We Have a Pope

It's been a long time since I saw a movie I enjoyed as much as this one. Alternately hilarious, touching, and genuinely thought-provoking, it is an utterly charming film. The movie opens with a cardinal being elected Pope and panicking when he is to greet the masses. He escapes to think, and meanwhile, because he has not yet been seen by the public, his election is not officially complete, and the other cardinals still cannot have any contact with the outside world. Of course, some hilarious hijinx ensue, but the movie is in no way dismissive of or offensive towards the Catholic church, I think. Actually, it's a rather profound reflection on what it means to be Pope, and what the Pope's role in the world is. It really made me think. Particularly interesting to consider is the difference between the authority of a Pope and, say, a President, and what it means for someone in either position to express doubt.

I don't want to say too much about the movie, because really, it's such a joy to just experience without knowing much about it beforehand, but by all means, if you have a chance to see it, do.