Thou shalt not skip: 10 Pope performances in movies that deserve a standing ovation

It is reported that Pope Francis, head of the Roman Catholic church, passed away on April 21, 2025. Known for his generosity, Pope Francis will always be remembered for his exceptional compassion towards people's suffering.

Over the years, several Hollywood actors have stepped into the religious roles of Pope, mostly fictional depictions, and have impressed the audience globally. In these roles, they tackled themes like religion, politics, and even the importance of mercy.

The 10 best Pope performances on the list are not just fictional portrayals—some are also inspired by real Popes. These performances not only showcase the actors' prowess but also demonstrate how deeply they can delve into their characters, delivering stunning and authentic portrayals that truly deserve a standing ovation.

Disclaimer: This article is based on the writer’s opinion. Reader discretion is advised.

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10 Pope performances in movies

10) John Goodman (Pope Joan)

Based on Donna Woolfolk Cross's novel and inspired by the legends of Pope Joan, the film follows the life of a young girl, Johanna, who becomes a Pope chosen by the people of Rome.

In the movie, after many challenges, Johanna reaches Rome, disguised as a man, and cures Pope Sergius II’s gout with her miraculous herbal medicines. John Goodman gives a strong performance as the head of the catholic church, as his role plays an important part in Johanna becoming his successor in the film.

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9) Ewan McGregor (Angels and Demons)

Ewan McGregor’s role as Patrick McKenna in the movie adaptation of Dan Brown’s novel was a perfect antagonist with a meticulous plan of becoming the next Pope.

During the preparation of the conclave to elect the new Pope after the death of the former one is abruptly stopped as the two contenders get kidnapped. After several life-threatening challenges, Tom Hanks’s Robert Langdon discovers the sinister plan of McKenna, who schemes and plots to become the leader.

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8) Marcel Iureş (Amen.)

Amen is a 2002 historical drama based on Rolf Hochhuth’s play, The Deputy. follows German SS Officer, Kurt Gerstein (Ulrich Tukur), in extreme efforts to stop the sufferings of the Jews in the hands of the N*zis. In the film, Marcel Iureş portrays the controversial figure, Pope Pius XII, who refuses to stop the Germans who are deporting Italian Jews from Rome to concentration camps.

The reason behind his silence is the Christians living in N*zi Germany. He thinks if he stops the Germans, they might begin tormenting Christians as well. The real Pope Pius XII was known for his diplomacy and had reportedly saved many Jews with the help of his connections. However, due to his diplomatic nature, the Nazis and the Allied Powers thought he was supporting the other.

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7) Gene Greytak (Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult)

A list of Pope performances would be incomplete without Gene Greytak, who is known for impersonating Pope John Paul II due to their similar faces.

In Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult, Gene Greytak's appearance as Pope John Paul II in Frank's dream was one of the film's highlights. Beyond Naked Gun, Greytak has appeared in more than 10 TV show episodes and films impersonating the head of the Catholic church.

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6) Anthony Quinn (The Shoes of the Fisherman)

Directed by renowned British Director Michael Anderson, The Shoes of the Fisherman recounts the story of a newly freed Kiril Pavlovich Lakota (Anthony Quinn) from a Siberian labour camp and the unexpected events in his life that make him a celebrated Pope.

After being elected as the Pope, Kiril reluctantly settles into the position and tries to help people around him. Not only that, as he is made aware of the cold war between China and the Soviets, he vows to help the Chinese by selling the church’s property, a decision that brings peace to the new world order.

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5) Michel Piccoli (We Have a Pope)

In this Italian-French film, Michel Piccoli plays Cardinal Melville becomes the new Pope after several rounds of voting. However, he was not the frontrunner and had never expected this result. Before appearing in front of the public as the new head of the Catholic church, Melville panics and retreats. The other cardinals try to understand Melville’s hesitation and even call a psychoanalyst to cure his depression, but fail.

Piccoli’s performance in the comedy-drama appears relatable because of his portrayal as someone who is suddenly thrust into an important position and the anxiety and panic they feels in accepting it.

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4) Rex Harrison (The Agony and the Ecstasy)

The disputes and tensions between Pope Julius II and Michelangelo are depicted in this movie from the list, which is inspired by a biographical novel by Irving Stone.

Set in the early 16th century, the film follows Michelangelo and Julius II’s differences in opinion on the conception of God and the conflicts that arise due to it. The film dramatizes the events with Rex Harrison playing the doubtful Pope, who is initially reluctant but later agrees to Michelangelo’s conception of God as being merciful.

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3) Raf Vallone (The Godfather Part III)

In Francis Ford Coppola’s masterpiece trilogy, Italian actor Raf Vallone plays Cardinal Lamberto, who later becomes the Pope, taking the name John Paul I.

Like his name in the film, Vallone’s John Paul, also dies in his sleep after being poisoned by the culprits who rob the Vatican Bank of money with their corruption. The real Pope John Paul I died in his sleep—the reason behind it was a heart attack and not poisoning. However, until 2018, there were many conspiracy theories surrounding the reasons behind his death.

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2) Ralph Fiennes (Conclave)

This 2024 masterpiece fictionalises and portrays the politics and scandals that Ralph Fiennes’s Cardinal Thomas Lawrence encounters during the Conclave to select a new Pope.

In a series of events, Lawrence finds reasons depicting secret affairs and corruption reports against the top contenders, one of whom would become the next head of the Catholic Church. With a powerful and enigmatic ensemble cast, this movie won several accolades, including eight Oscar nominations.

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1) Jonathan Pryce and Anthony Hopkins (The Two Popes)

Two of the greatest Hollywood actors, Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce, share the screen in The Two Popes. It is based on the relationship that the duo develops as they discuss their future.

In the film, both struggle with their past as they consider themselves unfit to remain in their current positions. After the Vatican leaks, Pope Benedict XVI seems to think that he should be the head anymore, whereas Cardinal Bergoglio wants to resign from his position due to his inability to protect his friends during the Argentine military dictatorship. In the end, Pope Benedict resigned, and Cardinal Bergoglio became the new Pope and was named Pope Francis.

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