In the Name of the Pope King

Set in the late 1860s, a pivotal year in the Risorgimento when the Papal States faced liberal and nationalist pressure. The era is marked by ecclesiastical influence over state matters and growing calls for unification. The eventual Breach of Porta Pia in 1870 looms as a backdrop to the events, underscoring the decay of papal temporal power.

The story unfolds in Papal Rome during October 1867, focusing on the power centers of the Holy See and its environs. Key locations include the Palazzo Serristori barracks and the sewers, which frame the violent incident at the heart of the plot. The setting highlights the interplay between church authority and the waning temporal power as revolutionary currents swirl around the city.

🏛️ Power & Authority

The film centers on the clash between the Holy See and secular power. It shows how ecclesiastical authority, represented by bishops and Jesuit leadership, can override legal norms and manipulate outcomes. The struggle reveals a system where moral rhetoric coexists with coercive power, driving the plot and decisions.

🗡️ Betrayal & Secrets

Betrayal threads through personal relationships and political calculations. The Countess exploits a concealed paternity to shield her son, while loyalties within the Church are tested by public trials and hidden agendas. Secrets drive the characters into fatal risks and irreversible choices.

⚖️ Justice & Consequences

The ecclesiastical court issues death sentences for Monti and Tognetti, illustrating how justice is filtered through religious authority. The film questions what “justice” means when it is wielded by those with immense institutional power. The emotional toll on the individuals and families is a central through-line.