Drama,Comedy
Italy,France
We Have a Pope (Habemus Papam) is a 2011 Italian-French co-production directed by Nanni Moretti. The film features Michel Piccoli as the newly-elected Pope who, right before his public appearance on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, is struck by a debilitating anxiety attack. His advisors, realizing that the Pope is not ready to face the public, seek the help of a psychoanalyst (played by Nanni Moretti) to diagnose and treat his panic disorder.
Despite attempts to convince the Pope to accept his new role, including the threat of the Swiss Guards, he refuses to step out onto the balcony. He breaks out of Vatican City, disguised as a regular citizen, and wanders around Rome incognito. During his escape, he meets several people who share their stories with him, including a widowed bus driver, a group of actors rehearsing a play, and a homeless man in a church. These interactions allow the Pope to ponder on his new role and his own existence.
Meanwhile, the Vatican cardinals gather together to select a new Pope, as they fear that the current one has gone missing. However, the Pope eventually returns to the Vatican and resumes his role. The cardinals secretly meet with the psychoanalyst and discuss whether the Pope is mentally fit to lead the world's Catholics, leading to a screening of the Pope's past and present.
The movie features strong themes of faith, self-doubt, and anxiety. It explores the idea of a person being overwhelmed by his destiny, and the necessity of healing from emotional wounds before one can lead others. The film ends with the Pope addressing the faithful and acknowledging his weaknesses, giving a message of hope and understanding.
