Pope Joan is a historical drama film directed by Sönke Wortmann and based on the novel Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk Cross. The film is set in the 9th century and tells the story of a young woman named Johanna (played by Johanna Wokalek) who disguises herself as a man to gain an education and eventually rises through the Vatican ranks to become Pope.
Johanna is born to a Saxon family in Ingelheim, Germany, and is not allowed to receive an education because of her gender. Determined to learn, she disguises herself as a man and travels to Athens, where she studies philosophy and medicine. She eventually makes her way to Rome, where she becomes a trusted advisor to the Pope (played by John Goodman).
When the Pope dies, Johanna is elected as his successor and becomes Pope John VIII. However, she is unable to maintain her disguise when she goes into labor during a procession and gives birth in front of the crowd. As a result, she is accused of heresy and executed by being tied to a horse and dragged through the streets of Rome.
The film explores themes of gender inequality, religious corruption, and the power struggles within the Vatican. It received mixed reviews from critics but was praised for its depiction of Johanna's character and her struggle to assert herself in a male-dominated world.