Italian film comedy on fictional Pope draws large crowds, mixed reviews

April 19, 2011

An Italian film comedy about a Pope with psychological problems has made an impressive debut at the box office, and drawn sharply mixed reactions from Catholic reviewers.

Habemus Papam, directed by Nanni Moretti, has drawn thousands of viewers as it opens just before Easter—at a time when the papacy is particularly in public focus because of the upcoming beatification of Pope John Paul II.

Writing in Avvenire, the daily newspaper published by the Italian bishops’ conference, Salvatore Izzo gave the movie a negative review, and called for a boycott. But Vatican Radio and the Jesuit journal Civilta Cattolica saw the movie as inoffensive.

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Pope's shrink film stirs controversy in Italy (AFP)
• Nanni Moretti's pope film receives mixed Vatican verdict (Guardian)
• Vatican reporter calls for boycott of Moretti pope film (ANSA)