All language subtitles for Paul.VI.-.The.Pope.in.the.Tempest.2008.DVDRip.x264-HANDJOB.eng

PAUL VI
THE POPE IN THE TEMPEST

We want all those who will
undertake this Via Crucis

in preparation for Easter

to experience the deep feeling...

Rome, Via Fani,
March 16th 1978

...which will entail enormous joy,

and to know that
they are immensely...

loved.

This is the mystery of the cross.

President Moro, come with us!

Come in.

Your Holiness...

Come in, Don Pasquale.

I was completing the meditation...

for the Via Crucis.

What is it?

I have some bad news.

It seems that an attempt was made
on President Moro's life.

Aldo?

My child...

They loaded him into a car

and they escaped,
leaving no traces.

- What about his guards?
- I don't know.

- Have you heard?
- Yes.

Cardinal Villot, you know
what's happened to his guards?

Four men were killed and one injured.
It seems he's close to death too.

Can you hear this too?

What, Your Holiness?

The silence that has descended
upon Rome.

This is the car with the bodies.

of the officers

who were the Honourable Moro's
bodyguards.

Their bodies are covered
with sheets.

Two bodies are in the car.

another is inside the one
that was following them.

Four men were killed
and one was injured.

It seems the Honourable Moro
has been kidnapped.

My colleague is telling me
that he was injured too.

Eleonora...

Dearest Mrs Elenora Moro,

we wish to express
our deepest sympathies

for the attack
which took place

and which took away
your beloved spouse.

And which ended the lives...

of five innocent young officers.

"In this hour of trepidation,

we make a special prayer
to the Lord

to reach the hearts of those
responsible for this tragic attack

so that they return

your relative
to his loving family.

As a pledge of paternal comfort,

we offer to you and your children...

the Pope's blessing.

Paul VI."

Thank our Holy Father.

His Holiness has been greatly moved
by this tragic event.

I know.

He is like a father to Aldo.

- I have news, Your Holiness.
- Come in.

I'll come back this evening.

Make sure he gets plenty
of rest.

I don't think he will get much rest
during the next few days.

- Well?
- Aldo Moro is alive.

Thank Heavens.

Anything else?

The Red Brigades have claimed
responsibility for the kidnapping.

What do they want?

An exchange of prisoners?

What then?

Don Pasquale, please, tell me.

They will be putting Moro
on trial.

he may be sentenced to death.

The terrorists sent this photo
along with their statement.

Aldo kidnapped...

put on trial...

Why?

He's always been a fair man.

a free man.

Free men always create fear.

I learnt this many years ago
in this same city.

You know why I've brought you here
today?

Are the fascists to blame for
the Tiber being so dirty too?

No.

I've brought you here because
a man was kidnapped here today.

The Honourable Matteotti.

Because he had the courage
to tell the truth.

And the fascists...

imposed themselves with violence.

Matteotti is a good man.

He's a fair and free man,
that's why he was kidnapped.

They've also taken our freedom.

Listen to this passage
by this French philosopher.

He's called Jacques Maritain,
I've mentioned him to you before.

"If one day a global political
society will be founded..."

What are you doing here?

Good morning.

- We were reading.
- You can't stay here.

- Why?
- You're obstructing right of way.

I see.

- Is that the only reason?
- Of course, why else?

Maybe...

I'll go up here then,
that way we're not obstructing anyone.

Well...

I was saying...

"If one day a global political
society will be founded..."

Is this all right?

"it will only be thanks
to freedom.

In fact, thanks to freedom,

the people of the world will want
to live alongside each other

in harmony."

Things have become impossible
here in Rome.

Working with my students
has become impossible.

I think I'll go to Milan.

The Catholic University
has made me a good offer.

- That's a shame.
- Why? There's more freedom there.

Yes, I'm sure.

And in Milan you'll be closer
to Brescia and home, right?

It's not because of that.

I just want to carry out
my work with young people.

Of course.

Just today...

I've heard that you'll be offered
a position at the Vatican.

at the Secretariat of State.

The Secretariat of State?

- I want to work with people
- That's what you'd be doing.

You'll work with lots of people,
young and old

from all over the world.

- I don't want your recommendations.
- You've never needed any.

The Curia already know of your work
with the FUCI students.

They must be mistaken, I want
to be a priest, not a diplomat.

You're right, they're mistaken.

They don't know what a rebel you are.

We need you here.

we need men who won't give in
to fascism.

who have the freedom
of their followers at heart.

We at the Italian Popular Party
can do nothing in Parliament.

Italy has become a dictatorship.

That's why you must remain here
in Rome, Battista.

In Rome, at the Secretary of State,

alongside the Pope.

Goodbye, Your Eminence.

Tell Count Grossoli
not to worry.

He trusts me and I know
I can count on you, my dear Gaspari.

- Don Giovanni Battista Montini?
- Yes, Your Eminence.

This young man is from Brescia.
Cardinal Marchetti Selvaggiani.

- He will be my assistant here.
- I'm pleased for you.

Thank you.

You'll be better off reading
documents here

than French philosophy
by the Tiber.

Follow me, Montini.

- How old are you?
- I'm 27, Your Eminence.

I'm almost three times your age.

Old age is a crown of dignity.

You needn't quote the Bible
to console me.

I'm the luckiest one of us.

I've witnessed the Papal States.

I was 18 when the Piedmontese
stripped the Pope...

of what he'd owned for centuries.

They wanted to demote him as king
into an ordinary citizen.

This will all be over soon.

You're here to help
with a special task.

His Holiness Pius XI

wants to negotiate in order to become
sovereign of an independent state.

Negotiate with Mussolini?

With the Italian State.

The fact that Mussolini is leader
of the government is irrelevant.

Can you read French?

Of course, I studied in Paris.

These are diplomatic treaties
from the last century.

We must be sure there's no evidence
that will hinder negotiations.

Read them and make a summary
for His Holiness.

When will His Holiness need that?

Tomorrow.

Tomorrow...

Tell me...

Have you found any precedents
that will hinder negotiations?

The lack of them won't suffice.

The Church has never been faced
with such an Anti-Christian regime.

Montini, it's not your place
to pass judgements.

Leave politics to your father.

Calm down.

Your Holiness,
I was just saying that...

What news do you have?

Don't do it, Your Holiness.

What should the Pope not do?

Don't negotiate with Mussolini.

Think of the consequences.

An agreement would confer
undeserved prestige for him.

What do you know what
the consequences will be?

In order to predict the future
one must have a position of power.

Do you think
you're as powerful as the Pope?

- Forgive him, Your Holiness.
- You may go.

Montini!

You stay.

How's life in Brescia?

If I were there, I'd be happy.

I'm from Brianza

so the Brescian dialect is as
familiar to me as the Roman dialect.

I haven't spoken it for so long.

I sometimes use it with my father.

I know your father,
he's a good man.

You see?

I know it's risky to negotiate
with that devil Mussolini

but the Church has been in conflict
with Italy for sixty years.

A painful conflict for many people.

You know something?

For the good of people,
I'd negotiate with the devil himself.

If ever you become Pope,
you'll understand.

Rome, February 11th 1929

Can I have one?

A GREAT POLITICAL AND SPIRITUAL
VICTORY FOR THE REGIME

- Father Giulio!
- You thought I was Father Christmas?

Why are you here in Rome?

I brought these.

Let me help you.

It's great to see you!

- Have you been waiting long?
- I don't know, I fell asleep.

It's the Blackshirts' fault.

I was ordered to leave Brescia
by my superiors.

- Were they afraid they'd harm you?
- No, they thought I'd harm them!

And you, are you gaining respect
in the holy offices?

I don't know.

Maybe.

What's wrong?

I've been your spiritual father
for 20 years.

I don't know why I'm here.

I thought I'd be helping
Catholics defend their freedom

but I'm helping the Pope
to negotiate with Mussolini.

He's referred to at the Vatican
as the man of providence.

Of course he's the man of providence!

The providence will use him
as a weapon to beat the Church!

Repeatedly, just like one does
with an old mattress!

Who knows...

Maybe with this agreement
the Providence will allow us

to have greater freedom
of action with our students.

That's why you have to stay here,
the worst is yet to come.

Justice does not only concern
the attitude of people

but also the order of things.

"From the flowers to the stars",
as Greek philosophers said.

But other Greek philosophers said
that justice is a weapon of power.

They were wrong.

Plato proved that in "Gorgias"
and in "The Republic".

- What's your name?
- Aldo Moro.

I invited him. He's studying Law
in Bari.

Well, I think he'll complete
his studies before you.

Nobody move, you've been accused
of anti-patriotic activities!

This is a Catholic club,
how dare you!

Check everywhere.

Roberto!

Stop.

We have other things to do.

It's time to say Vespers.

Shut up, priest!

So Mussolini respects agreements
by beating students and priests?

That's what fascism is:

truncheons used to beat
these young people.

We teach religion,
not politics and freedom.

But we need freedom for religion.

They talked about freedom in Russia
too but priests were killed.

Gentlemen, please, listen...

I'm about to retire, don't ruin
my last weeks here.

- Your Eminence, in this case...
- Take advantage of this moment.

Go back to your family in Brescia,
take a rest.

You'll have plenty of work when
the new Secretary of State arrives.

Your Eminence, how can I?
What about my students?

It's an order, Don Battista.

Your students will find their place
in other organizations.

Battista!

- Mother, I've not been to war.
- Yes, but look at the state of you.

- You're all skin and bones....
- She's been cooking for days.

She couldn't wait to see you!

Tell me about your journey.

Your brother Ludovico
is getting married next year.

I hope your brother Francesco
will also

meet a nice girl at the hospital.

- Leave it, thank you.
- Let's hope so.

What good news do you have?

I have news, but not good news.

And never as good as the scent
of these fields.

Our countryside is splendid
in June.

- That's true.
- The air is so clean...

The warm soil, the scent
of ripe wheat, it's special.

You want to leave your post at
the Secretary of State, don't you?

I don't think I ever had one.

Have you heard about Piero?

- No, why?
- His wife died during labour.

She left him with five children.

He won't talk to anyone anymore,
he never goes out.

Piero!

Piero!

Why?

- Why?
- Piero...

Why?

Piero...

No! Why?

Piero, Piero...

The Lord keeps all his promises.

Death isn't the last word.

I believe, I hope...

I love, in Your name,
oh Lord.

And I ask myself once again
why you called me...

and why you chose me.

Look what I found.

- The alb I wore at my first mass?
- Yes.

I had it made from my wedding dress,
remember?

I was so excited on that day!

Has that excitement gone now?

No, it hasn't.

It's just that...

I know I have to make
a decision...

but I can't.

I understand how you feel.

Your father passed onto you
the testimony of his struggle.

but what matters to us most
is knowing that you're happy.

I know, mother.

Therefore...

if you have to make a choice,

make it freely.

You don't have to prove
anything to us.

Thank you.

Please look after this precious gift
for me.

It must have been hard to use
your wedding dress.

No, I thought it was a good idea.

I haven't studied as much as you,

but I think priesthood
is like marriage.

The barren times you endure...

only help to prepare
for fertile times.

Thank you for these wonderful days.

Show them what you're worth.

Thank you.

- Your superior has been replaced.
- Yes.

- Do you get on with the new one?
- I haven't met him yet.

He's from a noble family,
his name's Eugenio Pacelli.

Cardinal Pacelli wants to see you
one at a time.

- In what order?
- Alphabetical.

- Amide.
- Follow me.

Well, I'll be brief.
I hope you will be too.

If you were in my position

and one day the Russians
arrived in Rome...

what would you do?

I'd ask France to help us
defend ourselves...

like they did in 1849
with the Roman Republic.

I'd negotiate
with the Russians.

I speak a bit of Russian.

I would take up arms
to defend the Pope.

I'd take up the sword.

I'd say mass as usual.

What did you say your name was?

Don Giovanni Battista Montini.

Welcome back, Don Battista!

Have some of this!

Instead of the usual books
on philosophy,

you should bring some of this cheese
to our meetings!

No, it's Father Giulio's.
He'll decide who deserves it.

- Father Giulio...
- Right!

I fought in the war to earn it,
I won't give it to him!

- Don Battista.
- Yes, Aldo.

I wanted to give you
a copy of my thesis.

I'll look forward to reading this.

What did I say?

I know, but I've got
a good reason.

What would that be?

Her.

She's a beautiful reason,
I can't argue with that.

- We're engaged.
- I'm Maria.

Pleased to meet you.

You'll need the patience of a saint
to put up with him!

- Let's make a toast.
- Yes, a toast!

To our future!

They can close our university halls.

forbid us from reading boring
philosophy books on the Tiber.

they can beat Don Battista...

- ...and Father Giulio...
- I don't think so.

...but they can't stop us
from having faith

or from loving our country.

Like Don Battista taught us to do.

Here's to the future!

Wake up!

- Hooray for the happy couple!
- Congratulations!

This is a joyous wedding

even during a dictatorship.

The fascist dictatorship will crumble
too, just like a sand castle.

I think so too, La Pira.

It will, but will the Italians
be able to cope?

Aldo, I believe that with a good
constitution, it can be avoided.

Fanfani, that's not enough.

We need good parties,
good politicians.

You're good politicians.

Come on!

You could look after
the interests of our nation

and make us proud to be Italian.

If you continue being good men
like you've been until now.

Aldo, what do you think?

I'd prefer to remain
at the university.

You're sure?

The Pope is dead.

This is a moment of tough decisions
for everyone.

I know just the place in Rome
where you can think properly.

Look.

You can see all of Rome.

- Come closer.
- I'm scared of heights.

I'd rather stay here,
I can see how beautiful it is.

You know...

When I was your age...

I too preferred a university hall
to the Vatican.

- What made you change?
- My father's example.

He always kept his position,
not because he preferred it

but because God needed him there.

I...

Politics and power...

I'm not ready.

I've just been elected
president of FUCI.

Italy needs men like you.

Look around, you're here!

- There are more suitable men than me.
- Yes, but you're here now.

Come on!

- I'm scared, Don Battista.
That's what friends are for.

Come on.

Come forward, Aldo!
I won't abandon you.

There.

You're right, you can see
all of Rome from here.

If you look carefully,
you'll see the whole of Italy.

and the world!

Don Battista, look!

White smoke.

We have a new Pope.

Rome, March 2nd 1939

Thank you, Your Eminence.

Your Holiness...

- What a nice surprise.
- We're surprised, Montini.

We need you now
more than ever.

I prayed to God for someone else
to be chosen but he chose us.

Now that Europe is about
to fall into the abyss.

The arms have not been heard,
maybe we still have time.

Your Holiness...

The sound of cannons has been heard.

The Germans have invaded
Czechoslovakia.

We have to make their names public.

Everyone must know who is
sending Europe into the abyss.

It's very gratifying
to be the accusers.

but is it for the best?

It's the fairest option.

The same was said about
the encyclical against Nazism in '37.

and then our German followers
paid a very high price.

The Nazi's reaction against
the Catholics proved

that the encyclical was true
and needed to be written.

But Hitler remains in his position.
Don't take sides, Your Holiness.

Propose a peace conference,
so that we can avoid a war.

But the war is imminent.

The Germans have already
invaded Czechoslovakia.

Europe is in turmoil. You must
take a stance, Your Holiness.

People have to know that empires
that are not founded on justice...

do not have God's blessing and that
the politics of emancipation

betrays those who support it.

As long as peace reigns,
nothing is lost

but everything could be lost
with a war.

His Eminence Marchetti Selvaggiani
is right.

- The Pope cannot take a stance.
- Your Holiness, I...

You think we don't wish to show
our disapproval?

We'd save our reputation
in the eyes of the world,

but we need to save lives

not our reputation.

Don Battista, you don't know...

that it's easy to advise the Pope,
when one isn't the Pope.

You may go, I want to remain alone
to write my message.

Rome, August 24th 1939

- Don Battista?
- Yes, Your Holiness.

One day, you will understand
my prudence.

Now tell me if my words
are convincing.

We can begin.

"Today,...

the tension of spirits
has reached such a height...

to make the terrible unfolding
of a war very probable.

We are making a fresh
and more heartfelt appeal

to those in government
and to the people.

Empires which are not founded on
justice do not have God's blessing.

The politics of emancipation

betrays those who support it."

This speech makes me think
of Don Battista.

"There's still time.

As peace reigns, nothing is lost

but everything could be lost
with war."

Now let us go to say mass,

as you said to when we met
at the Secretary of State.

Rome, July 1943

- Castel Gandolfo?
- There are thousands of refugees.

We'll put them in our convents.

- What about our rules?
- I'll get a dispensation.

And I had another idea.

Tell the editor of Radio Vaticana
to make a daily broadcast...

with the names of the missing people
and where they can be found.

- Did you get that?
- Yes.

How's the film going?

De Sica's been occupying
St Paul's for months with his set.

It's going on forever!

I know, I told him
to make it a lengthy affair.

Many of his actors and technicians
are Jews wanted by the regime.

If they're there, working on
the film, they'll be safe.

You may go!

The report we needed has arrived.

It looks like the district
of San Lorenzo.

And they're Americans.

Take me there.

- Pardon, Your Holiness?
- I want to go to San Lorenzo.

It's dangerous! The Pope
hasn't left the Vatican for 100 years.

We can't ignore the suffering
of innocent people, let us share it.

Have my car made ready.

I'm sorry, it's no go.
The Pope's car won't start.

It hasn't been used for so long...

- Do you have a car?
- Yes, but it's not fit for a Pope.

Don't worry, go and get it.
Right away!

They've bombed Rome too.

How can this happen?

Do not despair, Your Holiness.
Mon. Tardini's dealing with it.

With God's help, he'll convince
the allies to stop bombing us.

Rome, June 5th 1944

Why are they cheering the Pope?
I didn't set Rome free.

No...

but if you don't mind me saying

the king and Badoglio

made a run for it,
whereas you stayed here with them.

Look.

The people need to celebrate
with you.

PEACE REIGNS IN THE WORLD

JUNE 2ND:
INSTITUTIONAL REFERENDUM

The war is not over.

I saw believers deported in Russia
and churches turned into stables.

If the communists won the elections,
instead of incense at St Peter's...

there'd be the scent of dung.

We have to support the royalists,
the Christian-socialists...

Montini, what do you think?

I think that Cardinal Tisserant
is right

but I think that Cardinal
Selvaggiani is underestimating...

the electoral situation in Italy.

We mustn't waste
the Catholics' votes

but make them for one party alone.

Which? Your Christian Democrat
party is a party of schoolmasters

I know them all.

They have faith,

they are able.

- They're free.
- When they no longer need us...

...who'll guarantee they'll still be
Democrats and Christians?

The Church has alwas wanted
people to trust it.

It's time it puts trust in them.

The Holy See will support
your party.

- Congratulations!
- We did it!

Let's have a photo!

Congratulations!

But they're still fascists!

An alliance with the Social
Movement is the only way...

to avoid that Rome has
a communist mayor.

- Does the Holy Father approve?
- Of course.

- I need to speak to him.
- He's unavailable.

He asked me to ask you,
as substitute to the Secretary,

to inform the leaders of the CD
of his proposal.

All right.

President, we cannot accept.

We won the elections
in '46 and in '48.

If we're allies with the ex-fascists,
we'll destroy the government.

But if we're not, we'll lose
the backing of the Holy See.

And you, Don Battista...

what do you think?

You're the party secretary,
Honourable De Gasperi.

You need to decide according
to your conscience.

I'll do that.

But we'll both pay the price
for my decision.

How can De Gaspari ignore
indications from the Pope?

For decisions that don't concern
faith or moral issues,

the President decides
according to his conscience

and to the voters.
That's democracy.

So thanks to democracy,
we'll end up in the hands of Stalin!

We need to have faith
in our followers.

- Let them have freedom!
- Freedom?

Freedom...

Freedom is a great gift,

but also a great burden.

Are you sure your followers
can endure it?

You may go.

Monsignor Montini
is an idealist.

I wonder if in the long run...

his attitude will cause problems
for us.

Your Eminence.

- Did you want to see me?
- Yes, I have good news for you.

His Holiness wants to make you
archbishop.

You'll be in charge of the diocese
in Milan.

A promotion to get rid of you.

I'll be in charge of the diocese
in Milan.

It's the biggest one in the world.

Maybe it's not a punishment.

Remember De Gasperi's prediction?

This is the price you'll pay for
not having obeyed the Pope.

The Christian Democrats have won
without becoming fascist allies.

Your stance
should have been sanctioned.

Years ago, you wanted to go to Milan,

they've granted your wish.

This is the irony of life.

- Or of Divine Providence.
- Right, Divine Providence.

Whatever their reasons
for sending you to Milan are,

you'll be better off
out of Rome.

You need to get your hands dirty!

You need to work with people,
not documents.

Are you a priest or not?

You're right, Father Giulio.

Now kneel down
and confess yourself properly...

We won't be seeing each other
for some time.

Milan, January 6th 1955

Can we open the roof of the car?

Your Excellency, it's raining!

When it rains on the flock,
it rains on the shepherd too.

Long live the archbishop!

Hooray for the archbishop!

- Welcome.
- Don Pasquale, right?

Don Pasquale Macchi,
at your disposal.

No, I'm here at your disposal.

It's a shame it's raining,
less people came to welcome you.

You blame the rain, do you?

92% of the children are baptized,
receive communion and confirmation.

More than 40% of young people
belong to Catholic associations...

and Sunday mass is attended
by 60% of citizens.

Well, that's a reassuring result.

Yes, but it's false.

These figures are misleading.

The truth is that the Church
is losing its followers.

You're too pessimistic,
Don Leone.

No, I'm realistic.

According to the symptoms
in my parish.

So it's a problem to do with
your parish, not the whole diocese.

- I wish that were true.
- He's right.

What he's saying doesn't only concern
the diocese in Milan

but the whole of Europe.

- You're Don Primo Mazzolari?
- Have you been warned about me?

Yes, but they didn't scare me
enough.

Your Excellency, if you could see
what we're talking about,

you would be scared.

Well, I think
I have no other option...

but to visit your parish.

A pastoral visit?

We could organize it during
the confirmations, in four months.

I didn't mean an official visit...

just an informal one.
How about this afternoon?

These are my parishioners.

They're working class families.

from the South and Sicily.

Good evening, Father.

I've brought some friends.

I ask myself...

how can a city which allows this
call itself a Christian one?

Is a Christian someone
who goes to church every Sunday,

but who only loves his wealth?

These people would rather have faith
in Stalin...

than in God.

A village where the shanty town is?

Houses, shops, parks,
a church...

- How will we pay for that?
- I'll sell some of my inheritance.

- How?
- I know, it's not much.

But it's a start.

I'd like to meet some of them,

but not in church.

In the factory, where they spend
most of their time.

- An archbishop in the factor?
- Yes, let me see.

I could attend the dedication
to Saint Clare

on behalf of Magneti Marelli
from Sesto San Giovanni.

Sesto San Giovanni?
That's Italy's Stalingrad!

Wait till you hear what I have
in mind for Christmas Mass.

This is the last stage.

Now the batteries are ready to be
installed into the cars.

This line produces 12,000.

- 12,000 per year.
- No, per day!

Per day...

- The microphone is up there.
- Good, well...

- My stole?
- It's here.

This way, Your Excellency.

- Could I borrow your hat?
- Of course.

Thank you.

- How does it look?
- Fine, Your Excellency.

Brothers...

I cannot tell you how to work,

you know that better than me.

I could perhaps tell you
how to pray...

You see...

A misunderstanding has been created
concerning work and religion.

concerning you and us...

A misunderstanding...

that needs to be resolved.

Let's start resolving it,
do you agree?

Hooray for the workers' archbishop!

- It's the archbishop!
- Hooray!

Not bad for your first time
at the factory.

And my second time
will be even better.

There'll be a second visit?

The subway construction site
is one of Italy's biggest.

I'll arrange a visit
as soon as possible.

Is everything ready
for Christmas mass?

On this special night,

I invite you
to make a special gesture.

Shake hands with each other,

as a sign of peace.

The peace which is needed in Milan
and which is needed...

all over the world.

Milan, January 6th 1957

Thank God no one was injured.

What did the police say?

They're convinced it was
a right-wing activist.

- They're convinced?
- That's their theory.

I see, but on what basis?

They think it was a message...

to the workers' archbishop.

Milan is infected,
the bomb's just a symptom.

- It may have been a senseless act!
- No.

A disease is spreading
through our city.

We have to stop it
before it's too late.

Your Excellency,
what are you thinking about?

A mission for Milan?
Milan's no place for missions.

- We're not in Africa!
- Yes, I know.

Milan isn't Africa.

but...

I can see signs of drought.

In terms of the people,
not only religion.

We have to do something.

Or soon our diocese will be
as arid as a desert

and with it, the Church.

Milan is just a reflection...

of a problem that affects
the whole world.

What do you mean by "mission"?

We'll go back onto the streets,

we'll get everyone involved.

Priests,

seminarists,

laymen...

Our only objective will be

to announce the Gospel
and God's paternity

as if they have
never been announced.

Because our civilization

must become a civilization of love
or it will perish.

Rome, 16th October 1958

Before an imposing crowd,

people from all over the world
have come to Rome

to mourn Pope Pius XII.

The Supreme Pontiff's coffin
enters Saint Peter's church.

Pius XII makes his last journey
through his beloved Rome.

You miss him already, don't you?

Yes.

Who can succeed a Pope like him?

You,

according to international press.

Journalists!

Someone should inform them
that I'm not even a cardinal.

We all know that's not a necessary
requirement to become Pope.

You needn't worry,
the Holy Spirit will decide.

Cardinal Roncalli,
how nice to see you!

Montini!

You should be grateful
to Pope Pacelli.

He sent you to Milan so you could
see things for what they are.

It's thanks to him if you've been
nominated as the next pope.

And the next pope
will make you a cardinal.

We've never had a bishop to lunch.

Maria, don't start.

You and Roberto are my friends,
I'm still Don Battista.

Matteo, it's thanks to him
that I became senator.

He doesn't seem that impressed.

He's just a bit shy,
but he's a good student.

Tell him what mark you got
for your composition.

Be patient.

Your father's proud of you because
he wrote terrible compositions.

I know, when he makes his speeches,
everyone falls asleep.

Listen to him! You send them
to school and this is the result!

We're interrupting this programme.

We've just received news
from the Vatican.

White smoke has risen from
the chimney of the Sistine Chapel.

- A new Pope!
- Praise the Lord!

Rome, 18th December 1958

I told you the new pope
would make you cardinal!

Thank you, Your Holiness.

Don't thank me, many people
wanted you to be the new pope.

Your Eminence...

Your Eminence...

- Sorry.
- Didn't you hear me?

I haven't got used to my new title
yet.

It's not just a title,
it's a big responsibility.

I'm aware of that.

From now on, you'll have to avoid
making hasty decisions.

What are you referring to?

Like inviting Don Primo Mazzolari
to preach at the mission.

That was a hasty decision.

Don Primo will be summoned
to the Holy Office for that.

Be more careful.

Don Primo, he seems more interested
in social demands...

than in the mission.

He's like a prophet, censoring him
would mean censoring...

all of his many followers.

What should I do, Your Holiness?

When you're in Milan,
speak to him and be firm.

Inform him of his errors.

It won't be easy to be firm
with Don Primo.

You'll have to be.

When you're the pope,
you'll need to be firm.

Ask him to come here and tell him...

that I have a surprise for him
and for all the Church.

Milan, Archbishop's Palace

Did you want to see me,
Your Eminence?

I wanted to tell you
that I'm very worried.

I'm worried about your position.

Because there's more criticism
than admiration for the Church,

more talk of revolutions
than conversions.

I can see that you want
to change the world

rather than be its humble servant.

I always thought you were on
my side, Your Eminence.

Don Primo...

Don Primo...

you're a very progressive priest.

Be patient with us,
we're struggling to keep up with you.

Or you'll suffer and so will we.

The Holy Father told me to tell you
that he wishes to meet you.

The Holy Father? Me?

Don Primo Mazzolari is here.

The pope will inform him that
the Holy Office will investigate him.

Don Primo!

- Your Holiness!
- No, stand up!

Here's the voice of the Holy Spirit
from the Po Valley!

I would like to inform you too
of my plan...

for a new ecumenical council.

- A council, Your Holiness?
- Exactly.

We'll invite all bishops to Rome
so we can hear their opinions...

along with the extreme opinions
of Don Primo.

Do you not think it is risky
to convene a council now...

- with all the problems we have?
- That's why we need everyone's advice.

But making hundreds of bishops
discuss before the world...

will make the Church
look weak and divided.

Quite the opposite,
it'll appear sincere and open.

Rome, 13th October 1962

Venerable fathers,

to help you choose
the members of the committees,

you have a list of bishops who have
carried out the preparatory work.

They'll have us choose who they want.
They've already decided!

Excuse me!

Maybe it would be a good idea
to ask us our opinion.

We do not need your advice,
Cardinal Tisserant.

we want the chance to speak.

We are not here to ratify
decisions that have been taken.

we have come to meet each other,
talk and make decisions.

but together!

These preordained lists

do not respect the status
of the church collegiate!

The election is annulled.

Your Excellencies!

Cardinal Suenes' request
cannot be fulfilled.

we cannot waste time.

Your Excellencies, please!

Excuse me.

I propose a compromise.

May the lists be distributed

but give us three days at least
to get to know each other

before the work starts.

All right, I accept
Cardinal Montini's proposal.

The meeting is over.

Your Eminence!

Please to meet you,
I'm Karol Wojtyla.

Auxiliary bishop in Krakow, Poland.

Poland...

I remember when I was younger.

I spent five months
at your nunciature.

You're still remembered in Warsaw.

What's the situation in Poland?

The communist repression
is widespread.

That is why I need to ask you
for some advice...

as you've experienced
both fascism and Nazism.

Years ago, I'd have told you
to take a firm stance.

No discussions, no compromises...

just hard-line opposition.

But...

over time I've realised...

that one needs to use
the strategy of patience.

A silent opposition...

and one must not fear discussion,

ever.

Milan, June 3rd 1963

I've made up my mind, Your Eminence.

Being a priest is not enough for me.

I want to be a worker
and live like one.

In their factories,
in their homes...

I want to be among them.

Don Leone...

You've taught me a great deal,

but you're wrong now.

We do not need priests
becoming workers,

but proper priests,
who preach about Jesus

and who understand people.

You're saying that to justify
the Church's lack of interest.

I just want to extend the mission
to Milan, your mission.

But you're missing the point,
that's not the objective here!

Your Eminence!

Pope John is...

My God!

- Did you take my passport?
- Yes, just in case.

Don Pasquale, we're going to Rome.

After the conclave we're leaving
for Ireland as planned.

I knew I'd find you here.

Aldo!

It's the best place in Rome
to come to think.

How good to see you!

And who needs to think more
than the future pope?

No, luckily it's the Holy Spirit
who will decide.

That's why you'll be chosen.

Aldo, I'm not the right man.

- There are better candidates.
- Perhaps...

but you're here now.

By the way, there's something
I want to show you.

Remember what you said to me?
"Do not be scared.

We won't abandon you."

The conclave began
today at 17:00.

All the doors have been closed.
There will be two votes.

The crowds in St Peter's Square
await the white smoke.

Various candidates
have been mentioned...

I'd like it to be Lercaro
or Confalonieri.

Montini or Lercaro.

- Which one?
- Montini.

- Maybe he really will be pope!
- And Aldo the Prime Minister.

- Hi, Matteo.
- Hi.

What's up?

- Look at your father's friends.
- I got a D for Latin.

How come?
Another low mark?

Latin is essential if you want to
study law.

- I don't want to study law.
- Why?

- You could be a magistrate.
- Forget it.

It's impossible to talk to him.

Instead of telling him
what you think,

try asking him what
he'd like to do.

Your Eminence...

We're sorry to bother you,
but we need to talk to you.

Have a seat.

No, thank you.
We've been sitting down long enough.

We believe we know...

which person has won
the votes of the cardinals.

It's a special person.

who's cultured, authoritative
and who understands tradition.

But also capable of understanding
the right direction for the world.

An experienced pastor,
capable of speaking to everyone.

We're talking...

about the archbishop of Milan.

The Council is a great opportunity.

but the problems in question
are serious

and tensions between
the Council members are increasing.

You know...

that unless the Council
is guided by a knowledgeable leader

it could be the end for the Church.

It's an enormous responsibility.

There are times when one listens
to God and preaches to men.

There are others...

when one must bear one's cross
and follow him.

If He calls me,

I will answer.

Rome, June 21st 1963

The sleeves are a bit short.

This one will do for now,
we'll make another...

made-to-measure.

- Your Holiness.
- Thank you.

You won't expect me to call you
"Your Holiness"!

Father Giulio!

I'm the only one who knows
your sins.

- How did you get in?
- The conclave is over.

Good heavens, I've become
the Pope's confessor!

You see what they've done to me?

These things happen
to cardinals!

I really need your help now.

I have a plan.

- That's not a sin.
- Maybe it is.

I can picture it so clearly

that I feel I'm lacking humility.

Don't be so hard on yourself.

Great thoughts
need to be developed.

I want to tell the world about
the only truth that can save it.

that is stronger than any army
or theology.

I want the Church to contribute
to the birth of a new civilization.

founded on Jesus'
most important teaching.

A civilization of love.

Follow your aspiration.

It comes from God,
not from presumptuousness.

I think this idea could
breathe new life into the Council

and reunite the different souls
of the Church, but...

I can't do it alone.

God put you in this mess

and you have every right
to expect Him to help you.

How can I avoid being crushed?

Continue saying your mass,
every day.

Now rise.

Give me your blessing.

Look, he's wearing
the emperor's crown!

They're stuck in the Middle Ages!

We'll auction it off.

Your Holiness, forgive me...

- You'll auction it?
- Yes.

It's the most honest way
of increasing its value...

to give the profit to the poor.

Well said, an extraordinary gesture,
a great message for the world.

You have my admiration too,
I have to say...

but may I suggest
an alternative?

Donate its value to the poor
but do not renounce...

a symbol of tradition.

As archbishop of Milan,

I have to follow the traditions
of St Ambrose and St Lawrence.

The poor are the real treasure
of the Church.

What is ours, is theirs.

The papal tiara represents the power
Christ himself gave to Peter.

To sell it would scandalize
simple folk.

No, quite the opposite.

I ask myself:

what did the world see today?

A man...

on a Roman palanquin...

being fanned like a pharaoh.

Noble guards, military corps...

Extremely eminent cardinals...
In your opinion,

is this ostentatious glorification

true to the Gospel of Christ
or not?

Renouncing the tiara
is an important message for the world.

I'm not renouncing it,
nor what it represents,

I just want it to go
to those who are less fortunate.

I'd do it even if the world
didn't understand.

You see to it.

Rome, March 18th 1978

- Your Holiness.
- Come in, Don Pasquale.

This is a statement for the press
about Moro's kidnapping.

You also think I should
avoid getting involved?

No.

I've shared too many things with Moro,

many hopes.

In his moment of need,
he has to know...

that his friend, the Pope,
is with him.

Knowing you, I should've known.

In a statement from the Holy See,

the Pope declares he is ready
to intervene

to find a solution
to the tragic Moro case.

The pope has decided to intervene
in person.

Today the party said there would be
no negotiations with the kidnappers.

- What's the Pope got to do with it?
- He must not intervene.

Guess who has to inform him.

You?

You have to persuade the Pope
to do nothing to save Aldo?

- Have you thought about his family?
- Of course.

I want to do my best to help him,
I miss him too.

But we must have respect for
the victims of Via Fani.

- By causing another death?
- It's the only possible position...

in a democratic State.

Since when?

Since when has the State mattered
more than a man's life to a Catholic?

Parliament is putting pressure
on the government to act.

but the democratic institutions

do not intend
to be overthrown.

I'm here about Aldo, Your Holiness.

I cannot tell you what to do,

but the government and the Christian
Democrat party would be in trouble

if the Holy See...

were to act in contrast

with the line of not negotiating
with the terrorists.

- You're referring to my statement?
- Yes.

It caused controversy
in the world of politics

If we cannot use official means,

we'll find alternative ones.

Of course, no one can stop
the Pope from being the Pope.

We'll use all possible means,

we'll involve all organizations
that gravitate around the Church.

Perhaps we could offer
ransom money.

I doubt they'd accept money when
they want political acknowledgment.

We'd better go back inside.

Let's try making contact through
the prison chaplains.

I'll call Monsignor Curioni.

We need to act quickly,
we really must.

Before this trial ends...

and he is sentenced.

Your Holiness.

The Honourable Moro's trial
is over.

He's been sentenced to death.

That can't be true!

But not everything is lost.

They proposed an exchange:

Moro's life in exchange for
13 political detainees.

We've got 48 hours.

- Maybe this will change things.
- The government won't accept.

The state would never release
Red Brigade members.

Hello?
Yes, good morning.

You can tell me, I'm Villot.

All right. I'll tell His Holiness.

Unfortunately Monsignor Curioni's
treaty has fallen through.

The intermediary was just
a braggart.

What can we do before
this ultimatum expires?

Rome, April 20th 1978

- Are you Don Pennini?
- Yes.

I have a letter for Mrs Moro.

This is addressed
to the Holy Father.

Good morning.

"I'm writing to you

to ask you to contact the relevant
Italian government authorities

in order to find a solution
for the release of the prisoners...

and my safe return to my family.

With profound gratitude,
hope and my deepest respect,

Aldo Moro."

Moro is asking me to convince
the government to accept the exchange.

What are you going to do?

These words deeply upset me,
Cardinal Poletti.

It's a real cry for help.

I cannot ignore it.

I'll write to the President
asking him to intervene.

Maybe we should hear
the Prime Minister's opinion first.

The credibility of the Holy See
is at stake.

All right.

I wonder if we're really doing
all we can for Aldo.

You mustn't doubt yourself.

But time's passing.

There's no alternative.

The parties and the government
will not change their position.

What must I do?

What does God want me to do?

Everyone's telling me
to be cautious...

and to not jeopardize
the credibility of the Holy See.

Like when I decided
to keep the Council open.

Rome, July 1963

Your Holiness,
Cardinal Tisserant is here.

Good morning, Cardinal.
You wanted to see me.

Yes.

I wanted to discuss the controversial
matter of the Council.

Your Holiness.

Why controversial?

I don't mean the Council,

but the location of it.

What do you think I should do?

I would close it.

Your Eminence...

I've spent many years
in these rooms...

telling popes what I'd have done
had I been them.

And they always told me that it is
easier to know what the Pope should do

than to be the Pope.

You know something?
They were right!

I fully understand
your worries.

Getting thousands of bishops
to agree is risky.

It'd be easier
if we decided everything ourselves,

but I think a mutual decision
is best in the long run...

and will reap more fruits.

Let us pray that these fruits
won't be withered

by a sudden autumn chill.

Don't worry, look outside.

It's spring!

Invited by Paul VI
to resume the Council

the bishops and delegates
from all over the world

gather in Rome
with renewed enthusiasm.

Deciding to resume the Council
was a brave decision.

A Don Battista-style decision.

I've always said I don't fear
freedom.

I couldn't disappoint you
by silencing the bishops.

- Uncle, where am I?
- Who's this?

I heard a voice, but can't see anyone.

Where are you? Who are you?

Here's the little rascal.

Matteo, come here?

Do you remember this young lad?

Young lad?

- He's a man now.
- Not yet.

But he'll become
a fine magistrate.

I'll study philosophy, not Law.

Going against one's father's wishes
is a trend now.

He won't listen to what I say.

Maybe he just needs to find his way.

I'd appreciate it if you could
have a word with him.

Of course, but only if Matteo agrees.

Your Holiness,

could I speak to you
for a minute?

- There's something I want to say.
- Of course, Aldo.

I've been asked to form
a new government.

I know, you've been waiting for
this moment all your life.

- You'll be good for this country.
- But it'll involve brave decisions.

Meaning?

It'll include socialists.

- As external aids?
- No, as members.

They'll be members of the government.

Come with me, there's something
I want to show you.

- It's the Pope's eye.
- It's one of the Council rooms.

Yes.

I thought that if I were sitting there
during the meetings,

many of them would feel intimidated.

But I want the bishops to say
what they really think...

if we're to meet the needs
of people today.

Aldo, what I'm trying to say...

is that you don't need my permission
for your government.

You and your colleagues have to run
the risk of losing your freedom.

Just as I'm taking a risk by hearing
all the council members' opinions.

Abandoning the tridentine ritual
and Latin

would be a serious offence
to our faith.

The fathers of this venerable Council

mustn't change the tradition
we have inherited.

The world is hungry,
in the literal sense of the word.

And you want to preach the Gospel
with the ancient Roman's language?

I was a missionary in Africa
for more than 30 years.

Africa, Monsignor Lefebvre?
The Africa of the European colonies?

Spend 30 days in Latin America
and you'll see for yourself.

Monsignor Corral, I won't allow this.

They're conciliar bishops
but they're not very conciliating.

We'll all end up losing our faith.

What did I say?

Venerable fathers.

I'm afraid that this Council,

has got off to a bad start.

This is what I feared would happen.

By questioning everything, we'll risk
dividing the Church.

Your Holiness, if we oppose
all revisions,

we cannot complain
if the Church is divided.

Well said.

He's right.

I pray to you, Lord.

Do not remain silent, my God.

If you do not speak,

I am like those who descend
into the pit.

The Lord is the strength
of his people.

A safe refuge
for his consecrated people.

Save your people
and bless your inheritance.

Guide them and help them always.

Venerable fathers.

Venerable fathers.

Venerable fathers.

Jesus said:
"I am the vine

and you are the shoots."

We cannot produce anything

unless we remain embodied in Him.

Let us remember who we are
and where we come from.

We cannot talk about the Church
or discuss it...

without remembering
who entrusted it to us.

For this reason...

we invite you all to pray.

Let us unite with Christ
once again

So that his brilliant light
on the face of the Church...

can illuminate all man

by preaching the Gospel
to everyone.

By being united with Him,

we'll find the strength to be
united amongst ourselves.

Only by doing this.

I have decided to go
to Jerusalem,

to the Holy Land.

Where Christ was born.

Where the Church was born.

Your Holiness, it's the first time
that a pope has taken a plane,

organized a press conference

and visited the Holy Land
since the days of Peter.

What else will you do?

You see...

in our hearts
we believe

that it's time for many new ventures.

Thank you.

So you will be a "Travelling Pope".

No.

My successors will
travel a lot too.

Excuse me, Your Holiness.
Do you not think

that the money spent on this trip
could be used in a better way?

For the poor, for example.

We are going to a tortured country...

to bring a message of peace.

You know how many lives are lost
because of wars?

Thank you.

Why did you choose the Holy Land
as your first destination?

Because the Holy Land
is where everything began.

The Church can only be authentic
in its mission,

by following Christ's footsteps.

Thank you.

That's all for now, Your Holiness.

All right. Have a good flight then.

Thank you.

Jerusalem, January 1964

Your Holiness!

- Your Holiness.
- Long live the Pope.

Let me through.

Let me through.

Sorry.

Go away.

- I'm the Pope's secretary!
- And I'm Queen Elizabeth's.

I really am the Pope's secretary.

Let me through!
Please.

You have been resurrected.

You are not here.

You have been resurrected.

- Maria.
- Here I am.

Hi, darling.

There are some incredible photos
of Don Battista in the Holy Land.

Where's Matteo?

He's in his room.

Something bad's happened.

He's been suspended from school.

He was caught smoking

and instead of apologizing,
he told his teacher to get lost.

- Does he smoke?
- So it seems.

What's this about you smoking
and being rude to your teachers?

You want to jeopardize your studies?

Get rid of that. Answer me.

- What?
- Why were you rude?

- I don't know.
- Don't you?

- It just happened.
- You've even been suspended!

- Is the inquisition over?
- You're a good-for-nothing.

- This is an excuse to stop studying.
- Studying what?

That school is useless,
only you don't think that.

Who's been telling you
this nonsense?

They make us study what they want.
They just teach us about World War I.

Not about fascism or the Resistance.

And we have to study Manzoni.
Who gives a damn about that

and about what you think?

I will not be spoken to like that.

Right, you pontificate,
as you always do.

Carry on!

Where are you going?
You always end up fighting.

- Talk to him, he pontificates...
- And get a hair cut!

I'm embarrassed to see you
going around like that.

The papers speak well
of your visit to the Holy Land.

Were you at the Holy Sepulchre
yesterday?

No, I had a problem
with the forces of order.

Christians cannot be united not even
where Christ died and was resurrected.

Everything is divided,
rituals, liturgies...

You know what they told me?

To avoid offending anyone,
a Muslim family has the keys.

On a ledge above the entrance,

there's a wooden ladder.

They told me a workman left it there
after carrying out some repairs.

Since Catholics
and the Orthodox Church

can't agree on whose right it is
to repair the facade,

no one can remove it.

It'll just be a matter of time,
they'll agree.

You know how long
that ladder has been there?

16 years.

The workman left it there

when he escaped the bombs
during the Arab-Israeli war.

The Catholic Church
and the Orthodox Church

have been divided for 910 years.

No, Don Pasquale,
time won't resolve matters.

For this reason,
unless we do something now

that ladder will still be there
in 16 years' time

and the Catholic and Orthodox
Churches will still be divided.

Here they are. What will you say...

to the patriarch Atenagora?

Nothing. Words have only
divided us for a thousand years.

Brother.

Yes, brother.

May the Lord help our Churches
become united.

Jesus will be happy with us.

We're witnessing
a historical moment.

Pope Paul VI and Atenagora,
the Orthodox Patriarch

greeted each other affectionately.

The Churches have been divided
for ten centuries.

Pope Montini surprises us again
with unexpected prophetic gestures.

Pope Paul.

My father is very sick.

Wait. I beg you.

Leave him.

- Let him speak.
- My father is very sick.

I beg you. He's paralyzed
and in great pain.

He wants to meet you, but we're poor.
We can't afford to travel.

I promised him
I'd come and tell you.

Where do you live?

Your Holiness,
we must go to the airport.

The plane won't leave
without the Pope.

Come on, let's go.

We're Christian Arabs. We've suffered
a lot because of our faith.

Especially my father. And now,
after so many sacrifices...

here he is.

Today is the most wonderful day
of my life.

Praise the Lord Jesus.

Jesus would have healed you...

because of your great faith.

You have given me a great gift.

You have made me feel proud
to be a human being.

Welcome to my home.

And you've taught me how much work
the Pope still has to do.

You are Peter.

Rome, January 6th 1964

The city's been transformed.
They really love you.

I just tried to remind everyone
that God exists.

That He created the world
and that he loves everyone.

Everyone!

When you have that twinkle
in your eye, trouble lies ahead.

No, it's just that
there's still so much to do.

Just tell me where you want to begin.

We'll start by nominating
some new cardinals.

They're making you a cardinal, father.

Congratulations, let me kiss you.
It's great news!

- Who told you?
- My nephew who can read.

It was in the papers.
Let me introduce him to you.

- I'd love to...
- But...

- I'd love to work in Rome.
- Stand up.

You've been misinformed.

I've not heard anything yet...

Your Eminence, it's the Pope
on the telephone for you.

If you call me "Your Eminence" again,

I'll ask the Pope to send you
on a mission with cannibals.

- Hello?
- Father Bevilacqua, are you happy?

I've dreamed of this all my life.

- I feel like Padre Pio.
- I had to reward you in some way.

You have done so much for me...

and for the Church.

All right,
I'll agree to become a cardinal.

But only if you'll let me come back
to my parish here and work in peace.

You'll be the first cardinal
of the Holy Roman Church

to carry on working
as a parish priest.

At least, I'll be able to embrace you
in Rome.

We'll give you a great welcome.
Would you like a band

to greet you
at the station?

Why not? You've plenty of windbags
to blow into the instruments!

Goodbye.

It was extraordinary

seeing so many Romans greet you
upon your return.

Your invitation to reflect on God was
beneficial to us all at the Council.

I'm glad.

Talking of the Council,

we're mostly in agreement about
the issues in question.

Except for a few bishops.

Really?

Who would they be?

Lefebvre, Corral and a few others.

But they're a minority.

I'll listen to their objections.

I hope God helps us to unite
whether we're a majority or not.

Well, I have to admit
that resuming the Council

was a risk worth taking.

Good.

- I'll leave feeling content.
- Where are you going?

I've decided to take part
in the Eucharistic Congress.

- It's being held in India.
- Great.

I've never been to India,
India has never seen a Pope...

Well, keep me posted on matters.

Cardinal Tisserant,
what's worrying you?

You see, the Council will issue
four constitutions,

three declarations, nine decrees.

Every aspect of the Church
will be renewed.

The Gospel is forever young,

but we have to keep
renewing ourselves,

in order to understand
the people of today.

We need to know
and understand the world.

Its expectations and aspirations.

The Church cannot ignore them.

That's why this Council
is so important.

Yes.

But...

it will be difficult to execute
all these changes.

The Holy Spirit inspired them,
The Holy Spirit will execute them.

- The body of Christ.
- Amen.

India, December 1964

The body of Christ.

The body of Christ.

The body of Christ.

The body of Christ.

This famine is one of the worst
that India has experienced.

But the real problem
isn't only freeing the people...

but removing the dead
from the streets.

I would like to do more

to help you.

I've ordered a cargo of wheat
from Europe.

When I return to Italy, I will
start raising money.

In the meantime,
take my car.

- You can sell it.
- How will you get back to the hotel?

I'll find a lift.

I know that soon you'll be speaking
at the UN assembly in New York.

- Yes.
- Make yourself heard.

The world needs to listen to you
and believe in God.

October 4th 1965

There will be no more conflict
among us.

It's incredible, the UN
is listening to the Pope's words.

Only Don Battista could achieve that.

Listen to the words
of a deceased man.

Four years ago, John Kennedy
proclaimed:

"Humanity must put an end
to war

Or war will put an end
to humanity."

Now that the whole world can hear us,

it's time to say
the more uncomfortable truths.

Mother Theresa is right,

mankind needs to find
its faith in God again.

Only this way can it survive

and truly become
a civilization of love.

I'd like to explain this
in the two new encyclicals.

The first will speak of love
between peoples.

The second will speak of love
between women and men.

What do you think?

You know why Mother Theresa
is so convincing?

Because she doesn't speak
about love.

She practices it.

Rome,
Regina Coeli prison

Rome,
Bambino Gesù Hospital

Your Holiness.

Your Eminence.

I read the first draft
of the first encyclical.

- I'd like to discuss it with you.
- All right.

I'm listening.

There are some phrases which
could be misinterpreted.

- Which ones?
- This one.

"Private property doesn't constitute
an unconditional and absolute right."

Someone may interpret that
as a Marxist comment.

Someone with little faith.

It's what the fathers of the Church
have said for centuries.

And this one: "The assets of people
call for expropriation

if certain possessions prove to be
obstacles for collective prosperity."

That's like saying
an armed revolution is legitimate.

You're right.

I'll be more specific about
the conditions for expropriation.

Maybe we should avoid the topic
entirely.

No.

When I was in South America

I saw favelas on the edges
of huge land estates.

In Africa, populations
of starving people.

In India, men so poor that
they had no burial places.

How can there be a civilization
of love...

if the opulent people

ignore the starving people's
cry for help?

Ecclesiastical tradition has always
considered the purpose of sex

to be procreation.

But let's be honest,

this isn't something the Church
can impose on its followers.

We cannot make couples
feel guilty...

for limiting the number
of children they have.

Your encyclical on love
between men and women,

is our opportunity
to understand them.

The world is about to explode,
there are too many of us.

If families could plan births,

the benefit for developing
countries would be immense.

The pill would resolve
women's problems.

Only planned and truly
desired children would be born.

Less tensions in families,
less anxieties, less separations.

On the other hand, we have to say...

that we cannot predict
the long term consequences

of a direct intervention
on sexuality on such a large scale.

Very well.

Have you reached
a unanimous decision?

No.

But the majority is in favour
of the lawfulness

of contraceptive methods that
prolong the infertile period.

Of course.

Sterilizing the poor makes the rich
feel less guilty.

And then again...

I understand the genuine
hardship felt by many families.

This is why I need
some time to reflect.

And to pray.

Do you need any more information?

We have to study more.

We have to try and have
a deeper understanding.

Do not try to avoid obstacles.

Obstacles are a gift.

We are trying to understand
the meaning of love.

What's more important than that?

Be strong.

Your Eminence!

- Are you hearing confessions?
- No.

I'm here to sell roast chestnuts.

- Are you feeling all right?
- Are you here to confess yourself?

Yes.

Forgive me for I have sinned.

I've not been to confession
for a while.

I forgive you in the name
of the Father, the Son...

and the Holy Ghost.

Father, I'm not finished yet.

But I have, my dear child.

Your Eminence!

Your Holiness.

Father Giulio has passed away.

We thought the times of war
were over.

How can we build
a civilization of love...

if people continue abandoning
themselves to all this evil?

How much longer
will you allow this?

How much longer?

Forward, people!

Rome, March 1967

This newspaper uses this title
for its article on the encyclical.

They always interpret it using
the same Marxist concepts.

As you said. After all,
you did warn me.

Every encyclical needs time
to be understood.

Your words have just been
misunderstood.

- That's obvious to everyone.
- No.

Not to everyone.

Do you remember, during the Council,
the Nicaraguan bishop, Corral?

Yes.

He told me that after reading
Populorum Progressio,

one of his priests decided
to take up arms

to take part in the revolution
against the dictatorship in Somoza.

I wanted to convince people
to love each other...

instead my words have been used
to encourage followers...

to take up arms.

No to the war in Vietnam!

Rome, summer 1968

Free Vietnam!
Join us.

Come on, sisters, The Church
is siding with the Vietcong.

The Church is with the Vietcong.
Jesus is against America.

Jesus is against America.

Maria.

Your Holiness.

How great... No.

Thank you for seeing me.
I needed to speak to you.

Come. Is your family well?

Not really.

We're having problems with Matteo...
especially Roberto.

They're not speaking to each other.

I'm so scared of losing Matteo.

I'd really appreciate it
if you could talk to him.

- I'd love to help.
- Really?

- Can I tell him to come here?
- Of course.

But, let me give you some advice.

Don't put him under pressure.

Just tell him he's welcome anytime.

He needs to come of his own accord...

if our meeting is to be productive.

All right. Thank you.

No. Now I need to ask you
for your advice.

Let's sit down.

I need your opinion as a woman
and as a mother.

It's a delicate matter.

In your opinion...

do you think that the Church can say
contraceptive methods are legitimate?

I've been married to Roberto
for thirty years.

Of course, I haven't loved
my husband just to be with him...

or just in order to have children.

But for both reasons.

That's all.

And that was a positive thing.

I don't know if the Church
should say...

that contraception is legitimate.

But what I do know

is that I'm sure you'll know
what to say

and in the right way.

Thank you.

- Thirty years.
- I know.

Joyful years because of your love.

That's what I'll talk about:
true love in marriage.

Bastards!

Murderers!

Get in the car!

Where's Matteo?
Thank God, you're here.

Leave me alone.

Why were you arrested?

- What did he do?
- What do you think?

A few petrol bombs,
the usual clashes with the police...

The truth is that he's an imbecile!

You've been brainwashed

by your so-called communist friends
who are just little rich kids.

I defend people's rights.

I'm with the Vietcong,
not the Americans like you.

I want the war in Vietnam to end.

You do?
They're dropping bombs non-stop.

Bombs! But you don't care.

What do you hope to obtain
with violence?

Nothing is obtained with violence,
I've taught you that.

- Can't you stop shouting?
- You've taught me nothing.

You're too old-fashioned.

Even the Pope
is more progressive than you.

Stop it.

He says that it's right to rebel
against tyranny.

Have you read it?

You wouldn't understand,
you're a fascist.

Have some respect for your father.

You know nothing about our lives.

I should've known,
you're a slave to him.

Stop it, Matteo.

Your Holiness.

Yes.

Come in, Cardinal Suenens.

I've read the first draft of
your new encyclical, Humanae Vitae.

What did you think?

I'm talking to you as a friend
rather than as a brother.

Don't publish it.

The world has long awaited
an encyclical that discusses sex.

You cannot publish one...

that says...

the same things that a Pope
would've said a century ago.

What will our followers and women,
in particular, think when they read:

"Any action that impedes procreation
must be avoided."

How much longer can we ignore
the needs of the modern world?

I didn't write this encyclical
to discuss sex,

but to talk about love...

about life...

about men and women.

I've asked myself
what's the value of love

and of life.

Of men and women.

What will become of this civilization
of love, of men...

and of women?

What will a population in search
of personal pleasure be like?

Won't these contraceptive methods

make us lose respect for women?

Won't they transform women
into an object of pleasure?

Won't they give us
the illusion of freedom...

in exchange for losing faith
in the parental roles?

How can love deny
the transmission of life?

Isn't life...

the greatest gift God
has given us?

These are questions which...

have no right answer.

Right.

The Pope cannot say something
is right...

if it is not.

Your Holiness.

Monsignor Lefebvre is here.

I want to persuade him
to try to avoid a conflict.

The Church does not need
stubborn bishops like him.

Can a shepherd abandon
a lost sheep?

This gift, Monsignor Lefebvre,

signifies our immense desire

to continue celebrating
the same mass with you.

We know how dedicated
you have been to the Church...

and how you continue to be so.

Precisely for this reason,
I cannot stand for you being offended.

Why do you say that?

Do not see signs of renewal?

You call it renewal.

Churches, convents and seminars
are empty,

pop concerts are held in parishes.

Priests are renouncing
their sacred roles,

tradition has been abandoned.

Tradition isn't only about
repeating the same things.

We must try to imagine
our Christianity...

like a tree in an eternal spring.

Sprouting new flowers and fruits.

New fruits?

What fruits?
The world is losing its faith.

You are doing nothing
to stop this.

I'm sorry, Your Holiness.

We wanted to make the Church...

the essence of a new civilization,
but...

the essence has evaporated.

"Le Monde" says...

that with the new encyclical,

the Roman Pope has sided
with the conservationists

and opts for political sclerosis.

While the "New York Times" says:

"It is tragic that this Pope

will be remembered for
his encyclical whose sole purpose

is to advocate war and poverty."

So the Church is to blame
for this as well now.

It's all right.

What do the Catholics say?

Certain theologians and bishops
are on the Pope's side.

But many believe that the encyclical
is unsuitable.

Unsuitable?

Some theologians have said
it will damage the Church.

Some bishops published it
with their negative comments.

Suenens?

Don't be afraid, tell me.

He declared that the Pope
is a prisoner

of a bureaucratic
and conservative Curia.

In other words,
I'm unfit for office.

- If you don't go, I will.
- You're not going anywhere.

He'll come back of his own accord.

When he's run out of money
and has no place to go.

This time, I'm really worried.

He hasn't been in touch for weeks,
he's never done this.

- I want to know that he's okay.
- You're too kind.

- I know.
- And he's always abused that.

He wanted freedom.

I've had enough. We have to be firmer.
Both of us.

Then he'll change.

- How?
- You'll see.

Thank you for granting
me an audience.

Your Eminence, we're friends now.

How's the situation in Poland,
Cardinal Woityla?

The government is becoming
more hostile.

It uses any means to remove God
from the hearts of my people.

For example, they're building
a new city,

for thousands of workers.

It will be called Nowa Huta.

They want it to become the first
Polish city without God.

They've forbidden us
to build any churches there.

Have a seat.

It's hard for people to practice
their faith in the Western world too.

Here believers are lost
because the world keeps changing

and tries to destroy
any certainty about faith.

Meanwhile, we have our duty to do.

Do you think we were wrong...

to start a dialogue?

No.

A dialogue requires strength,
patience and perseverance.

You taught me that.

The new Church will be built
sooner or later.

That's what the people want.

And when that time will come...

we will give you the first stone with
which you shall build that church.

That's a promise.

- I bet you were an altar boy!
- Right!

Someone's at the door.

- Who is it?
- Matteo, it's for you.

Why are you here?

- You've lost weight.
- No. I'm fine.

Who told you I was here?

I bet you asked around about me.

I'm asking you, please.

Come home.

Things will change.

You always say that too.

- You know your father talks...
- Forget it. I'm not coming back.

I know what my father's like.

Come on, I'll see you out.

Bye, mom.

- Promise you'll call?
- Yes.

- Can I tell your father...
- Come on, it's late.

Bye.

Matteo.

I went to see the Pope
some time ago.

If you want to talk to him,
he'll listen.

I'm not interested.

Bye.

- Your Holiness.
- Yes.

This will cause you great sadness.

- What is it?
- Cardinal Seper sent it.

It's a list of priests who have
returned to their lay status.

- There are hundreds of them.
- I know, it's a lot.

Lord...

give me the strength to guide
the Church out of this tempest.

Your Holiness.

You haven't slept.

Don Macchi, you know how many
they are?

An infinite quantity, that's just
in the last month.

And...

- Look.
- What is it?

This name.

Do not ask me to reconsider.

I won't.

Just tell me why.

I want my freedom back.

- Your freedom?
- Yes.

The freedom to fight
in the front line for justice.

The front line is at the altar,
Don Leone.

No.

Today, the front line
is on the outskirts...

In the factories where people die,
in the starving Third World.

That's where I should be.

Go there as a priest.

- What's stopping you?
- Attendance at mass has dropped.

Young people don't come anymore.

The Lord does not ask us
to be popular.

Everyone wants to be popular now.

The Lord just asks us
to be loyal.

He will reward us
when the time is right.

I want to be a member
of a political party.

To be able to take action.

Only by taking part in social battles
will we achieve justice.

I'm talking about the poor,
the exploited people...

But as a priest,

I can't take part in politics.

Politics is...

The highest form of charity,
you taught me that.

Yes, it is

but politics alone
cannot save the world.

I...

I've met a woman.

I love her.

If the Church would allow me
to marry...

These things don't concern
the Church.

You loved the Church.

You swore to remain faithful to it.

You want it to accept your betrayal?

You'll be granted an exemption.

You've always had your freedom.

Now make good use of it.

The number of priests who are
abandoning priesthood is rising.

The religious orders evidently
experiencing a crisis.

Attendance at mass is dropping.

The voice of the Church
is increasingly solitary.

A state of uncertainty seems
to reign among God's people.

And...

What should the Pope do?

Don't be fooled by appearances.

He looks like a protester.

Those who protest
seek the truth.

Young people always fight against
something, including our mistakes.

Show him in.

Come in, Matteo.

I'm glad you accepted the invite
I made through your mother.

That's not why I came.

- Why are you here then?
- To understand.

Come and sit down.

Talk to me.

You can tell me, in fact, you must
tell me what's on your mind.

You are the Pope
of the Populorum Progressio.

But if you don't mind me saying...

you've done nothing to help
the progress of the people.

I see.

You're disappointed with me?

You're not the only one.

But I can tell you that...

guided by my conscience,
I've always tried to follow

the will of God.

Even when this meant disagreeing
with followers,

and at times, priests.

What's God's will got to do with it?

Go on, I'm listening.

First you said that dictatorships
could be defeated

then you condemned the priests
who did it.

Justice cannot be obtained
through violence.

How, then?

The rich always become richer.

- ...and the poorer get poorer.
- You're right.

You haven't achieved anything.

You see, Matteo,

I want to tell you a secret.

Right from the start,
this Pope decided...

to trust in men's freedom.

If it's God's will, he'll reward me
for doing so.

It was stupid of me to come here.

I knew it would be useless.

Goodbye.

May God be with you.

Bombs exploded this afternoon
in Milan and Rome.

December 12th 1969

The most serious one
was in Milan.

In the main hall of the
"Banca Nazionale dell'Agricoltura".

14 people died in the explosion.

Poor Milan.

Do you remember?

12 years ago we started our great
mission for a civilization of love.

God hasn't shown us any fruits.

I have no fruits to show.

Only God knows when the time
is right.

I know.

But a man of faith can complain too.

Remember Jeremiah.

David, Job.

Forgive me.

My God, where are you?

Satan's smoke has entered
your temple.

The demon is human,

he is mysterious and fearful.

This is the terrible truth.

People no longer
have faith in the Church.

Their hearts are filled with doubt.

We hoped the Council would
announce the arrival of spring,

but winter has arrived instead.

Why, my Lord? Why?

You're unfit for office.

You ignored the problems
of the Church.

The poor will make you pay for this!

You'll pay...

You'll pay for this!

You've achieved nothing,
you got it all wrong.

Coward!

"We believe in one God alone,

the Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

the creator of all things...

like this world...

where we lead our fleeting lives.

along with all things.

We believe
in our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Son of God.

He lived among us,

full of grace and truth.

He announced the kingdom of God.

He led us to God.

He gave us
his new commandment,

to love thy neighbour,

like He loved us.

He suffered because
of Pontius Pilate...

He is the lamb of God who carries
the sins of the world.

He died on the cross for us.

And he came back to life

on the third day."

"The regime, after many protests
by the workers,

after great insistence,

has listened to the people.

It has authorized the construction
of a new church

in Nowa Huta.

Your gift, the first stone,

is for me a precious
and eloquent sign.

As I think of your efforts
and the suffering endured

in order to make this happen,

I think of the words
of the Gospel.

"If the grain of wheat that falls
to the ground does not die,

it is alone, if it dies,
it bears many fruits."

The true meaning
of an apostle's life

is to give one's all
for one's faith."

Rome, April 20th 1978

Your Holiness, it's time for supper.

During my meditation
I went on a long journey.

Now the path I must take
is clearer to me.

I will write a public letter

to Aldo Moro's captors.

You'll write to those criminals?
Why?

Because dialogue is like a seed
which is eternally sprouting.

Even when you least expect it,
in the most complicated situations.

Let's hope so.

Thank you.

Monsignor Casaroli?

Yes?

There's been a phone call
from the Pope's office.

The Pope wishes you to be on call,
he may need your help.

All right.

Your appeal will be ignored, just
like your appeal against abortion.

The State is about to legalize it.

But we cannot remain silent,
Cardinal Villot.

Your actions will wreak havoc
in the world of politics.

Writing to the Red Brigades will give
them the acknowledgement they desire.

It'll be a victory for them
to have driven the Pope to do this.

They are human beings.

And I'm appealing to their humanity.

But they have committed
atrocious acts.

I'm sure they too have a heart.

Now, if you don't mind,

I would like to recite
the rosary.

Would you care to join me?

Perhaps your letter could be
effective in saving Moro's life.

They may be satisfied
with your acknowledgement:

you are a head of State

and a spiritual guide
for the majority of the world.

Now, please, take it to Casaroli,

Thank you.

Simply, without conditions.

Your Holiness,

His Excellency suggests
a few changes.

"I write to you, inflexible, unknown
adversaries, of this man worthy of..."

Wait.

"Inflexible" isn't right.

It doesn't convey the right meaning.

"Implacable" is more suitable.

- Just change that word, it's late.
- I don't want to send it like this.

Dictate it to me.

"I write to you,

members of the Red Brigade..."

Do you really want to do it now?
You're tired...

Just continue, please.

"I request that you set free,

the Honourable Aldo Moro

and allow him to return to his family
and to his civilian life."

We'll attack the carabinieri barracks
using hand grenades in two days.

Colonna's branch say you can be
one of us.

- Do you feel up to it?
- Of course.

You're sure?

Yes.

The carabinieri may respond
to the attack.

Here.

Have you ever used a gun?

No.

But I'm ready to.

We have to continue
attacking the State

and keep up our armed struggle.

It'll be tomorrow night.

Count me in.

Rome, April 21st 1978

This is a special bulletin.

His Holiness, Pope Paul VI
has a message for the Red Brigades

"I'm writing to you,
members of the Red Brigade

to request that you set free
the Honourable Aldo Moro.

Allow him to return to his family
and to civilian life."

The Holy See will be criticized.

But such noble words

cannot be ignored.

"I do not know you
and have no contact with you.

So I've written a public letter,

I'm taking advantage of the time left

before the death sentence
you have declared

for him expires.

He is an honest and good man,
who has committed no crimes.

He cannot be accused
of social negligence.

Or of not serving justice
or civilian peace.

I have no warrant for him,

nor do I have any personal interest
in connection with him.

But I feel affection for him.

we were students together,
and above all...

because he shares my faith
and is a son of Christ's Church.

In the name of our supreme Christ
I appeal to you,

unknown and implacable foes
of this worthy and innocent man.

I plead with you to free
the Honourable Aldo Moro.

Simply, without conditions.

Not because of my humble
and benevolent intervention.

but in virtue of his dignity
as brother of mankind."

We've mourned too many victims

and deprecated the death of people
who were carrying out their duty.

We must all live in fear of hate
degenerating into a vendetta,

or causing acts driven by despair.

We must fear God who will avenge
the deaths of innocent people.

Members of the Red Brigades,

allow me to continue, as interpreter
of your fellow citizens,

to hope that in your hearts,

a victorious glimmer of humanity
still exists.

I await, with unchanged affection
for you, for proof of this."

Let me help you.

Any news?

We have received no further news
about Aldo Moro.

We waited anxiously yesterday,

as the deadline set
by the executioners was reached,

We are still waiting anxiously,

hoping and praying,

This is the Red Brigades.

- Did you hear that?
- Yes.

We are fulfilling
the president's final request,

by informing his family
of where his body

is located.

Meaning?

Inform his family that the body
of the Honourable Aldo Moro

is in Via Caetani

Lord, listen to our prayers.

You alone can hear
our suffering.

Lord of life and death,

you did not respond
to our appeal

Rome, May 13th 1978

to save Aldo Moro's life.

This kind, humble,

wise and innocent friend.

But you, Oh Lord, have not
abandoned his immortal spirit,

marked by his faith in Christ

through resurrection
and therefore a new life.

For him...

Lord, hear our prayers.

Please remember that
he is very tired.

Your Holiness,

- Do you recognise me, Father?
- How are you, Matteo?

Sit down.

Well?

What did you decide to study
in the end?

Law or Philosophy?

Neither.

But I didn't become
a murderer either.

What do you mean?

That...

I almost became one.

I harboured...

such angry feelings.

I don't know why.

It was like...

I was filled with rage

but something lived inside me.

In the end, all of that

was worth it, because
it brought me here.

I came to thank you.

It was your letter
to the Red Brigades that...

disarmed me.

You've brought me great joy.

No, Father.

You gave me the immense joy

of being able to decide to stop,
of my own accord.

When you go home tonight,

give your mother
my best regards.

Your Holiness, you're very weak.

You're riddled with arthritis.

Could you not celebrate
your anniversary of priesthood

with a more intimate ceremony?

There's no better way to celebrate
an anniversary

than how I've planned,

Long live the Pope!

- I can manage.
- Your Holiness, you shouldn't...

Don't worry.

Now, like Paul,
I feel I can say...

"I have fought a worthy battle.

I have reached my objective.

I have preserved faith."