Have you heard the story of how the late Pope Francis personally tried to book a regular flight ticket to Lampedusa shortly after becoming pope on 13 March, 2013? Well, not quite the holy welcome you would expect, as the airline staff did not believe it was the Pope on the other end of the line and hung up, convinced it was a prank.

Now his successor, Pope Leo XIV, is dealing with his own humble-pope problems.

See, two months after the Chicago-born Robert Francis Prevost became the first American pope in May 2025, he personally called his old bank in South Chicago, USA. He reportedly wanted to update his phone number and address now that he was living in the Vatican.

Despite identifying himself as Robert Prevost and answering every security question correctly, the Pope was still told by the customer service representative that he had to appear in person at the branch.

“Sorry, sir, it says here you’ll have to come in person,” said the customer service representative of the unnamed US bank.

“I’m not going to be able to do that,” the Pope replied.

After some back-and-forth, he finally dropped the line, “Would it matter to you if I told you I’m Pope Leo?”

Bang! She hung up on the Pope out of frustration, thinking it was a prank call.

The story comes straight from his longtime friend, Rev. Tom McCarthy, who shared it with a laughing crowd in Naperville, Illinois. McCarthy later confirmed it’s true.

In the end, a local priest had to go to the bank in person, and the issue was sorted out.

So next time you’re on a call with customer service and getting absolutely nowhere, you are not alone; the pope is there with you. And just a quick one, if you picked up a call from Robert Francis Prevost, would you ever guess who you’re really speaking to?

The Two Popes (2019) is clear about its premise from the start. Set behind Vatican walls, the film follows Pope Benedict and the future Pope Francis as they confront their past decisions and try to find common ground for the Church’s future. You already know how their story ends. Yet the film still finds ways to keep you engaged.

With earlier work circling on power, guilt, and moral tension, Fernando Meirelles was a natural fit to direct this film. The fact that he is Catholic matters and helps explain how the film treats faith, doubt, and ritual not as spectacle, but as lived experience.

Anthony McCarten writes this film’s screenplay in a dialogue-heavy style, one that will feel familiar if you have watched Darkest Hour (2017) and his later biopics. There is a lot of talking in The Two Popes (2019), but the careful attention to surrounding visuals sustains its pacing.

Director Meirelles thoughtfully handles the film’s space and composition, sometimes using a loose, handheld camera style, while real archival photos at key moments give the film a documentary feel, blurring the line between staged drama and recorded history.

Another observation is how the two conclaves are shown in condensed form, yet they retain their significance. The summarised scenes carry a distinctly Catholic atmosphere: cardinals move in unison into the Sistine Chapel, votes are cast under Michelangelo’s Last Judgment with careful attention to detail, and the silence, footsteps, and vows all contribute to the film’s aura. Even though the events are shortened, nothing feels rushed or hollow.

Although the film could have entirely worked with the Vatican’s traditional languages, The Two Popes leans on English for most exchanges, mainly between Pope Benedict and Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio. Subtitles are recommended, both for the accents and because the film naturally incorporates Spanish and occasional Latin. As a dialogue-driven film, keeping subtitles on ensures better comprehension.

Despite the title, this is largely Pope Francis’s story. Jonathan Pryce carries the film as Jorge Bergoglio, with Juan Minujin filling in his younger years. Pryce gives you a man shaped by regret, humour, and quiet conviction. Flashbacks to Argentina by Juan deepen his portrait without overwhelming the present.

If there have to be tears, let’s make them tears of joy

Anthony Hopkins approaches Pope Benedict with calm precision, capturing the weight of criticism, the loneliness of the office, and the burden of tradition. His performance avoids caricature and comes across as a thinker grappling with the limits of his role rather than a villain guarding power.

When no one is to blame, everyone is to blame

The film also offers a rare picture into the Pope’s life beyond prayers and formal duties, watching football, playing music, and strolling through gardens. These moments humanise without trivialising, expanding your view of the papacy without breaking it.

In this film, attention to detail is almost a second language. Bergoglio’s simple shoes, his rosary, and modest attire reflect the life he chose and maintained even as Pope. These small choices matter, quietly hinting at Pope Francis’ character without ever spelling it out.

Netflix deserves credit on this one: the film avoids crude language and cheap provocation, respecting both its subject and its audience. The direction and screenplay draw clear boundaries and stick to them, a rare approach in many Netflix films about religion. The story is also easy to follow, even if you don’t have deep knowledge of Catholic doctrine.

So, is The Two Popes (2019) still worth watching in 2026? Absolutely. This quietly moving film about Pope Francis’ election and inner life will long hold its place as a rare success, functioning as history, character study, and reflection on leadership, and could even be called a gospel film, told through the life of Jorge Mario Bergoglio.

From the outside view, especially amid today’s debates on gender and equality, the Catholic Church’s teaching that only men can be ordained as priests remains a point of contention, even though the Church maintains that this teaching isn’t rooted in sexism or favouritism. Rather, it is based on theological, scriptural, and symbolic truths passed down for over 2,000 years. This is a topic worth writing about, and as much as we could gather, here are the reasons the Church gives on why women cannot be priests.

Jesus Chose Men as His Apostles
The basic answer is the example set by Jesus Himself. During His public ministry, despite having a number of devoted female followers like Mary Magdalene and Martha, Jesus chose only men as His twelve apostles. This choice, recorded in Luke 6:12-16, came after a night of prayer and is considered by the Church to be intentional and foundational. The priesthood is seen as a continuation of that apostolic line.

Not About Value or Superiority
This teaching doesn’t imply that men are more important or holier than women. In fact, the Catholic Church gives the highest human honour to a woman, the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, as the greatest of all saints, honoured even above the apostles. In Luke 1:28 (Douay Rheims Bible), the angel Gabriel calls her “full of grace,” and in Luke 1:42, Elizabeth says, “Blessed are you among women.” No Priest, Bishop, or Pope receives such praise in Scripture.

Think of it like this: Why can’t men get pregnant? Is it because they’re inferior? No. It’s because men and women have different roles, both of which are essential. In the same way, the priesthood is not about power or status but about a specific vocation to represent Christ “as a man,” meaning that, acting in persona Christi (in the person of Christ), the priest represents Jesus Himself, who was incarnated as a male.

The Symbolism of Fatherhood and Motherhood (Man & Woman)
Priests are called “Father.” If women were ordained, would they be called “Mother”? Possibly, but the meaning would be different. A mother and a father aren’t interchangeable. Their roles are distinct yet equally necessary. The Church holds this distinction as part of God’s design, not a social construct.

As 1 Corinthians 11:3 puts it: “The head of every man is Christ, the head of a woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.” Here, “head” points to a structure of responsibility and love, not dominance.

The Church as Mother, the Priest as Bridegroom, and Eucharist as Union
For centuries, the Church has been described in feminine terms, as “Mother Church.” Simply because she receives (the congregation), nurtures, and gives life to faith. In Ephesians 5:25-27, Paul draws on the language of marriage to describe Christ’s relationship to the Church: Christ as the Bridegroom, the Church as His Bride. In the liturgy, the priest (representing Christ) offers the Eucharist to the Church, symbolising this union.

Where did that leave women?

The Eucharist and the Life-Giving Seed (Explainer)
Every Mass in the Catholic faith is a spiritual act of creation. From the altar, the priest brings forth the Eucharist, the Body and Blood of Christ, which is the “life-giving seed” of grace. In human life, that kind of creation can only happen between one man and one woman, not between two men, and not between two women. The man provides the seed, but it goes nowhere without a woman to receive it, nurture it, and bring forth new life. In the same way, the priest offers the Eucharist, and the Church, as Mother, receives it and gives life to the world through holiness, service, and virtue.

Complementary Roles
In this view, the priesthood is not about status but about symbolism and sacramental function. The priest represents Christ the Bridegroom, and the Church, made up of men and women, is His Bride. Their roles are distinct but interdependent; Christ gives, the Church receives and brings forth life. This mutual relationship reflects how grace flows and bears fruit in the world.

So why can’t women be priests in the Catholic Church? It’s not because they are lesser, but because they already embody something irreplaceable: the Church as Mother. This teaching follows the example set by Christ Himself. Priests, called “Father,” represent Christ the Bridegroom in His union with the Church, His Bride, and they offer the Eucharist, the life-giving gift of grace, to her.

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Behold, the white smoke has risen from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signalling the election of a new pope to succeed Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025. To the surprise of many, and perhaps as predicted by the Conclave (2024) movie, the least expected name, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, has emerged as the new Pontiff. He has accepted the role as Bishop of Rome and head of the Catholic Church, choosing the name Pope Leo XIV.

Here’s everything you need to know, facts about Pope Leo XIV (Robert Francis Prevost), the newly elected Pontiff as of 08 May 2025.

#1. First American Pope in History
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, is the first American to be elected as the head of the Catholic Church. His election marks a historic milestone for both the United States and the global Catholic community.

#2. Dual Citizenship and Latin American Ties
While a Chicago native, Prevost also holds Peruvian citizenship, reflecting his long missionary and episcopal service in Peru. This dual identity helped him transcend traditional geopolitical concerns about an American pope.

#3. Chose the Name Leo XIV
Upon his election, he took the name Leo XIV, becoming the fifth pope to use the name “Leo” since the 19th century. The name is historically significant and suggests a link to previous popes known for reform and engagement with modern issues.

#4. Age and Early Life
Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Prevost is 69 years old at the time of his election. He is of French, Italian, and Spanish descent, and has two brothers. All three were born to Louis Marius Prevost and Mildred Martínez. Pope Leo XIV enjoys playing tennis and is a regular participant in the sport.

#5. Academic and Religious Formation
Prevost studied mathematics and philosophy at Villanova University and later earned a licentiate and doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome.

#6. Augustinian Roots
He is the first pope from the Order of Saint Augustine, a 13th-century religious order. Prevost served as prior general of the Augustinians for two terms, giving him significant international leadership experience.

#7. Missionary and Episcopal Service in Peru
Prevost spent many years in Peru, first as a missionary and later as the bishop of Chiclayo. He was deeply involved in parish, diocesan, and educational work, and acquired Peruvian citizenship in 2015.

#8. Key Vatican Roles Before the Papacy
In 2023, Pope Francis appointed then Bishop Robert Francis Prevost as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, where he oversaw the selection of bishops worldwide, a role that elevated his profile in the Vatican.

#9. Elected After a Swift Conclave
The papal conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV was one of the shortest in recent history, concluding after just two days and four ballots, with 133 cardinal electors participating.

#10. Papal Motto and Vision
His papal motto is “In illo Uno unum” (“In the One, we’re one”), reflecting a vision of unity in the Church. He is expected to continue the social justice and reformist trajectory of his predecessor, Pope Francis, with a focus on the marginalised and on global Church unity.

Pope Leo XIV’s unique background as an American with deep Latin American ties, his Augustinian heritage, and his Vatican leadership experience set the stage for a new chapter in Catholic history.

Also read: 10 Interesting Facts About Pope Francis You Never Knew

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According to Google Trends’ global search data, “Who will be the next Pope” follows closely after “Pope Francis’ Death.” Naturally, interest in the Conclave is rising.

The Conclave, from the Latin com (together) and clavis (key), is a locked, secret meeting where Cardinals gather to elect a new Pope. Because they are sworn to secrecy, the true process has remained hidden from the public since the first Conclave in 1276. Having watched nearly every available documentary and video about the Vatican City without finding a clear picture of what happens, one of your few options is to turn to Conclave (2024), a Hollywood take on this secretive event.

Conclave (2024) Movie Review
Directed by Edward Berger, a German-born director, Conclave is a thriller film starring Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Lawrence, tasked with leading a conclave following the passing of the Pope, played by Bruno Novelli.

While the debate over the accuracy of the Conclave movie continues, with some Catholic Church elders arguing the dramatised 2024 film is detached from the real events and rituals of the conclave, Conclave masterfully paints a vivid picture of the atmosphere and rituals that happen before and during the conclave at Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome, at least for the general public.

Conclave (2024)’s biggest strength is its attention to detail. Scenes like the dismantling of the Pope’s ring, sealing the door to the Pope’s apartment and the arrival of the Sacred College Cardinals from all over the world for these secretive and ancient events make the Conclave worth watching. You literally feel the tradition in every frame. Beats nothing!

The Conclave casting is solid! Italian filmmaker and actor Sergio Castellitto plays Cardinal Tedesco from Italy, Carlos Diehz as Cardinal Vincent from Latin America, and John Lithgow takes on Cardinal Tremblay from America. Jacek Koman plays Wozniak, an Archbishop who struggles with a drinking problem, Cardinal Adayemi from Nigeria, played by Lucian Msamati, Stanley Tucci as Aldo Bellini, and Isabella Rossellini playing Sister Agnes. Each actor perfectly reflects the cultural traits of their region.

Smaller details like Sister Shanum’s (played by Balkissa Maiga) patched hands add weight to the film’s quiet moments.

Despite the strengths, Conclave has faced criticism for casting actors who, in real life, do not share or respect Catholic beliefs. Some viewers also find the ending unnecessary, feeling it undermines the dignity of the position and the Roman Curia. Father David Michael Moses described Conclave as a movie aimed at people of religious belief, especially Catholics, but criticised its ending for alienating the very audience it seemed intended for.

Notable Quotes from Conclave (2024) Movie
“Our faith is a living thing, precisely because it walks hand-in-hand with doubt. If there were only certainty… and not doubt. There would be no mystery and therefore no need for faith.”

“Certainty is the deadly enemy of tolerance; even Christ was not certain at the end, further quoting Mark 15:33-34 in Italiano”

“The man who believes in homosexuals should be sent to prison in this world, and hell in the next.”

“What am I supposed to tell them in Milan when they start to discover our new Pope’s social views? –  Tell your congregation that they should celebrate the first African Pope in the history of the Church”

“Let’s not mention women”

How Accurate is the Conclave (2024) Movie to a real Conclave?
According to Cardinal Seán Patrick O’Malley, who participated in a real conclave in 2013, the movie Conclave is not accurate. He explained that, in reality, a conclave feels more like a spiritual retreat, filled with prayer, silence, and spiritual talks, rather than the political scheming and backroom plotting portrayed by the Hollywood Conclave (2024) film.

O’Malley highlighted that when Cardinals cast their vote, they stand before Michelangelo’s image of Christ in the Last Judgment in the Sistine Chapel. They swear before God that they are voting for the person they believe is God’s choice. That’s a deeply spiritual moment, not something political.

According to Cardinal Seán O’Malley, the real conclave focuses on serving the Church and connecting with the Holy Spirit, rather than seeking worldly power, taking a different direction from what was portrayed in the Conclave (2024) movie.

Nevertheless, Conclave is worth watching. Big applause to Ralph Fiennes, he cooked!

On the morning of Easter Monday, the 21st of April, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, commonly known as Pope Francis, died from a stroke followed by heart failure at his residence in Santa Marta in Vatican City. Since 2013, he had been the head of the Roman Catholic Church, bringing revival and restoration during his 12-year papacy. Pope Francis inspired many and was, in turn, inspired by many, maintaining a humble lifestyle despite the fame that came with his position.

While we mourn his death and prepare to receive another Pope, here are some interesting facts about the celebrated Pope Francis that you probably did not know.

#1 Francis Is Not His Real Name
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was the son of Italian immigrants to Argentina. He was named Jorge Mario Bergoglio. Once he was elected as Benedict XVI’s replacement, he chose the name Francis in honour of St. Francis of Assisi, who lived a life of service to the poor, and St. Francis Xavier, a founding member of the Jesuits. Emulating two men whom he admired and longed greatly to emulate, he took on their first name as his. This made him the first Francis to be a Pope among all the 266 popes before him. The Pope greatly admired St. Francis of Assisi because he was a man of poverty and peace, and he loved creation, all things that Francis too embraced fully during his life.

#2 Pope Francis Once Worked as a Bouncer
In his early years, the Pope worked as a bouncer and a floor sweeper before becoming a chemical technician.

#3 He Defied His Mother
Like most mothers, Pope Francis’s mom wanted greatness for her son. She wanted him to study medicine and most probably become a celebrated doctor, but after his encounter with God during confession, he threw medicine to the wind and decided, at age 17, to become a priest. His mother, who was Catholic, didn’t want him to become a priest, but eventually, she accepted his vocation.

#4 Pope Francis Owned a Lamborghini 
A 2018 Lamborghini Huracán was built just for the Pope, with specific customisations just for him, like the gold and white colouring. The next year, this Huracán, with a 5.2-litre V10 engine and a top speed of 198 mph, was sold for 715,000 euros. This was more than three times its original price. The Pope then donated this money to charity.

5 He Used Public Transport 
The Pope wasn’t one to set himself above others; he advocated for fair treatment for all and acted in a way that did not put him above those he served.

In 2008, long after he was elected Archbishop of Buenos Aires, he was seen taking a public train to a celebration in the city’s Metropolitan area. Instead of using the papal limousine, he took the bus with the other cardinals. Sometimes he chose to walk to his destination rather than being transported by one of his many existing vehicles.

#6 Pope Francis Did Not Earn a Salary 
Pope Francis did not earn a salary, refusing to accept the Pope salary of $32,000 per month to which he was entitled. Instead, he chose to donate it to those in need or to pass it on. This further emphasises the immense size of his heart and the ‘humili-tea’ in his breakfast cup.

#7 Pope Francis Was an Environmentalist 
Pope Francis used his leadership position to advocate for environmental preservation and spread awareness of climate change. Brian Roewe, an environmental correspondent for the National Catholic Reporter, mentioned that Pope Francis, during his papacy, made ecological concern a cornerstone, both non-negotiable and of value to a life of virtue. “Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home,” is the Pope’s encyclical.

This papal teaching document discourages the ‘throwaway culture’ while highlighting the need for the Church to be keen about greenhouse gases and their impact on climate change. His advocacy was, and still is, much appreciated, with diplomats from bodies like the UN citing him in speeches and, most evidently, in negotiations that led to the 2015 Paris Agreement.

In a quote from Laudato Si’, the Pope says, “I have realised that our responses have not been adequate, while the world in which we live is collapsing and may be nearing the breaking point…” He further mentions that “there are no lasting changes without cultural changes, without a maturing of lifestyles and convictions within society, and there are no cultural changes without personal changes.”

#8 Pope Francis Believed in Unity 
The Pope sought to promote world peace and inter-religious dialogue, with one of the ways being prayer with the Israeli and Palestinian presidents for peace, visiting African countries with the aim of bringing Christians and Muslims together, and in 2023, he spearheaded the peace pilgrimage to South Sudan.

#9 Pope Francis Spoke 7 Languages
He spoke fluently his native tongue, Spanish, in addition to Italian, the Vatican City’s official language, in which he is fluent. He also spoke German, French, Latin, Portuguese, and English.

#10 Pope Francis Hated Surrogacy
On January 8th, 2024, Pope Francis called for a global ban on surrogacy, claiming that it “represents a grave violation of the dignity of women.” Surrogacy is an arrangement between two parties, where one of them (a woman) agrees to carry and deliver a child on behalf of the other (the mother or both parents). Surrogacy can become complicated, especially when surrogate mothers grow too attached to the child they carry and then refuse to relinquish the child; some experience exploitation, all of which the Pope regards as human rights abuses.

Pope Francis saw the negative side of surrogacy, thus forming his strong views against it. However, some mothers are unable to bear children due to their bodies’ limitations or because of their husbands’ limitations. So, as much as the Pope was against this, he needed to see both sides of the equation before rashly declaring a ban.

The Pope was a very expressive, outspoken, humble, and firm leader. Not all he did was praised, but one thing we could all agree on is that his life was the perfect reflection of excellence. He showed no racial discrimination or classism and never allowed pride to creep in. May his legacy continue to live on.

Also read: 10 Facts About Pope Leo XIV (Robert Francis Prevost), the New Pontiff

April 21, 2025—the first Latin American pope and a tireless advocate for the marginalised, Pope Francis has died at 88 in his Vatican residence, Casa Santa Marta, on Easter Monday. The Vatican confirmed his passing at 7:35 AM (CEST), with Cardinal Kevin Farrell announcing the news, praising Francis’ “universal love for the poorest.”

Pope Francis’ Life of Service
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, Pope Francis dedicated his life to the Gospel, emphasising courage and fidelity. Elected in 2013, he shifted the Catholic Church’s focus to the poor, migrants, and environmental justice. His reforms included unprecedented steps toward accountability for clerical abuse, though some called for bolder changes.

Pope Francis’ Health Challenges
Francis has battled respiratory issues for decades, following a partial lung removal in his 20s. In February 2025, he was hospitalised for 38 days with bilateral pneumonia after a bronchitis episode. Despite a brief recovery, his health remained fragile, leading to his death.

A Simplified Legacy: Papal Funeral Rites
Known for his humility, Pope Francis requested a streamlined funeral focused on “faith in the Risen Christ”. In 2024, Pope Francis updated papal funeral rites to reflect this, emphasising his role as a pastor, not a worldly power. Breaking tradition, he chose burial at Rome’s Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica instead of the Vatican Grottoes. A nine-day mourning period (Novendiale) will precede the funeral Mass, with details forthcoming.

Who will be the next Pope?
Following Pope Francis’ death, the Catholic Church entered a period known as “sede vacante” (vacant seat). Cardinals from around the world will gather in a conclave in the Sistine Chapel to elect the next pope, a process expected to begin within 15 to 20 days. The conclave, guided by ancient rituals, requires a two-thirds majority to select the new pontiff, who will lead the Church’s 1.4 billion faithful.

Cardinal Farrell commended Francis’ life of service, noting his example as a true disciple of Christ. Pope Francis’ death marks the end of a transformative papacy that reshaped the Church’s mission toward inclusion and compassion.

Shocking as it can be, a significant shift in Catholic Church policy, supported by the Vatican, now allows gay men in Italy to enter seminaries and potentially become priests, as long as they commit to celibacy.

Italian bishops recently approved updated guidelines, detailed in The Formation of Priests in Churches in Italy. Guidelines and Norms for Seminaries [PDF attached], that open seminaries to gay men, marking a departure from the Vatican’s earlier stance. In 2016, the Church had restricted men with “deep-seated homosexual tendencies” from joining the priesthood.

In contrast, the new guidelines highlight that a candidate’s sexual orientation should not be the sole focus. Instead, it should be viewed within the broader context of their personality.

“When addressing homosexual tendencies in formation, it’s crucial not to reduce the evaluation to just this aspect but to consider it as part of the individual’s overall character,” the guidelines state.

It’s uncertain if other countries will adopt similar changes.

Pope Francis has been perceived as more inclusive towards the LGBTQ+ community since becoming pontiff in 2013. In 2023, he allowed priests to bless same-sex couples in specific cases. However, the issue of gay men entering the priesthood has remained largely unaddressed.

The Pope has also stressed the importance of careful candidate screening and has consistently urged priests engaging in sexual relationships to leave their ministry.

By Isaac Odwako O.