies with them. Bergoglio departs for Argentina. One year later, Pope Benedict XVI delivers his resignation to the world. Bergoglio is elected as his successor in the 2013 papal conclave and becomes Pope Francis; in his first Urbi et Orbi, he prays for Benedict, who watches the speech on television from Castel Gandolfo. The two popes watch the 2014 FIFA World Cup Final between their national home teams, Germany and Argentina, together.