Original subtitles

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."