Watch The Pope Must Die

The Pope Must Die is a 1991 comedy film directed by Peter Richardson and starring Robbie Coltrane, Adrian Edmondson, and Paul Bartel. The film tells the story of a simple and innocent priest, Luigi, who is chosen to be the next pope following the sudden and unexpected death of the previous pontiff. Although he is initially reluctant to accept the position, he is ultimately convinced that it is his sacred duty to take on the mantle of the Holy Father.

However, Luigi quickly realizes that he is out of his depth in the murky waters of Vatican politics, where corruption, greed, and lust for power are the norm. He encounters opposition from a powerful cardinal, who schemes to replace him with his handpicked candidate, and a cunning secretary of state, who encourages him to embrace the trappings of power.

As Luigi struggles to maintain his integrity and cling to his ideals, he finds an unlikely ally in an American ambassador, who is disillusioned with his government's policies and sees in Luigi a beacon of hope for a better world. Together, they embark on a mission to expose the corruption and heal the rifts that threaten to tear apart the Catholic Church and the world at large.

The Pope Must Die is a clever and irreverent satire that takes aim at the hypocritical and venal aspects of organized religion, while also celebrating the faith and humanity that underlie it. The film is full of witty and pithy dialogue, hilarious set pieces, and colorful characters that bring to life the absurdities of Vatican life.

Robbie Coltrane delivers a brilliant performance as Luigi, the unlikely pope, who is both endearing and hilarious in his fish-out-of-water predicament. His deadpan delivery and comic timing are perfect for the role, and he manages to convey both the naivete and the wisdom of his character with aplomb.

Adrian Edmondson is equally good as the scheming cardinal whose ambitions are thwarted by Luigi's humble virtues. He brings a sneering and self-important air to his role, which makes his eventual downfall all the more satisfying to watch.

Paul Bartel, meanwhile, steals the show as the worldly and cynical secretary of state, who sees in Luigi a convenient figurehead for his own machinations. His dry wit and sardonic demeanor are a perfect foil for Luigi's innocence, and the two actors play off each other beautifully.

The supporting cast is also top-notch, with memorable turns by Alex Rocco as the American ambassador, Herbert Lom as the pope's confidant, and Beverly d'Angelo as a seductive journalist.

The film's production values are also impressive, with lavish location shooting in Rome, and an excellent score by Angelo Badalamenti that adds to the film's irreverent, yet slightly poignant, tone.

Overall, The Pope Must Die is an enjoyable and entertaining satire that pokes fun at some of the more absurd aspects of Catholicism, while also celebrating the faith and humanity that underlie it. With its strong performances, witty screenplay, and colorful characters, it is a film that is sure to entertain audiences of all religious persuasions.