‘The Two Popes,’ ‘Conclave’ and Francis’ Autobiography: The Papacy in Recent Culture
‘The Two Popes,’ ‘Conclave’ and Francis’ Autobiography: The Papacy in Recent Culture

The Vatican — with its politics, its pageantry and its power — has long been a favorite subject for artists and thinkers.
Read the full article on NY Times World
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article appears mostly accurate, focusing on the cultural impact of the papacy as depicted in recent media. Minor claims regarding the content of Pope Francis' autobiography are supported by one source, while others are not covered. There's a slight bias towards highlighting the dramatic and political aspects of the Vatican.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim:** The Vatican — with its politics, its pageantry and its power — has long been a favorite subject for artists and thinkers.
- Verification Source #N: This is a general statement and is not directly verifiable by the provided sources, but it is a widely accepted notion.
- Claim:** Francis wrote in his 2025 autobiography that he ... cardinals elected a new leader after a conclave lasting little more than 24 hours.
- Verification Source #4: Supports this claim.
- Claim:** The article discusses the movie "Conclave" and its portrayal of papal elections.
- Verification Source #1, #2, and #3: All discuss the movie "Conclave," supporting the article's focus on it.
- Claim:** The article discusses the movie "The Two Popes."
- Verification Source #5: Discusses "The Two Popes," supporting the article's focus on it.
- Claim:** The article implies that the election of Pope Francis was controversial.
- Verification Source #3 and #5: Suggest that Pope Francis' election involved conflict between different factions within the Church.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Verification Source #4: "Francis wrote in his 2025 autobiography that he ... cardinals elected a new leader after a conclave lasting little more than 24 hours." This supports the claim about the autobiography.
- Verification Source #1: "In other words, in the last two conclaves, cardinals elected those who focused on Christ." This provides context for the conclaves and the election process.
- Verification Source #3: "Pope Francis conclave that pitted retrograde conservative..." This suggests a conflict between conservative and more progressive elements during the conclave.
- Verification Source #5: "The Two Popes: Baloney, brilliantly acted...The notion that Francis was elected to upend the..." This suggests a narrative of Francis being elected to change the status quo.