In February 2013, the arch-conservative Pope Benedict XVI made a startling announcement: he would resign, making him the first pope to willingly vacate his office in over 700 years. Reeling from the news, the College of Cardinals rushed to Rome to congregate in the Sistine Chapel to pick his successor. Their unlikely choice? Francis, the first non-European pope in 1,200 years, a one time tango club bouncer, a passionate soccer fan, a man with the common touch.
Why did Benedict walk away at the height of power, knowing his successor might be someone whose views might undo his legacy? Having immersed himself in these men's lives to write the screenplay for the upcoming motion picture The Pope, Anthony McCarten weaves their stories into one gripping narrative. The Pope is soon to be a major motion picture starring Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce.
Anthony McCarten is a novelist, playwright, television writer, and filmmaker. He is two time Academy-Award nominated screenwriter for writing the biographical films - "The Theory of Everything" and "The Darkest Hour." He most recently wrote the film "Bohemian Rhapsody" – which has been nominated for an Oscar this year for Best Picture.
