All language subtitles for Pius XII - Under the Roman Sky (2010)

♪

[clock ticking]

In these times of
obscure darkness, oh, Lord,

You are my only light.

When I feel weak,
You are my strength.

When I feel alone,

You are by my side.

Come on, Sarah, let's go.

Would you come on?
It's late.

OK, fine, I'm leaving.
You can stay here.

The mission of the Church is
entrusted into the hands of men

with all their weaknesses,
uncertainties, fears...

Fears of responding,

because we feel the evil
hovering over us,

ready to attack.

[Planes buzzing overhead]

[Explosions in distance]

(radio broadcast)
We are getting reports
that the city of Rome

has suffered a severe
air raid by American bombers.

It is difficult to assess...

Holy Father!

Your Holiness,

it must be San Lorenzo,
the railway station.

Please, get the car.

You're not thinking
of going out?

It's dangerous.

What if they
start bombing again?

I'll call the Italian police
and organize an official escort.

Don't call anyone.

[People yelling]

[Siren wails]

Where's my baby?
[Crying]

The Pope...

The Pope, the Pope!

Bless you, my child.

Please, please move back!

Stop, stop, everyone, please!

Move back!
Move back, please!

I'll summon the ambassador
right away,

and I'll contact
General Eisenhower.

We will make a formal protest.

Your Holiness...

It's not mine.

It's the blood of Rome.

This will never
happen again, Montini.

Never again.

Here you go.

Come back quickly,
there's more to deliver.

Hurry along now.

Get your papers!

Read about the armistice!

Get your papers!

That's what is written.

The war is over!

The armistice!

Italy signed the armistice!
The war is over!

Get your papers here!

There you go.

The war is over!
The armistice!

Ricardo.

Ricardo, wake up.

Come on, sleepyhead.

What's for breakfast?

Guess.

White bread.

Marmalade...

milk...

chocolate and apple pie!

Hmm mm, close.

Broth and rye bread.

Oh!

Oh, come on, come on.

We'll go out later and
maybe we'll find some licorice.

The soft kind?

Yeah, but only if you can
get to papa before I do.

[Both giggle]

Don't forget your book.

Wait!

Ah! Hey!

- Good morning, Professor Boni!
- Good morning. Ah!

- Sorry, professor.
- Watch out.

All the time.

Take that!

You are a little rascal!

You cheated!

No!

I win.

That's what you think.

It doesn't count.

Of course it counts.

Good morning, Papa.

Good morning, Ricardo.

Papa...

Remember to lock the shop
door when you're in here.

Hmm, I always forget.

[Radio plays]

Take a look at this.

What do you think?

It's good.

Hmm, you are right.

It's only the first attempt.

I need to work on it some more.

Now that the war is over

are these passes
still necessary?

I made promises to many people.

Always the news.

- Turn it down.
- They're waiting for them.

You are such a good man.

Too good.

Once I've done
with all of these,

I'll make another three for us.

You love Rome so much,
you'll never leave.

Oh, here...
For the rice.

Hurry!

Otherwise it will all be
gone like it was last time.

And get me some
tobacco while you're there.

Yes.

- Come on, Ricky.
- All right.

[Classical music
plays from radio]

[Kids talking, laughing]

There. One and a half.

Put a little more in there...
for the baby too.

Please, Giovanni.

You are responsible
for feeding him.

Thank you.

Next.

Miriam, you're late.

How is he?

He's so hungry he can't sleep.

Well, if you need anything...

I need the Americans
to hurry up

and bring me that
powdered milk they have.

I have to go.

Cut it out, Davide.

Cut what out?

For once stop asking
stupid questions, OK?

- Stupid?
- Yeah.

You want to know
what's stupid?

Not from you.

Standing in these lines,
that's what.

It's legal, not stupid.

Come on, tell me what you need.

I'll get it for you.
I'll give you a good price.

That's what you are.

What? A fascist hero?

No, a thief.

Yeah, I steal kisses.

Don't you think
you're moving a bit too fast?

Good morning.
How are you?

[Speaking German]

Welcome to Rome, General Wolff.

Don't be so diplomatic,
Ambassador Weizsacker.

I'm here because the Führer
no longer looks highly upon me.

This is common knowledge.

This is the office you've
set up for me, General Stahel?

I hope it meets your approval.

It will do, for now.

This is Captain Von Goedel.

He is here to see
that the same procedures

carried out in other
occupied countries

will now be
implemented in Italy.

We estimate
that about 10,000 Jews

are being hidden in Rome.

Many have fled here
from other parts of Europe.

Up until now, Rome has
provided refuge for them,

but it will soon
become their trap.

What's the plan?

First, to have them hand over
their gold as a form of ransom.

And then once it's delivered?

As we know, the solution
to the Jewish question

is a top priority
for the Führer.

Forgive me, but I'd like
to point out that Rome

is the headquarters
of the Pope.

Persecuting the Jews
right under his window could,

shall I say,
irritate his sensitivity.

And so?

At most, the old raven
will caw a bit.

I think you are underestimating
the man, General.

Why is that?

You are familiar with the
encyclical Mit Brennender Sorge?

One of the worst
humiliations to our regime.

It was written in Rome
by Cardinal Paceli,

with the collaboration
of German clergymen

who are all
opposed to Nazism.

The text was sent to all
the bishops in Germany.

They had all the copies
printed in secret

and given to citizens
above suspicion.

They delivered them to
every single parish in Germany.

The text was brought
to the parish priests

and they hid it
in a safe place.

It was too late
by the time word got out.

"The day will come when
the Te Deum of liberation

will succeed to
the premature gains

of the enemies of Christ."

The encyclical
was read simultaneously

from the pulpits
of 11,000 churches.

"Te Deum of triumph
and joy and gratitude

as the German people
return to religion,

bend their knees before Christ

and arming themselves
against the enemies of God."

That was March 21 st, 1937.

As we know,
the Führer was enraged.

The man that inspired, planned
and carried out all of this...

is the Pope today.

I wouldn't underestimate him.

We've taken control
of Holland, France, Poland.

The Vatican is no bigger
than a football stadium.

Would it really
be that hard to attack?

I want more
armed security checkpoints

set up around the walls.

We must have a clear view of
their positions and movements.

Your Holiness.

Commander Von Altishofen.

Monsignor Montini tells me
you need my orders

to be confirmed in writing.

Yes, Your Holiness.

I'm confirming them in person.

Disarm all rifles.

Weapons are not to be used
under any circumstances.

But Your Holiness,
they've already taken over Rome.

It won't be long
before the Germans

will want the Vatican as well.

If respect for these holy robes
doesn't stop them,

do you think your weapons will?

And if they do attack,
surrender.

I don't want any bloodshed
because of me.

There they are, Your Holiness.

Now that white line
is the only thing

protecting us from them.

Here, catch!

How much do you want for these?

No, Leah,
I'm not selling those to you.

Why not?

I can't imagine a beautiful
girl like yourself...

in anything less than these.

Come on, ladies and gentlemen!

With the Germans in the city,

I don't know when I'll
be able to get more stuff.

The Germans?

And I thought the armistice
was good news.

Instead it has put us
in their hands.

And what do you
think they'll do, Professor?

Who knows?

At worst, they'll take
some of the younger men

and put us
to work in a factory.

That's all you think they'll do?

You've heard what
people are saying.

Well, all I've heard
are rumors.

No, they're not
only rumors, Dante.

Look, the Germans
have enough on their minds

with the Americans advancing.

They simply don't have the time.

They wouldn't dare
with the Pope here.

That's easy for you to say.
You're not Jewish.

Jacopo, can I have
a word with you?

- Yeah, sure.
- Thank you.

You're scaring people
with all this talk

of what the Germans will do.

Oh, well,
that's the way I see it.

[Horn honking]

[People talking excitedly]

- Hi.
- Hello, my darling.

How are you?

[Accordion in distance]

Nothing has changed.

The Germans have got their
minds on the Americans,

and the Italians
have theirs on women.

How about a tango?

Oh, my repertoire
is endless.

Where are you taking me?

It's a surprise.

You're right.
They only care about the women.

♪

Want a ride?

I'm going the same way you are.

And how do you know that?

Where are you going?

It's none of your business
where I'm going.

Would you stop?

The sooner you accept the ride,
the sooner you get rid of me.

OK, take me to the university.

Just this once, OK?

It's so messy in here.

I didn't have time
to clean my office.

Hold on.

The Germans will never
understand the streets of Rome.

- Thank you.
- Wait.

I have something for you.

Shoe polish?

Open it.

Are you crazy?

Take it back.

Why don't you want it?

Because of who I am,

or because
you think it's stolen?

- Take it back!
- I won't.

- You bought it?
- Yes!

I'm not that bad.

If I'm with you, I'll become
whoever you want me to be.

Just give me a chance.

I really care for you.

I'd give my life...
for you.

Don't even joke about it.

Don't even joke.

Sorry I'm late.

I had to take a detour.

Don't worry.
The lessons were cancelled.

The Germans
closed the university

just when I'm supposed
to be graduating.

I know what it feels like.

Sorry...

I don't mean to complain
to you of all people.

The racial laws
won't last forever.

One day
I'll be back inside there

and I'll get my degree.

These are the
English literature notes.

Oh, thank you, Marco.

You know, it's almost
as if you kept

the university open for me
with your notes.

I can no longer
be of any help to you.

Oh, cheer up.

The Germans
will be gone soon...

Maybe it's better this way -

so I don't have
anymore excuses.

Excuses?
For what?

Not to fight for my country.

The partisans are
looking for volunteers.

But you've never
fired a gun before.

If I want the university
to reopen for everyone,

if I want Italy
to be free again...

then I have to be
willing to do my part.

35... 20.

Do you have any liquor?

Liquor?

I don't think so.

Think hard.

Oh, yeah.

The supply of cognac,
for the officers.

Let me see it.

You know where it is.

Lieutenant Premoli...

Abruzzo Division,
Third Battalion.

You are relieved
of your duty, Lieutenant.

But this warehouse is the
property of the Italian Army.

The Italian Army
no longer exists.

We are in charge here now.

Ah!!!

Check the whole area...

Get rid of him.

[Gun shot rings out]

Crunch it up.

Ricardo, bring me
the D character.

Yes, Papa.

I'll put it here on the table.

Thank you.

[Banging at door]

Are you expecting anyone?

No.

[Banging continues]
Shhh...

Come on, Armando, open up.

Who do you
think it is, Mussolini?

Davide.

Come in.

Heil Hitler!

You really scared us.

I told you...
You should use a password.

My daughter always
tells me the same thing.

Oh, I finally found your ink.

Oh, where did you get it?

I stole it.

You know, it's been
a while since...

[machine cranks on]

...since I've seen you at
the synagogue on Saturdays.

Saturdays aren't good for me.

Look at us, Davide.

The war has forced me
to print fake documents

and you to live off
the black market.

But when it's over, I'm going
back to selling my books.

And you?
What are you going to do?

War or no war,

the black market
is always needed.

What's wrong?

Why aren't the two of you
squabbling as usual?

See you later, Armando.

And trust me -
think of a password, hmm?

So what happened?

I can't stand him.

People need so
many things right now,

and he takes advantage
of all of us.

And he never takes
anything seriously,

not even the war.

He's a malcontent.

He's dishonest and selfish.

You're right.

But look at the quality
of this ink.

Done... Take a look.

Oh, wonderful!
Good boy.

[Razor buzzes]

Are you sure you want
to shave with that thing?

This thing shortens your
beard and lengthens time

all in one go,
Mother Pascalina.

It takes 15 minutes
to shave with a regular razor,

and only five
minutes with this.

Think of it,
ten extra minutes every day.

Ten extra minutes
to work, to pray, to read.

Or maybe even to sleep.

I sleep enough.

Your pills.

Ah, mysterious.

We create these
wonderful things like this

and then forget who created the
wonderful beings that we are.

Your chicken soup.

Holy Father.

Forgive me, Your Holiness.

The films we were
waiting for have arrived.

Uh, I'm sorry, Your Holiness.

I was unable to get hold of
the projectionist at this hour.

Good. And...

No, no, no, no.
It needs a loop.

These German projectors
are well made

and have good optics,

but if you don't
thread them correctly

they can jam.

Like this, you see?

[Projector clicking]

[Film sound, crowd cheers]

Tomorrow this film will be shown
in every cinema in Italy.

Everyone will know that
Mussolini is free once again,

and that he is already
in Berlin with Hitler.

This could lead to a civil war.

On the one hand you have

those who are ready
to kill for il Duce,

and on the other,
those who will kill for freedom.

Set up the other film.

[Projector clicks off]

[Projector clicking]

As I said, this comes
from the German barracks.

It's one of those
propaganda films

the Nazis
show their soldiers.

[Hitler speaks on film]

"There is no fault
in annihilating a life

that has no value.

The weak must be destroyed.

We must show no mercy,
we must re-accustom ourselves

to showing no mercy
with a clear conscience."

"And thus, our drums...

our flags and our troops
will be united...

And no one
will be able to defeat us."

[Crowd cheers on film]

[Hitler continues on film]

"Are you a man?"

"Or is there
something else within you?"

No!

[Classical music
plays on radio]

Turn it up.

Radio London is coming on.

[Radio broadcast]
Good evening.

A few months in prison
and 1,000 lire in fines

with a suspended sentence.

This is the price
for every Italian citizen

with a clean criminal record...

Well, I guess
we're all outlaws then.

That one is the original pass.

The other is the imitation.

What do you think?

I think it's perfect.

Now all we need
is a stamp like the Ministry's.

And we know who can get us one.

[Door opens, bell jingles]

I know, I know.

It's a German!

Wait here.

No, wait!

If anything happens,
go out that door.

And don't come back!

Good morning.

Where were you?

In the back of the shop...

Just dozed off a bit.

I don't have many
customers these days.

You have
extraordinary editions here.

That one is dated
just before the 18th century,

but I have even rarer books

from the middle
of the 16th century.

Are you Jewish?

Yes.

Have you lived here long?

My family has been
in Rome for centuries.

Then you know every Jew
who lives in the ghetto...

and others too?

But of course you won't
reveal their identities.

This is truly
an excellent edition.

I'll come again for the ones
from the 16th century.

Dante Cimino...

He's the head
of the community, right?

Look, you don't understand.

We don't have a choice.
We have to play their game.

My God, how are we
going to satisfy their request?

What happened?

Sit down.

Dante?

Dante was summoned
to the German command.

They made a request.

Our community must give
the Germans 50 kilos of gold,

or else 200 of us will be
arrested and deported.

- 50 kilos?
- In 36 hours.

What?

What do they think we are?
Animals?

They can buy and sell us,
and send us to the butcher?!

Miriam! Calm down!

This is not the time.

Right now each and every minute
means the life of one of us.

Let's concentrate
on getting that gold.

We can set up a collection
point at the school,

but we need to find somewhere
safe to keep the gold.

I know where.

Gold won't stop them.

And if the gold
doesn't stop them,

do you think they'll continue
with the persecutions?

Even in Rome?

In any case, we must
respond immediately.

Which of the
Germans can we talk to?

Their ambassador, Weizsacker.

Too elusive.

Directly to the
Head of the SS, General Wolff.

He'll deny everything.

General Stahel...

Do you think
he has a say in this?

He's the military commander
of the city.

Yes, but will he listen to you?

They say he's a man of faith.

Perhaps the Pope's words
still mean something to him.

General, this arrived for you.

I received this
from the Holy See.

An invitation from the Pope.

What an honor.

Do you think I should accept?

Who else have you
spoken to about this?

Nobody... Only you.

What could he possibly
want to ask me?

Perhaps you should
go and find out.

You are the German
ambassador to the Holy See.

You should know what
the Pope has in mind.

The point isn't
what the Pope thinks.

The point is what you will think
after having spoken to the Pope.

Don't forget who
Pius Xll is -

a Pope, who not so long ago,

supported the plot
against our Führer.

I won't let him influence me.

I'm sure you won't.

General Wolff, please.

25 grams.

Now the war has taken
everything from us.

Thank you.

We should be using
this gold to buy weapons.

Instead we're giving it
to the Germans.

- 100 grams.
- They'll keep their pact.

If we give them the gold,
they'll leave us alone.

Sure they will.
Why not?

You said before they would
leave us alone,

that they were preoccupied
by the Americans.

And this is how
they leave us alone?

I'd rather give them
a little gold than 200 lives.

I'm not going to sit around
and see who's right.

Here's the last of my gold!

Now I'm leaving the ghetto!

Come on, let's get out of here!

- Marco.
- Miriam.

What are you doing here?

I've come to give you these.

It's the only thing
made of gold

that I brought to Rome.

Thank you.

I know you wanted to
wear these for your graduation.

Do you remember?"

Any man's death
diminishes me

because I'm involved
in mankind...

And therefore never send to know
for whom the bell tolls.

It tolls for thee."

- John Donne.
- Donne.

Thank you.

That's what I call a bargain.

What?

50 kilos of gold
in exchange for 200 lives.

You think so?

Well, how much
is your life worth, Bianca?

Depends on who's buying.

General.

Heil Hitler.

12:00, the Vatican.
Mark it down.

General Stahel.

Your Holiness.

They warned you against me.

The usual advice one gets
before a meeting

with the head
of a foreign state.

Please.

I lived in Germany...
for 12 years.

So I was told.

And you know one of the things
I liked most about your country?

Its automobiles.

The 500K is the most
beautiful car in the world.

I personally prefer the 770.

To what lengths are you
willing to go, General?

Will a request for gold
be the end of it?

Or are more serious
measures to be taken

against our Jewish community?

That is not a decision
I can make.

Yes, but surely you
must have been informed.

And if I have been,
I'm not authorized

to share that
information with you.

Do you love
your country, General?

I've been a soldier
since I was 22.

I have fought in Belgium,
France, Finland and Italy.

I've been decorated with
the Iron Cross First Class,

and the Knight's Cross.

I do know what it means
to love one's country.

And all I would ask is that
you continue to do so.

Germany needs
the love of its men -

men who do not soil its honor
with unworthy actions.

So...

How do you like Rome?

I'm not here for pleasure.

No, of course not.

But you must have noticed
that there's something

about this city
that remains eternal -

like only one other city
in the world:

Jerusalem.

They are both cities
where the presence of God

seems to be more strongly felt.

My God, your God...

and the God of every man.

♪

[man yelling in German]

General Wolff.

The Führer has his eyes
fixed on Rome.

He has ordered me to carry out
the most delicate mission

in the entire history
of the Reich...

A mission that not only
our careers depend upon,

but possibly
the entire fate of the war.

Gentlemen...

The Führer has ordered us
to kidnap the Pope.

They're already preparing
an appropriate place

for his detention in Austria.

And what's the purpose
of this kidnapping?

To use him
as a bargaining chip.

To blackmail the allies.

We'll need hundreds of men.

Mussolini's liberation
has shown how effective

small groups
of selected soldiers can be.

But are we aware
of the consequences

that something like this...

[bang on table]

The Führer is watching us.

Which of you
want to disappoint him?

42 kilos, 356 grams.

And less than 20 hours to go.

Everyone has already
given all the gold they have.

We still have
many kilos missing.

What now?

Who are we going
to ask for help?

I know how hard
this must have been

for you to ask me for help.

We might be able
to come up with more,

but I can't take the risk.

We'll start organizing
it right away.

You'll get the gold you need.

Yes, Holy Father.

The community
will be grateful, as am I.

We'll pay you back
as soon as we can.

"And the Lord
came to Abraham, saying,

'Be not afraid, Abraham.

I am your shield,
your exceedingly great reward.'

And then He brought him
outside and said to him,

'Look now toward the heaven

and count the stars if you
are able to number them.'"

"And He said to him,

'So shall
your descendents be.'"

[Crash, glass shatters,
gunshot rings out]

What the hell
are you guys doing?!

Get that away from my car!

Well, that's going
to be a bit difficult!

Come on!

They're going to destroy my car!

Give it to me!

Get behind me.

Come on, run!

- Get in there!
- Over there!

Go, run!

Into the car!

Quickly!

Go!

Go!

Come on!

[Bell clanging]

- Please, let us...
- What do you want?

Didn't you hear?

This is a convent.
I cannot let you in.

Oh, Father, please,
do understand.

This is a very
dangerous situation.

- Let them in!
- Yes, Father Pfeiffer.

What did you get
yourselves into out there?

Ask Garibaldi over here.

We tried to steal
a load of arms from them.

Steal from them?

Some things should be left
to those who know how to do it.

We were outnumbered!

None of you should have
been there in the first place.

- Enough!
- Father, please.

Silence.

[Knocking at door]

We are looking
for two young men.

One of them
has a pair of glasses,

which I think are broken.

Have you seen them?

This is a convent.

There's nobody like that here.

They could have snuck in.

In that case, if I find them,

I will hand them over to you.

Very well.

It's better if you
hide here for the night,

but come tomorrow, I never
want to see you again.

Oh, enough.

So?

The Pope will help us,
but hopefully we won't need it.

Whatever happens, we know that
everyone has done their best.

Let us pray to the Lord

for the gifts
we are about to receive.

May the name of the Lord
be praised now and forever.

In the name of Jesus,

Satan, you who were defeated
by Moses at the Red Sea,

be gone from this man.

Be gone.

What are you reading?
The Guerilla Warfare manual?

Love poems.

Exactly.

Petrarca's Canzoniere.

Never heard of it.

We still haven't
introduced ourselves.

My name is Marco,
what's yours?

I'm... me.

Well, thanks for today.

Thanks for nothing.

I'll send you the bill
for the damages to my car.

I'm sorry.
I didn't know where to hide.

The next time
you're playing war,

stay away from me, right?

How can you talk like this?

I was fighting for you, too.

I take care of myself, thanks.

Well, while you're taking
care of yourself,

the country is falling apart -

half going to the Americans,
and half to the Nazis.

Who are you with?

Do I necessarily
have to be with someone?

No, not necessarily;
It's your choice.

But make your mind up quick

because when
good men do nothing,

evil thrives.

And are you a good man?

I try.

Nah... You're a rich man.

What makes you think that?

Your shoes,

the material
your shirt is made of,

your watch.

My watch...

Here you are.

You're right,
I've always had everything.

So when my family went south
to be closer to the allies,

I decided to stay here,
make myself useful.

That was a stupid decision.

Maybe, but I hope
it was the right one.

[Church bells ring
in distance]

[Crowd chattering]

Do you have any tobacco?

It's for my father.

How much?

Uh, you decide.

How much do I owe you?

Nothing.

Tell me how much I owe you.

Why can't you
just accept the gift?

Because you never
give anything away for free.

Look, everyone is
offering their own gold.

You?

80 cents.

[Kids talking,
crowd chattering]

Papa, you promised me
you would close the door...

What happened?

We've done it, Miriam.
We've done it!

We've reached the 50 kilos!

Has the gold
from the Pope arrived?

No...

We no longer need his help.

And who brought all of this?

I have no idea.

I was in the old school,
in case something else came in.

I heard a noise
from the back,

I went to check,
when I came back out,

someone had
left this on the scale.

An angel!

Well, whoever it is,

200 of us
owe them our lives.

Sorry.

Now we've given them our gold

and everyone is celebrating.

But things will only get worse,

and I don't want
to be here when they do.

No, no, no.

I need a safe place to hide.

- How about a convent?
- A convent?

Davide.

Oh, sorry.

Miriam, you sweet child,
it's all right.

Can I speak with you?

I'm busy.

I need to...

I need to apologize.

For what?

Come with me?

When I was a little girl,

for years I never
came onto this bridge.

Why?

Because you had told me that
under the bridge were pirates,

and I was afraid
they would kidnap me.

So there was a time

when you believed
the things that I told you?

Yes...

A happy time.

What do you want
to apologize to me for?

I saw the ring.

I accused you of not doing
anything for the community...

and instead,

you had actually already done
more than anyone else.

That doesn't change anything.

I'm still a thief.

It changes something for me.

I always fought the idea
that you were a good person...

But deep down
I knew that you were.

I...

I love you, Davide.

I always loved you.

I hope you can forgive me.

Miriam...

Say it again...

My name.

Davide.

♪

He'll be fine now.

Oh, Dante!

Come have some
more wine, please.

Yes, of course.

- Join us.
- How are you?

They're perfect.

Officially you can take
your wife past the front,

with these, to the south
where it's safe.

How much do I owe you?

It's only a piece
of paper and some ink.

- You know it's more than that.
- Have a safe trip.

You want me
to play you a special song,

just for you
and your blue eyes?

[News plays on radio]

Can you believe this?

So, what are they saying?

Nothing.

The Americans
are still in Cassino.

How long does
it take to get here?

It's 100 kilometers.

- 130.
- Give it up!

The Germans are here to stay,
so we might as well

just come to terms
with the situation.

Well, she certainly likes
to come to terms with them.

So, Humberto, does Tommaso
pay you with money,

or with the liquor?

It wouldn't make
much of a difference.

How about a tikvà
to thank God for this day?

A tikvà?
I'm not Jewish.

[Humming tune]

[Plays same tune
on accordion]

[All singing]

♪

- Hey.
- Oh, Marco.

You have something of mine.

You're right.

Here, you can have it back.

I see you got
a lot of use out of it.

I don't need a book for that.

Sure...

You know how to make up
stories all by yourself, huh?

You're trusting
the wrong person.

Are you sure?

Hey...

Come on, everybody, sing!

[Crowd singing]

♪

[cheering in distance]

With the blessing
of His Holiness, Pius Xll.

General.

Captain.

The Jews have
delivered the gold.

It's time for the second phase
of the operation.

I need some of
your men from the front.

Of course.

Forgive me, Mother Superior.

This family has come to us
looking for a place to hide.

I can take the man in
with the other priests

but women and children...

This is an enclosed convent.

I know, Mother,
but this is an emergency.

It will soon be curfew.

How can we take
such responsibility?

Only the Pope can open
an enclosed convent.

Listen, Mother.

You don't have to
take any responsibility.

Just open that door,
and I'll take care of the rest!

[Baby crying]

Mother!

Good... Come in.

Come in, come in.

Come, come.

You did the right thing, Father.

That's why I've
always trusted you.

Thank you, Holy Father.

But Your Holiness,

this could establish
a dangerous precedent.

It must establish a precedent.

We're in a state
of emergency, Eminence.

We should be ready to welcome
anyone who needs our help.

And therefore,
all our institutes, parishes,

convents and monasteries

should be opened
to whomever seeks shelter.

You do realize that this
could give the military

a reason
to retaliate against us?

Yes, Eminence,
the Pope does realize this.

And that is why we need
to pray more intently.

The passes are ready.

People are expecting these.

Will you be able
to deliver them all?

Oh, good morning.

I've asked Davide to help me.

Good, good.

You two have
finally gotten together.

Thank you for your help, Davide.

I would have never believed

that you'd ask me
to work on a Saturday.

Well, only because
it's for a good cause.

I'll get you back
in the synagogue one day.

Oh, well, we'll see.

Now get going.

You go and rest, Papa.

You've been up
all night printing passes.

I'll just clean the press,
and go upstairs.

OK.

Oh, I thought of a password.

What is it?

Tikvà.

In Hebrew, it means hope.

Tikvà.

Look, let's split up.

You take the passes
to the ghetto,

I'll help father and then bring
the ones to Trastevere, OK?

Where do we meet after that?

- At the bridge.
- At the bridge.

[Both giggle]

Whoa...

[machine cranking]

What are you still doing here?

I'll give you a hand.

Leave. I don't want
to see you here.

But we'll get it done faster.

Out!

You need to be with Davide,
not your old father.

[Machine stops]

Mom could never have
married a better man.

Every day you remind me
more and more of her.

Now go.
I see you later.

[Machine cranking]

♪

There he is -
the one with the glasses!

Stop!

Halt!

[Gun fires]

Ah!

Hurry!

Leave him in the street.

We set an example for others.

♪

[engines rumbling]

[Dogs barking,
tweeting of whistles]

You have your orders!

The first unit
will take the east building!

The other side is burned!

Move it, move it!

[Soldiers yelling in German]

[Pounding on door]

Open up now!
Vagli!

- The Vagli family?
- Yes.

Get dressed and follow us.

Oh, my God!

You'll be safe with these.

Oh, thank you.

Pipolo! The Pipolo family!

May I use the back door?

Yes. Follow me.

- Wait!
- No! This way!

[Screams, yelling
in distance]

Come on, come on!

Halt! Halt!

[Man yelling, gun fires]

[Woman screming, crying]

What's happened?

The Lorenzi family?

That's us.

Get dressed and go outside.
You, in.

What is it, Papa?

It's all right,
now go get dressed.

OK. Stay off the street.

Thank your father, Miriam.
And may God bless him.

You're welcome, Mrs. Vasti.

♪

You, over there!

Move!

In here! Quick, quick!
Come on!

[Engines rumble,
tweeting of whistles on street]

- The Germans, they're taking...
- Calm down, calm down!

It doesn't matter
how you get out of the ghetto!

You leave everything and go!

Go warn the others. Go!

You two down the back alley!

Come on, my love.
We must be quick.

Yes, yes...
All right.

♪

[tweeting of whistle]

[Woman cries in distance]

[Talking nearby]

This way!
Come on! Bring them through!

Clear.

Get in line!

[Men yelling in German]

Get up!

Come on!

Over there.

Move it! Come on!
Hurry up!

Over there!

He's not my baby!
I'm just watching him!

He's not my baby!

That's the mother!

Take your child!
Take your child!

[Woman crying]

You're in the line.
Move out of the way.

Move! Move!

Move!

- Quickly, run faster!
- I am!

Where are you going?
Stop!

Don't you know
the Germans are everywhere?

If you're not careful,
they'll take you as well.

Let me go!
My family is there!

Listen to me.

We're going
to turn around together

and walk back
to where you came from.

No! I need to see them.

Stop it.

You'll get me arrested
with all the others.

Please don't cry.

You'll see;
they probably got away.

Now you have
to think about yourself.

Do you have
somewhere you can go?

Look, find a safe place,

and don't come out
until tomorrow morning.

- No.
- Do you understand?

They're rounding up Jews.
Run.

- No.
- Go hide!

How long has
the raid been going on?

About three hours.
They began at dawn.

They moved in on a Saturday,

to make sure they would
all be at home.

Where are they taking them?

We haven't found out yet.

We have to stop these arrests.

Call a meeting with

Ambassador Weizsacker
immediately.

How forceful should I be?

Extremely forceful.

Tell him...

that if these arrests
do not cease at once,

the Pope
will make himself heard.

This is so distressing
for His Holiness.

Distressing beyond words
that in Rome,

right under his nose,
so many people

have been made to suffer
because of their race.

I phoned the command, Monsignor.

It doesn't seem that
only Jews were arrested.

What is
happening here, Ambassador,

is absolutely intolerable.

What is happening, Monsignor,

has been decided
at the highest level.

That does not
make it more acceptable.

The Holy See does not want
to be put in the position

of having
to publicly disapprove.

Any protest made by the Pontiff
would only make things worse,

radically increasing
the number of deportations.

You know, Monsignor,
I keep expecting you

to ask me why I haven't
given up my position here.

To keep this conversation
off the record,

I dread the consequences
that even the assumption

of intervention from
the Holy See would have.

Every day you remind me
more and more of her.

Now go...

I see you later.

[Explosion in distance]

♪

Your Holiness...

The meeting with
Ambassador Weizsacker

didn't have the result
we hoped for.

The arrests
are still taking place.

Do you want
to make yourself heard?

Your Holiness?

A public announcement
would take hours,

not to mention
the consequences of it.

These arrests must stop at once.

We have only one chance:
Stahel.

Do you want me
to go and speak to him?

You'd be too conspicuous.

The General would be
forced to refuse your request.

Then who can we send?

[Phone rings]

Hello.

Yes.

What?

Lmmediately.

Father Pfeiffer!

Father Pfeiffer!
Come here!

Who is it?

The Pope.

Hello.

Anything I can do.

I see.

Yes.

And I'll pray for you,
Your Holiness.

We'll take care of your car.

Park in the garage.

General.

I assume you know why I'm here.

I have no jurisdiction
over what is happening.

The SS is responsible.

The Holy Father
should know that.

God only knows
how all of this disgusts me.

But I'm telling you I cannot
do anything about it.

Nothing.

Go back to the Pope and tell him
that I am not the one to blame,

even if I am
wearing this uniform.

It is
a general's uniform, though.

These are
difficult times, General.

Times of decision,

and you're accountable
for these decisions -

to God.

I'm German, like you are.

Why don't we act in a way

that we will not
be ashamed of one day?

I'll try and call Berlin.

There, tell him that.

The arrests have not ceased.
Call now.

Please.

General Himmler, quickly.

It's General Stahel.

Please, wait outside.

General Himmler...

I have five divisions assigned
to fighting the American advance

and my task is to supply them.

I need the Command
to make a decision.

I either use my men
to hunt down Jews,

or I use them to supply
the troops on the front.

Yes.

What do you mean
stop the arrests?

Yes, Reichsführer.

Tell the officers
to withdraw their men.

The operation
has been suspended.

The reinforcements we were
expecting aren't coming.

Yes, Captain.

[Gun cocks, fires,
man screams]

[Soldiers yelling in German,
dogs barking]

Quickly, move it!

Father Pfeiffer was successful.

The arrests have stopped.

Speaking to Stahel worked.

Let us pray this gesture
doesn't cost him.

Now we must concentrate on
the ones who were arrested.

How many are there?

More than a thousand,
Your Holiness.

Where are they being held?

On Via della Lungara.

As long as they're kept
here in Rome, all is not lost.

We have to bypass
Ambassador Weizsacker.

We need to let
Berlin know directly

that if there are any more acts
of violence against the Jews,

I will take a public stand
against the regime.

Should I get our
German bishop involved?

Yes.

In the meantime, let's try
to persuade the Germans

to release as many
of the prisoners as possible.

How?

They'll never make concessions,
but they are Germans.

They won't be able to refuse

if we can come up
with a legal pretext.

[Engines rumble]

♪

There has been
a breach of justice...

These people must
be released at once.

Individuals who are not Jewish,

Jewish people with
passports from countries

that are not yet
subject to deportation,

children from mixed marriages.

Thank you, Father.

Don't go back to the ghetto.

Find a refuge, or leave Rome.

- God bless you.
- Thank you.

May God be with you.

Thank you.

♪

[crickets chirping]

[Dogs barking in distance]

Miriam?

Miriam?

Professor Boni?

It's me, it's Davide.

In nominee Patris, et Filii
et Spiritus Sancti, Amen.

Any response from Berlin?

Forgive me, Your Holiness,

the Polish ambassador
has requested a meeting.

What is holding him
back from speaking out?

It was the 26th of July,
last year...

The Dutch bishops
had explicitly condemned

the persecution of the Jews.

And in the days following
the Nazis organized a reprisal,

and 40,000 Jews
were arrested and deported.

He had already written a report

supporting the
Dutch bishop's words.

It was supposed to be
published the day after.

He didn't even hesitate.

He burned his report.

He said...

if they killed
40,000 innocent people

over the bishop's report,

how many more would they kill
over the Pope's?

Try and put yourself
in his shoes,

knowing that the entire world

is waiting for you
to speak out against Hitler.

Yet for your words,

Hitler will take
more innocent lives.

What would you do?

Mr. Lorenzi...

I would very much like to see
those 16th-century editions.

Papa.

He comes with me.

[Engines rumbling]

[Flick of switch]

Wait for Papa in the office.

I just need a few minutes

to find the books
you're interested in.

You don't remember
where you keep them?

I remembered before your men
turned everything upside down.

A bit of light would help.

Two minutes, no more.

Papa, Papa.

- Do you want to help papa?
- Hmm mm.

Go down there.

Take the extra passes,

walk out the back door
and run away.

Where to?

To as far away as you can go.

Please, Riccardo,
it's very important.

And you, Papa?

One day you'll be back,
you'll knock and I'll be here.

And I need to say tikvà?
The password?

Yes, Tikvà.

Papa, Papa.

This is the rarest one.

It's from the first half
of the 16th century.

It must be worth a lot.

It's the most
precious thing I had.

We can go now.

The child?

Where's your son?

You know how children are.

You turn your back
for just a moment,

and they disappear.

[Chuckles]

[Loud bang, man screams]

Papa.

Ah!

[Sobbing]

♪

Giovanni...

[knock on door,
door opens]

Your Holiness...

I didn't mean to interrupt.

That's all right.

What's happened?

Leave your bag!

Move! Move!

I said leave your luggage!

Ah!!!

[Gun cocks, fires]

Come on, come on!

[Dogs barking]

Why wasn't I informed?

You were supposed to tell me

if the prisoners
were to be taken away.

You complained to Himmler

that you didn't have
enough men to guard them.

I received an order
from a higher rank

to have them
removed all together.

[Train whistle blows]

Lock the doors!

Lock the doors!

Papa?

Papa! Papa!

Miriam!

Papa, no!

Miriam!

Papa, no!

- Get back!
- Let me in!

I'm Jewish!

- I'm Jewish too!
- You crazy woman!

Ah!!

[Doors slam]

[Train slowly chugs away]

[Sobbing]

♪

[thunder clap]

What are you doing here?

Come, come with me.

Now you're all alone.

I promise...
You'll be safe.

Well?

The train
has reached Germany.

But that's the last thing
anyone knows about it.

You did everything
you could, Your Holiness.

Only the Lord can tell me that.

Heil Hitler.

We are ready, General.

If you give the order,

we can start the initial phase
of the operation at once.

Good job, Major Werner.

Stand by then.

Proceed when I give the signal,

and bring the Führer
my personal gift...

The Holy Father.

♪

[loud thunder clap]

[Bells ring, people chattering]

♪

Oh, Lord.

Now what?

[Crowd chatters]

Sorry, I'm afraid
there's no news.

We don't know anything.

We don't know where, why, who.

We're all
completely in the dark.

If I knew more,
I'd tell you more.

Dante.

Excuse me.

Davide...

Thank God.

How did you manage
to get away?

The sewers.

And you?

I improvised.

Jacopo's here.

Lia too, with Ester's child.

Ester was taken.

[Woman crying]

Why, Mama?

My son, be strong for Mama.

It is all right.
I am with you now.

You are safe, my son.

Miriam? Her family?

Don't know, I'm sorry.

There's that boy that
I think you know over there too.

What are you doing here?

You're not Jewish.

You know that German officer
that was hunting me down?

Well, he found me.

I was going back home,

but they were
watching my apartment.

When I got there, they saw me,

and when I ran...
they shot me.

But I was lucky.

Poetry saved my life.

Lucky thing I gave
it back to you, hmm?

Oh, yeah.

And Miriam?

The last time I saw her
was in the ghetto,

just before the raid.

So many have been saved.

Not only here,
in other places too.

Maybe she's with them.

I hope so.

- Look at them!
- What can we do?

What's going on?

Forget about the help
we've given to the Communists

and a few
starving souls, Father Pfeiffer!

But now, we are forgetting
that this is a convent!

If you don't deal with it,

I'll make sure
the superiors find out.

Listen to me...

You will not mention

a word of this to anyone.

And...

Don't even think
about leaving the convent,

or using the phone
for any reasons at all.

Well, he's right
about one thing, though.

I'm just a simple priest.

Higher ranks need to
tell us what to do.

[Church bell rings]

♪

Papers please.

Hundreds of them
have shown up

and we've tried
to take them in -

not only the Jews
from the ghetto,

but from all the other
neighborhoods as well,

Your Holiness.

Now they are at Laterano,
San Callisto.

Even in St. Peter's
Canonical buildings.

We know.

We know.

Your Holiness...

The Vatican territory
cannot be infringed upon,

but our institutions in Rome
are inside occupied territory.

The Germans could
break in at any moment.

The clergy doesn't
know what to do.

They're waiting for a sign.

If they want a sign
from the Pope...

then they shall have it.

Your Holiness, please.
Anyone can listen in.

In fact, I believe
it's one of the Lord's

preferred means
of communication.

But the Germans
monitor our broadcasts.

That's true, Your Holiness.

- You see?
- Listen.

[Clears throat]

- Ready?
- Uh, yes.

May God bless all of you.

How many times have we
had to repeat in anguish,

the words of our
Divine Teacher...

Father Pfeiffer.

... Misereor super turbam"?

I think it's...

And how many times have
we also had to add,

"Non habent quod manducent"?

They have nothing to eat.

Especially when we consider

the many regions
devastated by war.

And there never was a time

when we were not aware
of the stark contrast

between our own deprivation
and the need of the masses,

whose plaintive cries
and doleful wails

we now hear ever closer.

We turn to the Christian world

with an unyielding paternal plea
for help and mercy.

Same old speech.

Here I am.

I stand at the door and knock.

The convent welcomes all of you.

In this time
that we are together,

I want us to act as one,

so that we can manage an
almost unmanageable situation.

But for a temporary society
to flourish,

we must establish some rules.

Men and women
will be housed separately.

Be strong.

Bye, Daddy.

You'll be allowed
to meet at meal times.

Everyone will need to work
for the common good together.

None of you will be allowed

to leave the convent,
for obvious security reasons.

And for the same reason,

don't ask questions
amongst yourselves.

If any of you should fall into
the hands of the Germans,

you can't repeat
what you don't know.

I'm sure I don't need
to tell you that anyone,

at any moment,

could decide to come in here,

and we won't be able
to offer any resistance.

There's only a wooden door
separating us

from the assassins,
my friends.

It's been days, Your Holiness,
weeks, that this Jewish family

has been permanently
living in St. Peter's rectory -

two steps from
these apartments.

If you forgive me
for saying so,

we are no longer
masters of our own home.

I perfectly understand
and share your concern.

Rest assured,
we will take care of it.

We are compromising
our most precious advantage

in these times -
our neutrality.

Those families must
be evicted, Your Holiness.

And we will take care of it,
Eminence Canali.

[Children talking, laughing]

[Pope chuckles]

So, Your Holiness,
should I have them evicted?

No, Monsignor.

Leave everything just as it is.

All right...
Put it down there.

Give him a hand to put
this stuff over there.

Yes, that's right.

Hey, you two!

I need you in the crypt.

We need a place
to hide the children

if the Germans should break in.

Come on.

We'll find it in the bags.

Maybe we left it behind?

No, we brought it.
I'm sure of it.

We have to find it.
We need it.

No, we have to find it now!

Davide, where are you going?

- You're here too!
- Davide!

Weren't you
supposed to leave Rome

with the passes
Armando made for you?

Those passes saved our lives,

but I just couldn't risk
the trip with my family.

And Armando and his family -
have you seen them?

They were arrested...

Right before my eyes.

This silly piece of paper
was all that separated

Armando and Ricardo
from freedom.

And what about Miriam?

No, I don't know about Miriam.

I just saw them take
her father and brother away.

Are you sure?

I didn't see Miriam either.

She wasn't on that truck.

Thank you, very much.

- Thank you.
- Sure.

She's escaped!

They didn't take her!

And now where could she be?

I'm going to start
looking in the ghetto,

and then talk
to every contact I have.

[Crickets chirping,
crowd chattering in distance]

I know.
That's exactly what I said.

[Crowd talking, chuckling]

I would like to propose
a toast to our Führer,

and his daring rescue
of our faithful ally Mussolini.

To the Führer!

I trust your dinner has
been satisfactory, gentlemen.

Would anyone like a cigar?

Oh, no,
thank you, General.

Coffee and cognac
will be served in the parlor.

If you would excuse me...

I shall join you in a while.

So, basically, out of
the 10,000 arrests expected,

no more than 1,000
were brought by train.

We lack men.

Many Jews fled,
others were warned in advance...

and we weren't able
to seal things up fast enough.

And those who escaped

found shelter
with friends and relatives.

And even now many are
being sheltered by churches -

and even the Vatican.

I can't figure out
why the Church

hides and protects
the declared enemies.

That is the Jews
and the Communists.

Those priests,
they all deserve a bashing.

And the Vatican should become
our own private museum.

[All chuckle]

[Crowd chatters,
piano music plays]

What do we have here?

Such soft hands.
Too soft for this kind of work.

Oh, there you are.

I was waiting for you
in the other room.

Bianca, I was...

Shh.

Now why don't you
wait for me in there.

- I'll join you in a minute.
- All right.

Would you please
stop being so stupid!

Don't be so resistant.

Remember that they're
willing to pay 5,000 Lire

for every captured Jew.

Don't make that face.

We're still better off here
than ending up

being taken away
like the others.

I would rather
be dead than stay here.

Aren't you ashamed?

Ashamed? Of what?

Of enjoying life instead of
going into hiding like a rat?

I'm going to meet up
with some partisans.

Maybe they can
tell us something.

When should we
meet back here?

In exactly three hours.

OK. Good luck.

You, General, are excused from
any further bother this evening.

You can go home now.

I assume then that the topic
of your discussion

does not concern me.

Let me guess...

Is His Holiness
the subject of this meeting?

Possibly.

The Pontiff has summoned me.

I could deliver a message
on your behalf, General.

That won't be necessary.

I think the Pope will be
hearing from us soon enough.

Give him my regards.

If you'll excuse me.

[Crickets chirping,
dogs barking]

Armando's.

[Glass shatters]

[Tinkling of glass]

Tommaso?

- Umberto?
- Davide.

You scared me.

What are you doing here?

Oh, I just needed a drink.

I played at the villa tonight.

That's one scary place,
believe me.

Want some?

And you?
What are you doing here?

I'm looking for someone.

Yeah... Who isn't these days?

Miriam...

Armando's daughter?

I know where she is,
but you're not going to like it.

Come on.

I met with the partisans.

Every day we're getting
stronger and stronger.

They told me about a few places
where the Jews are hiding out.

Maybe we could go and check.

We don't need to.
I know where she is.

- Oh, yeah?
- Yeah.

What do you mean
with the Germans?

What's she doing there?

I don't know...
She's just there.

She left with
one of the girls

at the ghetto - Bianca -
but I don't know why.

And how are you going
to get her out of there?

I don't know yet...

But I swear, I'm going
to bring her home

if it costs me my life.

Where are you going?

My gosh, Father...

You're worse than the Germans.

I am German.

What are you doing up?

Uh... what are we doing?

We... woke up early
to get to work.

You have no idea
how much there is still to do.

Good... Let's go.

You do know, General,
that we have many

large and small institutes
scattered around Rome?

We would like these institutes
to be declared inviolable.

You do know, Your Holiness,

that extraterritoriality
agreements regard the Vatican

and few other institutes.

Yes, but we've been
able to have all of Rome

declared an open city.

Even the Allies
have accepted this.

You're speaking about a castle
made of sand, Your Holiness.

The Allies won't hesitate
to destroy it,

and neither will our people.

Let us speak, General,
about who we are,

and not who we represent.

We are human beings.

Do you not agree
that each and every man

carries the responsibility
of the entire world

upon his shoulders?

I am not one to shirk
my responsibilities,

Your Holiness.

But what you are asking me
has a very high price.

That is why
I pray for you, General.

I am aware of what's
going on around me,

what some of your colleagues
have in mind for me.

I can't say a word,
Your Holiness.

Above all,
I'm a soldier of the Reich.

There is no need
for you to speak.

I can see through you
as if you were made of glass...

And I see a believer,

who in this moment
receives a Pope's prayer.

Defend our Holy places, General.

I could ask
the partisans for help.

I already saw
how good you guys are.

Sure, you're always right, huh?

No, not always.

Show them the hiding place.

Here it is...

Come on, I'll show you.

In here?

It's fine,
you'll be safe inside.

Leave them alone, Father!
You can't force them!

It's for their own safety,
just in case.

[Babies cry]

Maybe if they weren't so hungry
they wouldn't be so grumpy.

We're all doing our best.

One cup of soup a day
isn't enough for anybody!

These people must be fed
and cared for every day,

and we are lacking
the bare necessities.

We've really reached
our limits, Your Holiness.

♪

Your Holiness,
we are talking about

hundreds of thousands
of meals a day.

The storehouses
will be empty in a month.

Then we'll restock them.

Please, please.

We do have
some trucks available.

150 vehicles were confiscated
by the Germans.

There's about 80 left.

Set up a transportation system.

But that will...

It will go every day,
to get flour, oil, meat -

- in Umbria, Tuscany, Abruzzo -
wherever they can find supplies.

This could create problems for
the Vatican City's provisions.

Monsignor, order our
rations reduced.

We've already
done so, Your Holiness.

It's impossible
to reduce them any more.

Then we'll economize
wherever else possible,

on heating,
clothing, petroleum.

Forgive me, Your Holiness,
this has come

for your urgent attention
from the German command.

General Stahel signed it.

This means all our convents
and churches can be

declared extraterritorial.

The Lord is with us.

Forgive me, Your Holiness,

but declaring all
our churches Vatican territory

is the same as
telling the Germans

that we are hiding refugees.

They already know this, Father.

But now, if they want to enter,

they must disobey a direct order
issued by their own command.

It will be harder
for them to enter,

but, by this same reason,
if they do come,

they will act without mercy.

And we must be prepared
to defend ourselves.

How, Your Holiness?

[Church bells ringing]

If my mother
saw me like this...

Mine would be jumping for joy.

[Kids laughing]

What are you laughing at?
Get out of here, go on!

[Choir singing]

♪ Hallelujah... ♪

Good, good!
That's the right intonation.

Now, let's imagine
that we are in danger.

All of you must hurry here
and sing louder...

♪ Hallelujah... ♪

Who art in heaven,

hallowed be Thy name.

Who art in heaven,
hallowed be Thy name.

Thy kingdom come...

Thy kingdom come...

What's wrong?

You have your prayers,
and I have mine.

Jacopo, this is
no time to argue.

Just memorize it.

Oh, and you are the one
giving me lessons now?

You're as stubborn as a mule.

Please, just do it!

Father Pfeiffer, it's here!

What are you doing?

I know my position, and you?

We have to do this.

It's not just for you,
it's for us!

No, no, no, no!

Thank you.

- Father Alfredo!
- Thank the Lord.

How are you, Monsignor?

This is a fantastic relief.

Thank the Holy Father for us.

He thanks you,
and sends his blessings.

Make it last, Father.

Well, you know, apparently
the Pope himself ordered it.

Many of the Jews who
have escaped the arrests

are hiding in churches
and convents.

Stahel has really
halted our plans

with this
extraterritorial scheme.

Ah, it's no more
than a house of cards.

If Stahel weren't here,
it would mean nothing at all.

To be honest, gentlemen,
I don't think the General

will be among us
for much longer.

And at that point, all we need
is an excuse to break in.

And not only
in churches and convents -

inside the Vatican too.

My advice to you

is to put an end
to this grotesque initiative.

- Listen...
- What initiative?

The abduction of His Holiness.

Don't treat me like I'm stupid.

It seems that this has
become an obsession for you.

I understand that by
pulling off this assignment,

you would make a great
impression on the Füher,

but let's just say
with the way things are going,

it might be better to secure
someone else's respect.

Whose?

The hierarchy
of the Catholic Church?

Like you are doing,
Herr Stahel?

You've accepted defeat,
if not committed treason.

They're making schemes
inside Papal territory,

organizing the resistance,
hiding Jews.

Do you really think all of this

will get past the Führer
without him knowing?

No.

They already tried
to abduct the Pope once...

people much more
powerful than us.

Napoleon abducted
Pius VI from Rome,

and from then on there's
been a problem in France.

"Qui mange du Pape en meurt".

He who lays hands
on the Pope will die.

You, Stahel,
are the type of officer

that I wouldn't
want in my command.

And I don't think I'm the
only one who feels this way.

Dismissed.

[Engine repeatedly cranking]

Start!

It won't start?

And now what?

Is there a mechanic here?

I hardly even know
how to drive this thing.

Yeah, right, a mechanic here.

You're better off leaving it

and coming back
tomorrow morning

with someone
who knows how to fix it.

What do you think, Marco?

Sure...
Don't worry about it.

Besides, it can't
go anywhere, can it?

- Exactly.
- OK.

- See you tomorrow then.
- No problem.

And thank you.

Don't worry about a thing.

- Bye.
- Bye.

All the best.

- Such a shame.
- What a pity.

Get out!

What's in the back?

Come on, come and see.

Provisions.

Ja?

To eat...
Hmm! Good stuff.

Ja? Ja?

- OK.
- Thank you.

Let them pass!

What the hell
are we doing here?

Aren't you the one
who wanted to be a hero?

A hero, yes,
but not commit suicide.

We must be out of our minds.

Come on.

Ah! Put everything
inside the pantry.

OK...

You wouldn't know if Miriam
was here, would you?

Brown hair...
I'm her brother.

Look, my boss is...

If she's here,
she's upstairs.

Now what?
Do we just wait for her?

And if she doesn't
just come by this way?

I'm going to find her.

And now?
What am I supposed to do?

[Gasps]

[Fork clangs]

Quiet. Be quiet...

I've got a car.

You're coming with me
and we'll get out of here.

Are you crazy?
Go, leave me alone.

You're coming with me.

They will kill both of us.

Come downstairs with me now.

Hey, you!

What's going on here?

What have you got there?

I asked you a question.

Hey! You!
Bring me some cigarettes.

Here you go.

Keep walking, my love.

Just keep walking.

Try and stay calm,
for heaven sake.

- I can't do it.
- Get in.

Why don't you
just leave me alone?

- Miriam.
- Marco.

Come on.

OK.

- Are you serious?
- Yes, I am.

What is it?

Hold this truck.

- What are you looking at?
- Nothing.

- Is something wrong?
- Eh, no.

- Let's...
- We're late!

They're waiting for us
at the card game.

OK. Let them through.

Go on.

Pull over here.

We can cut through there.

Hey...

When I first met you,

I thought you were
a rat and a thief.

But now I know
that you deserve Miriam.

There's no greater compliment
that I can give you.

I never did introduce myself.

I'm Davide.

Come on.

Out you go.
Here.

We have to walk from here.

They could stop us
inside the city.

Riding in the van is too risky.

I have a pass, you don't.

They're expecting you at dinner.

Let's cut through here.

Come on.

Why did you take me from there?

What are you expecting now?

It doesn't matter anymore.

Nothing is the same as it was.
I'm not the same as I was.

And if they're still alive?
How do you know?

Shut up, please.
You're making it worse.

And me?

I don't mean anything?

Don't you understand why
I went all the way there?

I was always there
for you before.

And still am now.

I won't let you
do this to yourself.

Is that clear?

You're alive, Miriam.

Don't you have a bit of respect
for those who didn't make it?

Miriam!

Miriam!

But why did I make it...
and not them?

So what are you?
Crazy or just plain stupid?

Which is it?

So you got away with it once.

I appreciate you
saving somebody's life,

but don't risk
the lives of others!

You're not the only
ones hiding here.

And I'm on to you...

One of those guys who
settles everything with a gun.

Now go into the infirmary
and get your ankle checked.

Miriam.

Don't worry.

It will be fine.

You have to show them
how it's done, of course.

They need help.

You know, it's really
not that uncomfortable.

And it's certainly
better not to take it off.

She's right, you know,

especially with all these
people coming and going.

Miriam!

Lia.

- Oh, Lia.
- Miriam.

You look well.
How did you get here?

And the baby?

It's Ester's.

Ester's?

And your parents?

They're also here.
They're doing OK.

Armando and your brother?

Oh, God, I'm so sorry.

I'm so sorry.

Please make sure
she stops crying.

Thank you.

Are you the one who's hurt?

Yes.

Sorry for the delay.

We've just had so much
to do with the reorganization -

bringing in the babies,

making sure everybody
got used to their new role.

So?

Are you the doctor?

You'll have to make do.

Oh, no, no, I didn't mean...

It's just that you
seemed too...

Too what?

Young.

That's one flaw that
quickly passes with time.

Nothing's broken,
it's just sprained.

Did you study medicine?

I mean, before the war.

No, literature.

You're kidding?
Me too.

So, how is that you've learned
how to take care of ankles?

I always thought that literature
would be enough for me.

Then I discovered that there's
more to life than just books,

and that's when
I began to help others.

I know what you mean.

Don't put any
weight on this foot.

I'll check on you
in a few days.

This has arrived this morning.

I warned you.

Anyway...

Soon all hell will
break loose here too.

You're an
intelligent man, Stahel.

You knew things
would end up this way.

Why did you do it?

If you haven't understood
by now, General,

then I doubt I will
be able to explain it to you.

[Choir singing]

♪ Hallelujah... ♪

I didn't think
we'd do such a good job.

See that?

A couple of planks,
a bit of paint,

and there you have it.

If the Germans even
step foot into the convent,

we'll all end up
trapped like mice.

You're right.

Hiding out is not
the best strategy.

We need to fight
with the partisans -

at least those of us
who are younger.

Even those who are crippled?

It doesn't hurt anymore.

Professor Boni said
the pass worked for him.

We could print one
for all of the refugees.

You and I?

And Miriam.

[Bell dinging]

[Group chattering]

- Mommy, Daddy!
- There you are!

Let's go and eat.

[Crowd chattering]

Your bowl, please.

There you are.

Hey! Wait for me.

I can't go on like this, Davide.

I can't eat...

I can barely breathe.

I only feel good
when I'm with him.

He doesn't ask anything of me.

It was Armando's.

I knew we'd
see each other again,

and I thought
you'd like to have it.

Your father wouldn't be
happy to see you like this.

And how would you know?

You're not the only
one who knew him.

He would have never given up.

He would have
hung in there to the very end.

- Stop it!
- He loved life!

And I know he would
want you to love it too.

We need you to
help us print some passes.

If Armando were here,
we would have asked him.

[Sobbing]

♪

Eastern front.

I'm sorry, General.

You needn't be, Your Holiness.

I'm used to carrying out orders,

but I wanted to see you again
before I leave.

There's no turning back now.

From here on in,
all acts will be acts of war.

And I wanted to warn you,
Your Holiness, to be careful.

When backed into a corner,

a wild beast becomes
particularly ferocious.

I'm bound by an oath that
still means something to me,

but there's one thing
I want to tell you...

Don't exclude the option
of leaving Rome soon.

This is my home...

And the city of Rome
is my family.

Where would I possibly go?

May God
protect us both, General.

All right...
Come on.

I'm going to...

Catch up with
your partisan friends.

Meet you back at dawn.

All right.

Wait up...

I'll go and check it out.

♪

I remember when
they brought it here.

What a celebration.

My mother was there too.

We had never seen
my father so happy.

OK...

Let's get to work.

There's no power.

Now what?

And now,
we print them by hand.

Hmm, all right.

- OK?
- Yes.

[Machine clanking]

No, don't touch it.
Let it dry.

Well?

Perfect.

Almost.

You're good at this.

This could become
a career for you one day.

Without my father
and Riccardo?

Oh, I don't know.

Well, maybe we could
find someone to help you.

Hello?

♪

[church bells ringing]

Where is he?

We shouldn't have split up.

[Engine rumbling]

Thank you...

For everything.

Marco!

Are you crazy?

Every minute on the street
could cost us our lives.

I've got too many
important things to prepare.

Sure, important.

I'll tell you what, though.

If Pfeiffer catches us,

not even the
National Liberation Committee

will be able to save us.

Here.

We thought we could
negotiate with them

using diplomacy
as we've always done.

And you thought
they were people

you could reason with,
Your Holiness.

Instead we were speaking to the
devil without even realizing it.

[Loud boom in distance]

It's going to rain.

That's not thunder.

The front is getting
closer and closer every day.

Satan is at our doorstep.

He wants to undo
all the good in the world.

But he won't succeed.

We will prevail
by restoring it...

with the help of God.

[Brakes squeal,
doors slam]

The soldiers!
Wake up, everyone!

- German soldiers!
- Wake up!

Davide, wake up!
The soldiers are here!

You go to the nursery!

I'll run to get the older kids
and meet you in the basement!

- OK.
- Hurry!

Quickly, to the nursery!

Help me, the Germans are here!

The Germans are coming!

What's going on?!

The Germans!

We have to go and get
the babies, Mother Superior!

You two in the church!

Quickly, come quick!

We need to tend to the babies!

Let's go!

Hide all your luggage!

I'm going with you!

[Tweeting of whistles]

Line them up against the wall.

Move it!

Get over here!

Quick, let's get them
all in the crypt.

- Give them to me.
- Here, you take this one.

Take this baby as well.

Up against the wall! Move!

No! They will know
you are not a nun.

It's just as dangerous for him.

- Leave him here.
- Please!

We'll make sure he's safe.
Don't worry.

He'll be fine!
Come on, don't worry!

Come along!
You too!

Quickly, kids, come on!

What's wrong?

Wait...

Come on! Hurry up!

[Choir singing]

Quickly, quickly...

Under the stairs...
Get in.

[German voices approaching]

[Women scream]

- Come on!
- Shh...

Quickly. Faster.

Quickly. Get them in.

Move...
Move down to the end.

Here, you take these two.

- OK.
- I'll check with the others.

Hurry up, quickly!

Davide hasn't come
with the other children yet.

We can't wait.
Close the door.

[Crying in distance]

[Baby crying]

Shhh...

Raus! Raus!

I'm painting...
It's a Restoration.

Get a move on!

Yes, German soldiers too.

Do something, immediately!

Before things...
get worse.

This is an
extraterritorial area.

Don't you know the law?

I would ask
that you accompany me

down to the church, Father.

In line!

[Choir singing in distance]

Enough!

[Gun fires]

Are all these people priests?

Yes, you have my word.

Is that right?

[Whispering]

[Gun cocks]

[Gun fires]

[Gun cocks]

You...

Recite a Hail Mary.

Hail Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with you.

Blessed be thy name.

I will not tolerate
such behavior.

You're worse than animals.

Aren't you ashamed?

You should be ashamed of such
actions in the House of God.

Over there!

The Lord's Prayer.

The Lord's Prayer, please.

You don't know it?

My son...

[gun cocks]

Have pity on him.

He's an old man,
he's half deaf.

You, out here!

You recite
the Lord's Prayer then.

No.

So?

I don't know it.

I'm Jewish.

[Gun shot in distance,
man screams]

My name is Montini, assistant to
the Vatican Secretary of State!

Which officer is in charge here?

Tell me your name
and rank immediately.

I'm not obliged to.

This disruption violates
international agreements.

The Holy Father
has been informed.

Withdraw at once,
or you and your superiors

will have a major diplomatic
incident on your hands.

We were just leaving.

Release the hostages!

That...

is not possible.

Move out!

[Truck engine revs]

[Crowd murmuring excitedly]

Oh, thank God!

Marco, Marco!

Where's Davide?

He was supposed to take
the children down to the cellar,

but he never got there.

What?

The children!

Where are the children?!

[Applause, cheers]

Mama! Papa!

Davide...

Davide!

I'm sorry, I'm sorry!

Davide!

It's all right.

Davide, I thought they
had taken you away.

I couldn't have gone on...

I won't let anyone
take you away from me.

Do you understand?

♪

Oh, you were so brave.

Good girl.

Oh, my baby! Thank you!

It's all right.
Let's find Mama, huh?

Have an official protest posted

with the Osservatore Romano
about what happened.

Stress its importance,
and keep it severe.

- Right.
- Holy Father!

Well?

All of them were brought
to the Regina Coeli prison.

[Camera pops]

Thank you
for everything, Father Preiffer.

Thank them.

They're the ones
who printed the passes.

This will take you to
a safe place across the front.

Thank you, Miriam.

I still have the one
your father made for me.

Last time I was
afraid to use it,

but this time I'm not
going to think twice.

We're leaving.

You'll leave here in pairs.

Large groups
are too conspicuous.

The first two people.

History won't forget.

I don't work for history;

I work for charity.

Come, it's time.

Bye bye.

May God protect you.

[Woman crying]

- Can I have some breakfast?
- Yes.

Thank you.

Want some?

I've made up my mind;
I'm leaving too.

You want to get
across the front?

No...
I'm going back to the partisans.

To fight?

They told me about
their plan the other night.

It's a major action.

Are you all crazy?

Rome is hanging on
by a thread...

This isn't the time
for major actions.

Have you noticed?

If you look at
the cupola from here,

it almost seems as if
you can reach out...

and touch it.

But when you get closer,
it seems to move beyond reach.

My father made a ton
of money off the regime.

I'm ashamed of him.

But I've never had...
the courage to confront him.

My whole life, I've tried
to achieve something

that has always escaped me.

What are you doing?

Quickly, Father Pfeiffer.

You can't do this!

You can't do this to me!

- Davide!
- Calm down!

It's for your own good.

I'll be the one who decides
what's good for me!

Open this door!

I'm sorry, Marco.

I'm not going to let you go
and get yourself killed.

- Let me out of here!
- I'm sorry.

Let me out of here!
Davide! Davide!

It's clear. Come on.

[Explosion]

[Yelling on street,
tweeting of whistles]

[Phone rings]

[Phone rings]

Yes, Captain.

As for your directions, General,

I've worked up two scenarios
to kidnap the Pope.

One of them
is a simple abduction,

while the other would have
a more lethal outcome.

Once we have the Pope,

we'll concentrate on finding
the rest of the Jews

hidden in the convents.

[Whispering]

The Prefecture has confirmed -

it was a bomb.

Dozens died.

They'll retaliate.

They'll take it out
on the population.

All our efforts to keep the
war at bay have been useless.

The Germans
are already in place,

arresting the inhabitants
in the area.

We have to find out
what they have in mind

and try to stop them.

Nobody's able to speak
with them, Your Holiness.

Not the Prefect,
not the Chief of Police.

Let's try
to contact them directly

through our own channels,
but quickly.

[Yelling in German,
dogs barking]

Father! Halt!

I'm Father Pfeiffer.

I'd like to speak
to the commander.

Nein!

Go away!

I've come directly
on behalf of...

I said no!

Come! Out!

Move it! Let's go!

♪

[gunfire in distance]

On via Ardeatina, Your Holiness.

The Salesians
in the area saw them.

Hitler ordered
ten civilians executed

for every soldier
that was killed -

more than 300 people.

The young, the old -
they killed all of them.

♪

[radio communication blares]

We must absolutely defend
our positions, gentlemen,

so that our troops
can retreat to the north

without losing too many men.

Cut off communications,
access to bridges, streets.

In other words, fortify Rome
to crush the advancing enemy.

- Gentlemen.
- General.

General...

We must react now, General.

The situation is deteriorating.

If we don't abduct
His Holiness immediately,

I cannot guarantee
his safe transfer.

I understand.

I'll have my men ready.

The final act
of this tragedy is approaching,

and I will have a role in it.

I could be abducted,
taken hostage,

used in an exchange.

With this, I officially
step down from the papal throne.

If something
should happen to me,

it won't have
happened to the Pope...

but to Cardinal Pacelli.

But we have to avoid
any such incident.

Your Holiness must
leave Rome immediately.

You can take shelter in Spain

until the situation
quiets down.

We will not leave
St. Peter's for any reason.

This is our diocese.

We're staying here.

However, you may do
as you see fit.

Remember what happened
in Munich, Your Holiness,

when that revolutionary
pointed his gun at your heart?

I wanted to leave, to escape.

And the only reason I didn't,

is because you stayed there.

That time I realized,

it doesn't matter
where you are;

my place is at your side.

The time has come
to speak to the faithful...

Directly.

[Radio broadcast]
We'll get the signal from
St. Peter's Square in Rome,

where the Pope,
His Holiness, Pius XII

is due to make a speech.

We have
condemned this war

over and over again.

This terrible plague
that has come upon us

for having ignored the church's
supplication for peace.

Thank all of you
who have supported us

in offering assistance.

Yet at this moment
our hearts are restless,

restless for our
tormented city, Rome,

and its citizens,

who have been wounded,
mutilated and killed.

Our personal suffering is
nothing compared to your pain,

your restlessness,

which hurts and saddens
the deepest part of our hearts.

Today the whole civil
and Christian world

has its eyes fixed on Rome.

We don't want to believe
that this city

could be transformed
into a battlefield,

into a stage for war.

Commanders, armies,

those of you,
who by virtue of your power,

have the option to choose...

I beseech you,

so that your memory

is not cursed upon
the face of this earth

for centuries.

[Cheering, appplause]

♪

To you we turn for help,
exiled sons of Eve.

To you we raise our sighs,

as we suffer and cry
in this valley of tears.

♪

♪

The destiny of this war
seems to have been decided.

I've accepted to come,
Your Holiness,

because I believe
with your help

we can negotiate
a separate peace settlement

with only the Western forces,

excluding the Soviet Union.

No.

I think you accepted
to see me for another reason.

I think you wanted
to meet me face to face.

It's not at all honorable
to strike an adversary

without first looking
him in the eye.

I don't know what
you're talking about.

Oh, but you do.

You and I have danced this dance
of death without even meeting.

I did so
because I was forced to.

But you...

Why did you do it, General?

I followed the orders
I was given.

And what do
those orders call for?

To kidnap me?

To kill me?

To destroy our city?

By resisting, we guarantee
our army a safer retreat.

By resisting, you bring
about the sure suffering

of hundreds of thousands
of civilians,

and the destruction of Rome.

Here I am, General.

This is what
my strategy entails.

Do with me what you will.

This has already happened
many times before,

throughout the history
of Christianity.

But it has never prevented us

from prevailing
over our old enemy.

That is not the point.

The point...

The point is that
you refuse to accept

that my country is at war.

Every act, every decision
of mine is influenced by this.

I'm a soldier.

No!

No!

Above all, you are a man,

one of God's creatures.

Evil.

Evil is our
old adversary, General.

It resides within each of us.

Darkness and light,
that's what men are made of.

The darkness destroys them;

the light nourishes them.

It may seem trivial to you,
but it is not.

I don't know what
you're trying to get at.

I am trying to see,
in the depths of your being,

if there is still
a ray of light...

If the light of the Lord
can still illuminate

the darkness that invades
and afflicts your soul.

Do you really, consciously,

surrender to darkness?

To suffering?

No man can truly want that.

Look at me.

No creature of God
could want that.

And you are one of
God's creatures, General.

May I ask a favor of you?

♪

What did you say, General Wolff?

You're the one
that gave the order.

Mission cancelled...

We are retreating.

♪

[glass shatters,
cheering, applause]

It's OK, open it.

[Cheering, applause]

Come with me.

OK.

Miriam!

Riccardo!

Oh, Riccardo.

You're alive...

You're alive!

I found you.

Tikvà.

[Both crying]

♪

They have left, Your Holiness.

They didn't even
fire one shot

and no one
shot at them.

Rome is free.

Free...

But deprived of
so many of her children.

Will you take a walk
with me, Monsignor?

Without any escorts or guards?

[Tearfully]
Only the two of us.

♪

[guards murmuring]

♪

[crowd applauds]

Thank you, my Lord,

for having brought an end
to this dark night,

for having shown your servant
the light of the new day.

♪