The Good Pope: Pope John XXIII

Plot

In this film about the life of Pope John XXIII Bob Hoskins stars as, Pope John XXIII, a man of humble origin who became one of the most influential Popes of the last century. Born Angelo Roncalli, in Sotto Il Monte in 1881, he was known for his profound spirituality as well as his extraordinary goodness from a young age. He was a farmer's son who influenced the world politics of the time; a man of modest character who revolutionised the church.

After the death of Pope Pius XII many Curia cardinals thought that Roncalli would be transitional pope. Nevertheless he was pope during a most extraordinary chapter in history: the Cold War, the Berlin Wall and early space travel (Yuri Gagarin as the first such traveler in 1961). At the time of the Cuba crisis he influenced world politicians to keep the peace. He took the extraordinary step of announcing the Second Vatican Council, because he thought the time ripe for renewal in the Church. In his short time as pope, John XXIII touched the hearts of every creed and color. He visited prisoners and people who were very sick. He was christened by the people as the 'good pope'. This story follows scenes of his life and events he participated to. It will help us understand why thousands flocked to Rome to join Pope John XXIII in his final hours and why millions around the world mourned his death.

Cast

Bob Hoskins as Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli

Carlo Cecchi as Cardinal Mattia Carcano

Roberto Citran as Loris Capovilla

Fabrizio Vidale as young Angelo Roncalli

Chiara Caselli as Carla

Arnoldo Foà as Card. Alfredo Ottaviani

Ricky Tognazzi as Mons. Giacomo Radini-Tedeschi

Ivo Garrani as Cardinal Carcano (Mattia Carcano's Uncle)

Erland Josephson as Franz von Papen

Sergio Bustric as Guido Gusso

Francesco Venditti as Young Nicola Catania

John Light as Young Mattia Carcano

Rolando Ravello as Cannava

Francesco Carnelutti as Old Nicola Catania

Lena Lessing as Marta Von Papen

Enzo Robutti as Angelo's Grandfather