This is not a topic about the good or bad of the Church of Rome or even about religion. It is basically film reviews about two movies featuring Papal elections. I recently flew back to NZ from spending time visiting family in Australia. On the flight I watched the movie 'Conclave' and was so impressed I purchased my own copy. (eventually). When I say 'eventually', on our local auction site I inadvertently ordered the wrong one (We Have a Pope). I decided to watch it and wasn't disappointed.
'Conclave' is a drama that was extremely well crafted and eminently (no pun intended) watchable. What made it a great movie I think was the twist in its tail ending that wasn't expected.
'We Have a Pope' is about a reluctant chosen pope who doesn't want the job and escapes from the Vatican. Before he disappears, the Papal authorities arranges for a psychoanalyst (doctor who happens to be an atheist) to try and help him. There are some very funny moments in the film, especially when the doctor teaches the Cardinals to play volleyball.
This movie also has a twist in its tail.
Edited by - banjonz on 04/29/2025 18:58:40
Watched Conclave last weekend.
Thoroughly enjoyed it. Great plot that kept me riveted.
Well worth a view, regardless of your religion or beliefs.
Angels & Demons is one film I enjoyed. It has two of my favorite actors, Ewan Mcgregor and Tom Hanks.
Paul
We are flying to Rome in 9 days and will be in Rome 4 days before we embark on a 10 day cruise to Greece, Malta, Sicily, and various provinces of Italy.
We too just watched the Conclave and enjoyed it and did NOT expect……..well you know!!!
The current or next Conclave begins on May 7th and usually takes 2-5 days.
I am Catholic (not what I would call a practicing Catholic) with a Sicilian mother, and knowing we have a chance to see that white or black smoke from the chimney is exciting and even emotional!!!
After our cruise we will spend a few more days in several cities outside Rome and hopefully less crowded than what I’m anticipating for Rome!!!
Pope Francis will be missed!!! He truly was the Peoples Pope and IMO, the perfect man for the job!!!
Slammer!!!
When John XXIII died, and Paul only lasted a month or so, the next Pope took the name John Paul.
And the guy after him was Benedict.
Friend of mine said that was a mistake.
Said JOHN PAUL should be followed by George Ringo!
But my all-time favorite Pope joke was when a bunch of us were watching a new Pope come out on the balcony for his first time, and he made a huge Sign of the Cross, while saying something in Latin.
And one of the guys in the room said
"For those of you who didn't take Latin in school what His Holiness is saying is
Hey, alla you tourists...... get offa my lawn!
Edited by - mike gregory on 04/30/2025 06:06:40
Papal voting is a master class in getting voting done right. Anyone interested in the nitty gritty of democracies might want to look into it.
Thank you kindly.
I think that choosing a Pope from the United States, preferably from Kentucky, is way overdue. Extortion seems to be a popular policy initiative these days, so I think the Catholic Church should lose its tax exemption if they don't choose a Pope from the USA.
Edited by - RB3 on 05/02/2025 14:13:53
I thought Francis was great, especially after the two previous disasters. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for the next one.
quote:
Originally posted by mike gregoryWhen John XXIII died, and Paul only lasted a month or so, the next Pope took the name John Paul.
And the guy after him was Benedict.
Friend of mine said that was a mistake.
Said JOHN PAUL should be followed by George Ringo!
But my all-time favorite Pope joke was when a bunch of us were watching a new Pope come out on the balcony for his first time, and he made a huge Sign of the Cross, while saying something in Latin.
And one of the guys in the room said
"For those of you who didn't take Latin in school what His Holiness is saying is
Hey, alla you tourists...... get offa my lawn!
Good points, but Paul VI lasted a number of years. It was John Paul I who led a short papal life. I think he's the one who, when asked how many people worked in the Vatican, replied, "About half."
I often referred to his successor as J2P2.
Edited by - Paul R on 05/04/2025 12:51:53
I sit corrected.
I would have said "I STAND corrected", but I'm sitting, and, when discussing Popes, one doesn't want to get TOO far from the facts.
Ain't nobody gonna reference Patrick Sky?
A movie fan, I appreciate the suggestions, and may try to catch these movies when I can. Without saying anything political or religious, which this topic is historically deeply steeped in both, I am not Catholic but I do wish you of that faith every good blessing in choosing your next leader.
I'm a bit amazed at the number of people who follow this closely, and I mean non-Catholics and non-Christians. No concern for any religious aspects, yet caught up in the election of a new pope. Is it the trappings and the rituals that holds the appeal? The Vatican does know how to put on a show!
quote:
Originally posted by banjo bill-eI'm a bit amazed at the number of people who follow this closely, and I mean non-Catholics and non-Christians. No concern for any religious aspects, yet caught up in the election of a new pope. Is it the trappings and the rituals that holds the appeal? The Vatican does know how to put on a show!
Maybe it's the centuries old traditions. Maybe it's the ongoing power of the Vatican (with ties to various nations' intelligence agencies). Maybe it is the trappings for some (I find the chanting of USA! USA! by some groups of viewers to be somewhat off-putting - it's not an Olympic sport). For my own interest as a Catholic, it's what the new Pope will concentrate on. This new guy is interesting, but we'll have to see what plays out over time. I'm surprised they chose him so quickly.
I’m leaving for Rome tomorrow for a 20 day trip and have been following everything Popal over there as it will be very busy.
I’m a non practicing catholic and find it all very interesting, mainly because of its historical tradition .
Having the chance to see Bob, aka Pope Leo, is exciting as well.
The Vatican controls and influences a lot more than we’re led to believe……..IMO
Slammer!!!
