An inspiring film about a kind-hearted pope whose character and actions changed lives and history. The story of a man who became a saint. This biographical film is also spiced with his humor.

The first part of the film focuses, among other things, on the childhood and youth of Pope John XXIII. It also reveals the behind-the-scenes process of the papal election and, unfortunately, certain political intrigues that even this office is not immune to.

In Bulgaria, Roncalli becomes a bishop and strives to improve relations with the dominant local Orthodox Church. The film later shows how, during World War II, Roncalli served as a Vatican diplomat in Turkey, where he secretly negotiated with the Nazis to prevent the deportation of Jews.

Although he had wanted to be an ordinary priest, Angelo Roncalli became pope in 1958 after many rounds of voting. During his relatively short tenure, he managed to convene the Second Vatican Council, which was significant for bringing about certain changes in the Catholic Church.

Through his dignity and influence on the leaders of the world’s greatest powers—Kennedy and Khrushchev—he helped avert a nuclear war between these superpowers and contributed to saving millions of lives.

Drama

Italy, 2002, 2 × 90 min

Crew: Giorgio Capitani;

Cast: Edward Asner, Massimo Ghini, Claude Rich, Michael Mendl, Jacques Sernas, Sydne Rome, Giancarlo Giannini, Carlo Lizzani, Pavel Popandov, Albena Stavreva;

Parents Guide

1 scene showing soldiers dying in war with bombs exploding around them.

1 instance where the pope says “damned chair” in the film. 1 instance where a priest says “Lord God” without any particular reason.

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