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The Good Pope

Name: The Good Pope
Director: Ricky Tognazzi
Released: 2003
Duration: 180 min

Representation Score

2.8/10

Limited

2003

Director

Ricky Tognazzi

Runtime

180 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The Good Pope is a traditional biographical drama that prioritizes historical and religious accuracy over challenging social norms. It focuses on the institutional power within the Catholic Church during the mid-20th century. The film’s structure reinforces the norms of its time. By focusing on the clerical hierarchy, it naturally excludes diverse identities and non-traditional perspectives. Ultimately, the narrative celebrates the sanctity of the Church and the divine calling of Angelo Roncalli, maintaining a narrow demographic focus.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Good Pope have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on the ecclesiastical hierarchy and the spiritual journey of Angelo Roncalli. It adheres to traditional clerical structures of the mid-20th century, offering no stories involving LGBTQ+ characters.

How does The Good Pope portray gender?

Limited

The narrative centers on the male experience of spiritual and political leadership within the Vatican. It reinforces traditional patriarchal institutions by excluding female characters from positions of influence.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Good Pope?

Limited

As a period piece centered on Italian history, the cast and setting are predominantly homogeneous. The film maintains a traditional Eurocentric focus without intentional efforts toward diverse ethnic perspectives.

How does The Good Pope represent religion and culture?

Limited

The film functions as a hagiographic exploration of a religious figure. It operates within the established moral and institutional paradigms of Western Christianity, emphasizing the sanctity of the Church.

Does The Good Pope include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no evidence of characters with visible or invisible disabilities being given real roles. The story remains focused on the spiritual and political actions of the clergy.

Present on Screen

Provides a focused biographical look at the life and spiritual journey of Angelo Roncalli.
Maintains historical and religious accuracy regarding the mid-20th century Vatican hierarchy.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of female characters in positions of influence or leadership.
Offers very little engagement with diverse ethnic perspectives or non-Eurocentric narratives.
Provides no meaningful representation of characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Angelo Roncalli, born in Sotto Il Monte in 1881, is known for his profound spirituality as well as his extraordinary goodness from the young years of his life. When he feels a need to serve God, Angelo goes to study theology in Bergamo, and in Apollinare School (Rome) and becomes a priest. During his studies, he gets to know his two dearest friends, Mattia and Nicola. Very soon, most people see marvelous talents in him, including his wide knowledge and a constant readiness for sacrifice. The Holy See makes him go further to bishop and cardinal, and the Holy Father sends him to various places as a representative of the Church. When Pius XII dies on October, the 9th, 1958, 77 year-old Angelo goes to Rome, to conclave to choose a new pope. However, this time, it is him who hears gentle words of Jesus "Tu es Petrus!" ("You are Peter!") and from October, the 28th leads the church as pope John XXIII

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