Heartbreaking Pope Francis film now on Netflix 'everyone should see'

Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, leaving millions of Catholics around the in mourning.

In a poignant statement, the Vatican announced Pope Francis had died at his home in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta.

His Eminence, Cardinal Farrell said: "“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning (local time), the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.

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"He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”

Just a day before his death on Easter Monday, Pope Francis had appeared in St Peter's Square to wish Happy Easter to the thousands of worshippers below.

Pope Francis was the first Pontiff from from the Americas or the southern hemisphere and was also the first Jesuit to be elected to the highest office in the Catholic church.

Already in his 70s when he took office, Pope Francis' predecessor was Pope Benedict, who made the decision to retire. It meant for the first time there were two living Popes living in the Vatican.

The moving film, Two Popes, starring Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce, is an imagining of the relationship between the two men and is now streaming on .

Based on their real story, Two Popes tells the back story of both men's lives and how the provided comfort to one another, particularly following Pope Benedict's resignation and Pope Francis' being elected.

The film was an unexpected hit, with both Pryce and Hopkins' performances winning huge praise for their portrayal of the two Catholic Popes.

One the review website, Rotten Tomatoes, Two Popes has an impressive 88 percent approval rating.

One critic said: "A remarkable accomplishment. It’s an important film for LGBT Catholics and for all LGBT film fans and should be experienced on the big screen."

Another added: "Pryce is so good in The Two Popes, capturing a beloved world figure with undeniable grace and surprising heft. It’s smart, well-acted, and features some of the snappiest dialogue you’ll hear this year."

And another said: "Intelligent filmmaking, telling a very difficult, highly sensitive tale in a low-key, old-fashioned way, and still coming out as entirely relevant to the times."

Fans also couldn't get enough of the movie. One said: "Two stellar performances by standouts at their craft. Amid all the pomp, all the sterile and the staunch, we gets sly little jokes and asides and more in this charming changing of the Catholic seat of most honor."

Another added: "Totally brilliant acting by the two Popes (Hopkins and Pryce). An interesting story even if one has little sympathy with the Catholic Church. Some may find it boring (no action), but the dialogue is utterly absorbing. Pope Francis' historical background under the Argentinian junta is also a major feature, adding the dimension of religion/politics. "

While a third said: "A riveting and impactful drama on the teachings and issues of the Roman Catholic Church."

Two Popes is streaming on Netflix now.