"Fatima, Portugal 1977" "I'd like to imagine Fatima before it all happened, the day those three children traversed a forest like this." "Unaware that they were about to meet the Mystery." "She appeared suddenly behind a Holm oak." "A body of bright light dressed in snow." "It was 1917, the World was at war and She chose three young shepherds to tell the World to change." "To listen to others and themselves," "Without passing judgment." "To love." "I've always believed this is What Mary Wanted to communicate." "The real secret of Fatima:" "to look at the World through a child's eyes." "Eminence, I have a message for you." "Before returning to Venice, we must make a stop nearby." "Someone has asked to see you." " Me'?" "Where'?" " The enclosed convent of Coimbra." " Sister Lucia'?" " Yes." "She asked to speak to you personally." "How did she know I was here'?" "Imagine..." "She's the only shepherd of Fatima still alive and she Wants to meet you." "Is something Wrong?" "I don't understand." " What?" " Why me'?" "Because you've done so much for the Church." "Obviously your fame is recognized in Portugal too." " Mother." " Eminence." "As a Cardinal you do not need my permission to enter the convent." "I'm a mere guest." "I Won't be long, perhaps ten minutes at most." "Holy Father." "Holy Father." " Why do you call me that?" " I speak What I see." "Your eyes are mistaken." "I see a Bishop... dressed in white, leading the Church of Rome." "That is not me... not me." "I am Albino Luciani, patriarch of Venice." " It's my duty to help you." " Help me'?" "To bear the Weight of this cross." "Because it will be a cross." "You are a Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church." "How did you become who you are'?" "It merely happened, I didn't desire it." "That isn't true." "You always knew it, from the very beginning." "Come here, I found a machine-gun bullet!" "Look, there's a helmet!" "This way!" "Wait for me!" "Albino!" "Albino!" "Where are you'?" "Help!" "Mother!" "Help!" "Please, dear Jesus!" "Dear Jesus, help me!" "Thank you, Jesus." "It's not up to me to decide, you must tell him." "But he's always away." "He's here when you need him." "Can't you tell him'?" "No, you should." "I want to become a priest." " Why?" " Jesus called me." " He called you'?" " Yes, Without saying anything." "Well, I will say something:" "my answer is no." "I saw you." "L..." "I thought you'd become a carpenter, like grandpa Zane." "I don't want to be a carpenter." "Then come with me abroad, I'll teach you my trade." "I've always liked your trade." "Then you'll leave with me on Sunday, all right'?" "I've never gotten along well with priests." "Why'?" "Because they always agree with What the Pope says." "I'm a Socialist." "I believe everybody should think for themselves." " Everybody'?" " Yes." "Then I should too'?" "But..." "If you really want to become a priest, remember to always defend the poor." "Because Jesus always defended the poor." "Understand?" " So much stuff." " Indeed." "Heaps of books." " The Weight of culture." " The dust of culture!" "Folks, here come the Russians!" "Here we go." "Chekhov, Tolstoy, Dostoyevsky..." " These are the last of them." " Yes." "I can't carry on, Father Albino." "Is it difficult or easy to pull a cart?" " Easy." " lf the road is good." "But if it's a rocky road, and there are three quintals of potatoes, is it difficult or easy'?" "Very difficult." "But What is your point'?" "That cart is God's Law." "At times it isn't easy, we stumble upon our weaknesses and the cart halts, or it may even go backwards." "In that moment you need to pray, because in that moment God will lend a hand." "Bravo." "Monsignor Muccin." "This is the rector of the seminary Where I studied." "I've asked Monsignor Muccin to help me with the Bishop." " Help you'?" " Yes." "The time has come for me to retire." "I would like you to take my place as parish priest." "Me'?" "He seems rather adept." "I think he uses too many quotations in his sermon..." "Some elderly Women might not understand." "As for the rest, Monsignor..." "So how do you like the Canale parish?" "It's the parish I've always dreamed of." "Great." "In two days, come see me at the seminary." "I noticed some anomalies in your file." "Anomalies?" "Gregorian Seminary of Belluno" "Luigi!" "What brings you here, homesick for the seminary?" "Apparently there are anomalies in my file." "Perhaps you're no longer a priest!" "Imagine, What would you do if you Weren't a priest?" " I never pondered it." " You should." "I dreamed the seminary had lost all of my records, so I had to start over again from the first year." " Take a seat, please." " Thank you." "That hasn't happened, has it'?" "Well..." "Luciano Albino, born in 1912, section B." "Graduated cum laude." "We're missing your enrollment papers for the Gregorian University." " I never enrolled." " Then it's time you did." "I don't have time, I'm busy with the parish." "In fact, you'd have to leave the parish." " I can't." " Yes, you can." "Starting tomorrow you'll Work as my assistant." "Impossible!" "Why?" "'?" "I saw how you straightened up the Canale parish, how you spoke to the young folk - I need a good organizer." "I'd like to continue being the parish priest." " The Bishop was already informed." " This isn't an offer..." "It's already been decided by the Bishop." "Excellent quotations, good bibliography." " But..." " But?" "It lacks emotion." "Love must always supplement reason, or it will seem cold." "Thanks, professor." "Luigi." "At times I envy your faith, paralleled by reason." "For me, they're one and the same." "I need to speak to you." "Italian Troops Advance Into Russia" "Millions of dead soldiers, slaughtered women, orphaned children, why'?" "Hitler and Mussolini are madmen." "We knew that but just stood by and watched." "What could we have done'?" "The World is collapsing, we cannot pretend to not notice." " We must pray." " Prayer isn't enough." "On the cross, Christ taught us to not be afraid." "I am not afraid, but I have doubts." " Why does God allow all of this'?" " God doesn't want man to suffer." " We're the cause of it..." " Don't preach to me!" "Where is God in this inferno'?" "When sin abounds, grace is abundant." " Where is God'?" " Where is man'?" "I have decided to abandon the priesthood." " This robe no longer belongs to me." " What?" "I've mistaken my desire to help others for a vocation." "Ask yourself if you have done the same." "No." "Then continue to pray for me, if you can." "Luigi!" "War is the absolute evil." "Man becomes a murderous beast again." "War is the negation of Christ." "Berto." " Berto!" " Albino!" "Mother and Antonia'?" "They fled to Venice, to the Corradi's home." " Are you on leave?" " I ran away." " You left the Front?" " I realized who I want to fight for." "With the Partisans." "A difficult choice, the Germans are unforgiving." "You may not agree, but it is my duty." "I don't agree with war, with bloodshed." "Pray for me, brother." "That we may be spared from suffering." "Goodbye." "Berto, Berto!" "Lead the civilians out of here!" "I'll cover your backs!" "Go!" "Move it!" " You leave too, I'll cover you." " We'll stay with you." "Surrender!" "Here we go, the chef prepared pot roast with cognac sauce, squash puree with egg sauce." "Fr." "Luciani, the Bishop of Bortignon." "Your Excellence." "The Germans have captured some Partisans in Pieve." " Berto!" " What's Wrong?" " My brother might be there." " We're all brothers now." "I need help, I'm not looking for heroes, but for people who aren't afraid to die." "I thought of my brother and the young folk risking their lives." "I knew the boys were attached to me, but a voice was guiding me." "Very Well." "Halt, against the wall!" "Make sure they treat them Well when it's all over." "The Germans must respect the agreement." "Monsignor, are you absolutely sure'?" "My small life for the lives of four family men..." "I have no doubts whatsoever." "Grant me the comfort of confession." "Bishop Bortignon, it's impossible to trade you for the prisoners." "Why'?" "We already agreed." "All you priests want to become saints." "They are our enemies!" "I made an agreement with your officers, respect it!" "Halt, Where are you going'?" "Bishop Bortignon..." "Thanks to him I understood that serving one's neighbor means to give of oneself entirely, unconditionally." "It is our duty to always obey God's law." "Two seminarists heard voices clown here." "There he is!" "Come out!" "It's pointless to hide." "Come out, don't be afraid." "So you are the mouse who's been nibbling the cheese!" "We are Jews." "We are trying to reach Switzerland, we'll leave tomorrow." "Don't turn us in, please." "If they find out we're harboring Jews, they'll close the seminary and kill us." "We must hand them over to the authorities." "I'll personally see to it." "Can you read music'?" "Tell the others What to do." "Why would a Catholic priest do all this for Jews'?" "Jesus, Joseph, and Mary were Jews." "A Jewish family in flight like you." "There are more things that unite us than divide us." " This is the Church." " Who's there'?" "I don't know, it's not time for Mass." "What is this'?" "We're Welcoming a new lamb into the Lord's flock." "You said it was not time for Mass." "In fact, it Wasn't scheduled." "You can join us if you like." "Mercy." "In God's name." "Lord, Without You I would be nothing less than nothing." "The Germans have surrendered!" "Hooray!" "The war is over!" "Albino, it's over!" "It's over!" "I am certain that... if he knew why I were here, he'd out me off." "Thank you, Sister." "He never sought power, but he was always sought out for his aptitude." "This is a difficult request, Your Excellence." "But Albino Luciani has an outstanding curriculum vitae." "I'm not questioning his qualifications or pastoral zeal." "His health is my concern." "I've seen him Work for 15 hours straight Without a complaint." "It appears he spent quite some time in the sanatorium." "It was merely due to pneumonia." "And his voice is so feeble..." "Your Eminence, he's a brilliant man..." "No, please don't insist." "Luciani doesn't possess the necessary requisites to be Bishop." "I think that's all, pack it in and close the door." "The blankets on top." "Are there any more'?" "Watch out for the rope." "Good." "Isn't that the patriarch of Venice?" "Cardinal Roncalli." "No need for that." " You're doing a good job." " For the orphanage." "They need everything;" "this isn't much, but they need it." "Indeed." "I'd like to see the Bishop." "Monsignor Muccin is in Rome." "I'm his assistant, can I help you'?" "Next month is the Eucharistic Congress." "I Wanted to familiarize myself with the diocese." "I can show you around." " You would do that for me'?" " Gladly." "Sorry, Your Eminence." "Don't worry, I'm accustomed to worse tremors." "This Way." "Come, Your Eminence." "In addition to orphans, the institution also welcomes children of working mothers." "Better here than on the streets, right'?" "How can you take care of them all'?" "The diocese sends donations and clothes from the parish." "The rest is in the hands of Providence." "Fr." "Albino, can you teach me to tie my shoe'?" "Later, Pack)." "What are the most urgent issues?" "Poverty - there is little Work here." "Men are forced to emigrate, many families need help." "I see, forced separation is a serious issue." "Yes, the most serious." "We try our best to maintain ties with those who are far away." "We Write letters, bring them home for holidays." "Your words convey a special Warmth." "My father worked in Switzerland, he was away for many years." "Fr." "Albino, you promised!" "Paolo, I'm busy now, We'll do it later." "Paolo..." "I'm a good boy, I gave him a bucket..." "Come here, What's your name?" " Alessandro." " Alessandro?" "I'll help you, here you are." "Do you know I gave him a bucket?" "What did you give him - a bucket?" "Let's give him the bucket." " Can you tie mine too'?" " Certainly." "I should make surprise visits more often." "If we'd known, we Would've organized a proper reception." "A picture-perfect reception?" "Heavens no!" "Thanks to you, I've seen the diocese's problems with my own eyes." "My pleasure." "If I hadn't come today, What would you have done'?" "I Would've been locked in my office." "My desk is cluttered with paperwork!" "What would you have clone now'?" "I would have said Mass at the Church in the valley." "Only three elderly Women attend, but it's still the Lord's House." "Very well, shall we go then'?" "Certainly." "You'll have to make do with me as altar boy." "You're a bit old, but I'll gladly accept." "There Won't be many people here." "The Lord listens to all prayers, regardless of the number of people." "The other Way was better." "They will be opening shortly." "They've opened!" "The loggia of St. Peter's basilica has opened." "This is it..." "They took their time!" "Perfect, stop." "Cardinal Canali will tell the world the name of the new Pope." "Who do you think it will be'?" "All eyes are on the balcony of the Hall of Blessings." "The 262nd Vicar of Christ is Angelo Roncalli, who has chosen the name of John XXIII." "The patriarch?" " Pope John?" " I knew it!" "You had the same luck as mother, you met the Pope." "After Pope Santo, for the second time in this century, a patriarch from Venice has ascended '(he papa!" "throne." "What more can we ask of Providence?" "I Wonder how many times you'll tell this story!" "Just like mother." "We need to elect a Bishop for Vittorio Veneto." "Do you have anybody in mind?" "Yes, but the Curia has constantly rejected him." " Who?" " Luciani." "Luciani." "Fr." "Albino Luciani, of course." "Why not!" "Why do they reject him'?" "His voice is too feeble, he's sickly." "We have microphones nowadays to amplify voices." "In regards to his health, I guess he'll die a Bishop." "Your Holiness." "Fr." "Albino, no need..." "I'd like to have a few words with you before personally appointing you Bishop of Vittorio Veneto." "I know you've taught theology." "But school is one thing, being a pastor is another." "Try to speak as simply and clearly as possible." "And above all, be humble." "You are right, but I'd like to be exempt from becoming Bishop." "Please, send me back to my parish and my parishioners." "You cannot refuse, you can't say no to the Lord." "But Why me'?" "There are more Worthy candidates." "There's no response to that question." "Choices are a mystery, gratuitous gifts." "God chooses who and Where." "We have this... or this." "Perhaps this is more appropriate." "A coat of arms seems so medieval." "Can't I do Without?" "Absolutely not." "You'll also need a motto." "After John XXIWs visit to Bambin Gesu Hospital, the Pope offered his consolation to inmates at Regina Coeli Prison." "Humble as a child but strong as a rock." "The grace of God shines upon our Pope." "He's an extraordinary man." "But given his age, they call him "a transition Pope"." "Whether he last one day or 100 years, he'll always remain in our hearts." "Everyone awaits Pope John's words." "There is an abundance of applause and appeals." "Excuse me, Your Excellence." "The printer is Waiting for your motto." ""Humility"." "Yes, Write "Humility"." " "Humilitas" then." " Yes, that will do." "You were a good shepherd for your poor flock." "I hope so, Sister, I truly hope so." "What does being a good shepherd mean to you'?" "Understanding." "Understanding What the people need." "Recognize this'?" "It's the cross Pope John gave me." "How did it get here'?" "Nothing in your life has happened by chance." "Papacy of Paul VI" "It's an industrial area, full of tension." "Venice requires a patriarch endowed with firmness, moderation, and loyalty, someone able to face the challenges of these difficult times." "There are at least three extremely Worthy candidates." "I can only think of one:" "You, Luciani." "No, Holiness." "I'll repeat What I said to Pope John years ago when he asked me to become Bishop:" "Don't give me this cross to bear." "How did the Holy Father respond?" "Choices are a mystery." "God chooses who and Where." "I couldn't have said it better." "Who's this Luciani they've made patriarch?" "An average priest." "With all due respect, you priests are 2,000 years behind." "Revolution is the only Way to bring about change." " Meaning?" " Speaking up for the exploited." "And for those who've died'?" " That's inevitable." " Do you hear What he said'?" " What do you think?" " Change is a huge undertaking." "But a real revolution is not against a person and it doesn't involve arms." " Then tell us how." " Within yourself." "Changing our way of thinking, clay after clay." " Setting a good example." " Be the first to set a good example." " You're not bragging anymore?" " Who told you that?" " A real revolutionist." " Mao'?" " Lenin'?" " Jesus Christ." "Venice could use a patriarch like you." "It's full of people, they come at all hours, as if carried by the currents." "Ever since Luciani's arrival, this place is like a port." "Your Eminence, our institution is in your hands." "We'll see." "Who's next?" "Commissioner Parise, we finally meet." " Do you know me'?" " I'm the pastor of the community." "Come in." "That's What I'm here to speak to you about." "Your style is simple, spontaneous, your evangelical intentions are greatly appreciated." " Shall we skip the premise'?" " Very well..." "Things were much clearer before values were solid, recognizable." "But not anymore, times have changed." "There are threats all over, everything is gloomy." " What can we do'?" " Your frock, for example." "You Wander around Venice dressed like a simple priest." "People are disoriented." "Are you here to speak of my frock'?" "Many important people have stopped attending Mass in the basilica after your sermon on capitalism." "What are you trying to say'?" "Your Eminence, I'm telling you as a friend, don't go to Marghera." " Forget the factory Workers' strike." " It's my duty, understand?" "You don't understand." "They've declared war against you." ""Chlorine for the clergy"." "Comrades." "Comrades." "Being part of the Red Brigades means forgoing our ideals." "I'm tired of being jerked around!" "How about you'?" "Master's servants!" "Fight hard, no fear!" "You can't go in." "I'm here to listen to you, not hinder you." "There's a meeting, nobody is authorized to enter." " By order of the committee." " We're in the same boat." "I have orders to follow too." "Whose orders, the Pope's'?" " You don't want Him to get mad at me." " Please leave." "Not a chance." "Thank you." "Priests can worry about praying, We'll worry about Workers' needs." "Comrades, we must not give up, we must fight!" "You came to dirty your hands with us'?" "Thank you." "Comrades..." "Carry on, your words remind me of my father." "He was a worker like you." "He Worked with a blast furnace." "I promised him" "I'd always protect those in trouble." "What are you here for'?" "We're fine Without you." "I know, but I'm here to understand and talk to you." "Talk, see What I mean'?" "All you priests do is talk." "But talk isn't going to provide for our children." "The patriarchate's door is always open." "Sorry, but I don't trust priests." "We've placed them here for now." "See?" "Look at the state of their rooms." "Look up there - the humidity increases by the day." "The disabled young people living at Don Orione were forced to move their cots into the few hallways in decent conditions." "Poor dears." "The upstairs is in the same state." "If we don't resolve this soon, We'll have to shutdown." " How is that possible?" " It could happen." "The bank Won't give us a cent, they want us to pay off our loan." "We'll find a solution, but I'll need help to keep track of all this." "I'm looking for an assistant." "When do we start'?" "Tomorrow." "See, Don Orione doesn't have enough assets to cover a loan." "For years parishes have financed themselves with loans from this bank." "Before..." "but now things have changed." "Time goes by, for banks too." "We have different conditions now;" "here they are." "Staggering interest rates!" "They've never been this high." "The bank has obligations toward its stockholders." "Your biggest stockholder is the Holy See." "I created this institution to help the poor, not to get rich." "Yes, but the Holy See is no longer the owner." "No..." "Yes..." "Let me know." "About the stock'?" "No, I Wouldn't sell right now." "It will go up." "Don't worry." "Bye." " Monsignor Marcinkus, excuse me..." " Thanks." "Monsignor Marcinkus." " Have a seat please." " Thank you." "I can't hide my perplexity." "I don't know What you're referring to." "How is this possible?" "Tell me'?" "It's a decision that regards solely the Vatican Treasury." "You sold Banca Catollica del Veneto to Calvi's Banco Ambrosiano" "Without informing the patriarch of Venice?" "I'm under no obligation to give you this information." "But since you've made the trip here," "I'll tell you that this initiative is part of a vast program to finance Worldwide missions." "You can help us too with that money." " Sorry, but that's not possible." " Why?" "The money's been reinvested already." "Now if you'll excuse me, I have Work to do." "You're in Rome, enjoy it." "I'm sure there are many things you'd like to see." "My secretary would be happy to help you." "Thank you Monsignor, you've already helped me enough." "Thank you." "For over a month we've had no food for the soup kitchen." "The Don Orione building might collapse." "I've tried everything, but in vain." "The bank was sold to Calvi's Ambrosiano." "Now it's a profit-yielding company." "What are we to do, abandon our parishioners?" "No, there's another solution." "Place it there." "Careful, please." "How exciting, the patriarchs car!" "How will you get around?" "I'll use my old car." "It may wheeze, but it's reliable." " Thanks, Your Eminence." " No, thank you!" "We have nothing left to sell, the cellar is empty." "How about other parishes?" "They took your advice and did the same:" "selling things of non-artistic value." " Starting with the ex voto." " Good." "This is the last one." "So, can we save Don Orione'?" "No, we still don't have enough." "We could use some help from above." "Lots of people need help, not just us." "If the Lord Wants it to happen, it will." " Yes." " Let's tally it up again." "Can you get my scarf'?" "Yes." "We'll never come back here, right'?" "Fr." "Lorenzi told us you did all you could to save our home." "Yes, but it Wasn't enough." " We're ready, do you need help?" " Yes, thanks." " Antonio..." " Eminence!" " Look What we got!" " What?" "A money transfer." "A sum that exceeds the amount we needed." "We can stay'?" "We don't have to leave?" "Yes, Antonio, we can stay." "And now we can make our home beautiful." "Hooray." "Did you see who sent the money'?" "Courtesy of His Holiness Paul VI." "Thank you, Holy Father, for everything you did for us." "You don't need to thank me." "But Holy Father..." "Holy Father." "Holy Father." "It will happen soon, but it will be as brief as a seed's life." "But the seed must die in order for the plant to bear fruit." "Hello'?" "The patriarch isn't here, he's visiting the female prison." "What?" "When'?" "Yes, of course, I'll tell him immediately." "Thank you." "Patriarch, we all have our faults, but we all want to be free of evil." "My place is here, with those who suffer." "In God's eyes we are all brothers in our Weaknesses." "That is Why Christ loves us." "Excuse me..." " Excuse me..." "Your Eminence!" " Yes'?" "There's an urgent message from Rome." "The Holy Father has passed away." "It will happen soon." "Christians worldwide express sympathy over '(he death of Paul V!" "as they anxiously await '(he new successor." "We all clearly remember, just five months ago, the Pope's dramatic appeal for the release of Aldo Moro, the Christian Democrat kidnapped and killed by '(he Red Brigades." "That cry for mercy will remain one of the most powerful moments of his papacy." "It will happen soon." "My God, I beg You..." "Grant me a different destiny." "Please help me." "Help me." "From worldwide, Italy, and from distant Apostolic Sees," "Cardinals of the Holy Church of Rome arrive in Rome in order to appoint Peter's new successor." "The choice of the new Pope will directly reﬂect the Church's standpoint on its problems." "While they prepare '(he official calendar for the meeting of Cardinals in preparation for '(he Conclave, other meetings among Cardinals, held in discretion, will certainly be scheduled." "During these secret meetings, the names of those eligible to be Pope are examined." "Did you hear that?" "Are you going to these meetings?" " I know nothing of them." " You should find out." "Let them talk." "We asked Cardinal Benelli, Archbishop of Florence and Vice-Secretary of State, which way the Conclave is leaning, in his opinion." "The world presents the Church with immense challenges." "We must all pray the Sacred College will be inspired in choosing a new Pope, a priest with life experience." "Excuse me, the Conclave Office?" " Go right at the end of the hall." " Thanks." "Here are the times and locations of the general meetings." "Here is the list of Cardinals with voting rights," "Where they are lodged and their phone numbers." "Included is a map of the Vatican with logistic details, as well as names and numbers of the superiors." "Where can I find Fr." "Gruber'?" " Excuse me'?" " Fr." "Gruber." " Fr." "Gruber'?" " Dominican, confessor." "Fr." "Gruber, the words of Sr. Lucia keep coming to mind." "They agitate my heart." "Holy Father." "It will happen soon but it will be as brief as a seeds life." "But the seed must die in order for the plant to bear fruit." "Nothing happens unless it's willed by the Lord." "My destiny is in His hands and I pray to Him to allow me to return to Venice." " Is that what you truly want'?" " It is, Fr." "Gruber." "From the bottom of my heart," "I..." "I would like to live... a bit longer." "Pray then." "Pray Without tiring yourself." "No destiny is set in stone." "I entrusted my life to the Lord," "I let Him lead me by the hand." ""Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."" "May someone else become Pope, not me." ""Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted."" "The Mass is over, go in peace." "Eminence, a letter has arrived." "It's confidential so I'm giving it to you personally." "Very well, thank you." " Diego!" " Hello." "I got today's newspapers." "In America, two books have been published about the Pope's election." " Really?" " The English bookstore may have them." " It's not Worth it." " They describe all of the Cardinals." "And predict Who'll be elected." " Just like a horse race." " Joke if you will..." "But Londoners are betting on the Conclave." "The Brits have never been fond of Popes." "Wait for me and we'll go clown to dinner." "Not me, I have to go meet a person." " I can drive you." " No need, I don't mind walking." "Bye." "Here." "Luigi." "Albino!" "I'm on duty tonight." "I was aware of that, but I Wanted to see you immediately." "As a friend or doctor'?" "Occasionally I get a pain in my chest, but..." "I've gotten used to it now." " What did Dr. Da Ros say'?" " "One pill and you'll be fine."" "Come." "The Conclave Names Eligible Popes" "It strikes me to see your name and the predictions." "Pay no attention to that, they have pages to fill." " You know What strikes me'?" " What?" "Two boys, you and I, from the same seminary, destiny is lying in ambush, who will it pick?" "Now they are old men and one of them is about to become Pope." "Right..." " It could have been you." " No." "Even if I often felt I was Wrong to leave..." "You a Cardinal, me a doctor!" "I can't imagine myself in White." "Isn't the Pope's robe White?" "The Church needs more than a priest from Canale d'Agordo." "Only the Holy Spirit knows What the Church needs." "They Holy Spirit also knows how to hear our prayers." "Then I will pray for my seminary mate." "Please don't, Luigi." "If you care for me, don't do it." "Why are you less qualified?" " It's not about less or more." " What then?" "I can't ask for What I don't want." "Luckily, it's not for you to decide." "If it happens, you'll understand Why I don't want it." " I don't understand, explain." " I already said too much." "I don't understand What is tormenting and frightening you." "Lord, move this chalice away from me." "Albino." "Becoming Pope doesn't mean death." "I Wrote you because there's a person I want you to meet." " Stefan Piesewicz." " My pleasure." "He was able to come to the West during the 1960 Olympics in Rome." "Greco-Roman wrestling, three of us were able to flee." "What can I do for you'?" "Many were locked up in prisons or camps." "We have no idea Where they are." "They managed to track clown five people." "Two priests, and engineer, and two workers from Krakow." "Now that they know their whereabouts perhaps we can help." " Wojtyla is Krakow's Archbishop." " Yes." "The Soviets Wouldn't dare touch him." "You surely know him, can you give him these names'?" "I'll see What I can do." "Sit clown." "This is a letter for Fr." "Riva for his request for lay status;" "this is the monthly money transfer for the Sisters." " Will you see to it'?" " Of course." " What do the papers say'?" " Nothing new." "Are you hiding something from me'?" "No..." "I wake up early and go for a walk before your press review." " Have I forgotten something?" " Yes." "One of those major newspapers describes me as "sallow"." "Yes, Well they're running out of things to Write." "They're right, actually I'm as pale as graveyard flowers." "We have 13 interview requests." "Speak to them and then We'll see if they call you "sallow"." "I have a better idea;" "let's go get some sun at the lake." " The lake?" " I even convinced Monsignor Freeman." "Hello." "There's a private clergy house there." "Will our car make it'?" "You're still young, What do you know?" "There he is." " Cardinal Wojtyla!" " Eminence Luciani." "May I speak to you'?" "I have something for you." "I don't know if it's true or false, if it's a trap, or if I'm putting you at risk by giving you these names..." "I see you're aware of What our situation is like in Poland, but don't worry about me." "You experience it firsthand;" "we can only imagine What it's like." "When you do What is right, you have nothing to fear." "The Church is indebted to you." "We are indebted to the Church." "It Won't be much longer, just a few hours." "Yes, they say it will be a brief Conclave, mainly because of the heat." "My patriarch, we await you." " I'm the patriarch of Venice." " We stand by you." "It has nothing to do with me." "Nothing to do with me." " Morning." " Dear Luciani." " Far too hot." " Personally, I don't like the cold." "Do you know vvhat'll happen in this heat'?" "We'd make a chair the Pope so as to get out of here!" "We haven't seen you around." "I enjoy the breeze in the convent park." "Your Eminence, there are times when we must stand by each other." "Tonight for example, at Monsignor Casaroli's home, if you'd honor us..." "I'm meeting my sister tonight, I've yet to see her." " Yes but I need to speak to you." " What is it?" "There are rumors of an agreement between you and Cardinal Benelli." " Rumors?" " No need to get upset!" "The pare-Conclave is full of rumors." "I know nothing about it." "Supposedly, Benelli will sway the votes of the South Americans and North Europeans in your favor if you call him to Rome as the Secretary of State." "There's an oversight:" "Cardinal Benelli and I haven't seen each other, spoken, written, or been in contact through a third person." " So you deny it'?" " There's nothing to deny." "Give me a name, some indication." "A patriarch of Venice is unimportant before the princes of the Church." "A Way to avoid answering..." "Let's focus on the Church and Where it should fight its decisive battles." "The liver isn't the same, the onions aren't Venetian but..." "If only Berto were here, our culinary expert!" "Uncle says he'll come visit once the family Pope is appointed." "Then tell him to stay Where he is." "But the papers say..." "If the papers were right, there would already be 30 Popes..." "But you're still among those 30." "Albino, the coffee is getting cold." "OK." "Antonia, I'm not worried about myself, but... that choice comes with immense responsibility." "A poor man collapsing under the Weight of the cross." "I Wonder What mother would say of these risks." "She'd say, "Albino, there's no use in fretting." "If the Lord Wants it to happen, it will."" "There's something I never told you about mother." "Really?" "She kept that photo of when you became a priest near the pictures of saints she prayed to." "I said, "Mom, don't place Albino there, he's not a saint!"" "She would smile." ""I keep him near the saints so they'll keep him in mind." "He needs that."" "I pray to our mother more and more, so I may return to Venice safe and sound." " Albino." " Berto!" "I wanted..." " I wanted..." " You sound like you've been crying." "No, I mean yes." "It's not every day that your brother may become Pope." "Then rest assured, I have no chance." "That's hardly true!" "I know how you are..." "Once this is all over I'll come see you, I promise." "All right." " Bye." " Bye." "By this time tomorrow, the holiest man will be made Pope." "How does one measure a man's holiness?" "I'll be in the crowd Waiting to hear that name." ""Habemus papam, Reverendissimum ac Eminentissimum dominum"." "You're the only Albino, so if they say, "Albinum" I'll know it's you." "Nonsense..." ""Extra omnes", it is forbidden to enter or exit the Conclave, at the risk of excommunication." "The outcome of the first vote." "Majority necessary for election, 75 votes." "Guiseppe Siri, 25 votes." "Albino Luciani, 23 votes." "Sergio Pignedoli, 18." "Sebastiano Baggio, 9." "Franz Koenig, 8" "Aponte Martinez, 2." "Frank Tomasek, 2." "Black smoke." "Apparently, the Cardinals have not reached an agreement, contrary to the predictions of a unanimous first vote." "If Siri gets more votes than Luciani, We're done tonight." "Siri." "Siri." "Siri." "Luciani." "Luciani." "Luciani." "Siri." "Luciani." "Wojtyla." "Siri." "Luciani." "Pironio." "Outcome of the third ballot." "Luciani: 68 votes." "Siri: 7 votes." "I propose an immediate fourth ballot." "I'm certain that today you'll become our new Pope." "Please, don't let it happen." "Don't let my life end like this." "Luciani." "Luciani." "Luciani." "Siri." "Luciani..." "Albino Luciani:" "101 votes out of 111 voters." "Practically unanimous." "Do you accept your election as Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Church?" "I cannot..." "I cannot reject the Lord's calling." "I accept." "What name do you choose for yourself?" "John Paul..." "The First." "It's time, the central loggia of the basilica is about to open." "Why are you crying?" "I'm the secretary of the new Pope." "I would like the Conclave to remain closed until tomorrow, and all the Cardinals who Weren't able to vote because of their age may come in." "That has never been done before, but so be it, Your Holiness." "Good, we shall pray together." "I need everybody's prayers." "Always smile." "I'd like to say a few Words." "Your Holiness, that is not customary." "No'?" "What a pity." "I'm the Pope's new secretary." "Rather, I'm the new Pope's secretary." " Where are you going'?" " I'm the new Pope's secretary." "The Conclave is closed, you are excommunicated!" "The Pope will revoke my excommunication." "I will really need your help, Your Eminence." " You will always have my help." " Thank you." "Diego." " I should be the one crying!" " I told you..." "The holiest, the holiest!" "On the day of Sunday, August 27th 1978, with the presence of His Holiness John Paul I, the seals placed on the papal apartments are broken, after the passing of Pope Paul VI in Castel Gandolfo." "The kitchen is empty, not even a bottle of Water." "I Wonder how people imagine the entrance of the new Pope into his apartment." "That's fine." "However, the Pope is just man with some extra responsibility." " I'll go find someone." " Thank you." "It is up to you to decide, Your Holiness." "It's the third secret of Fatima." "Pope Pacelli, Pope John, and Pope Paul all felt it was advisable to not render it public." "The ruling Pontiff has the right to decide." "I find it difficult to consider myself the ruling Pontiff, but..." "I'll do What I can." "Thank you." "May I confer with His Holiness?" "He's in his private studio, come." "He was here a moment ago." "He must've taken the elevator." "Go have a look." "He's not in the library or the audience hall." " He's not in the chapel either." " We must find him." "Once you finish your service, will you stay'?" "No, I will return to Zurich to finish my degree in prosthodontics." "Good, prosthodontists are always in demand." "Good luck to you both." " Your Holiness!" " Yes'?" "Pardon me, but you must never speak to the Swiss guards." " Why?" " Because no other Pope has done it." "What's done is done." "They've been searching for you." "I'm taking a stroll to orient myself, or else I'll have no idea Where I am." "Your Holiness." "We thought you'd gotten lost." "How could a highlander like myself all dressed in white, with his photo in newspapers worldwide, get lost'?" "This outing Wasn't scheduled." "I didn't plan it myself, it just happened." "No, I'm sorry, I cannot use the gestatorial chair." " Your Holiness..." " I can imagine my mother saying," ""Albino, you Won't let them cart you around on that?"" "A Bishop in White at the foot of a large cross is killed by gunshots and arrows." "A Bishop dressed in White." " Sounds like the allegory of..." " An assassination of a Pope." "If I am that pope, I'm not afraid." "Perhaps this is the end that awaits me." "My life is in the hands of the Lord." "God's Spirit blows Where it will." "The Pope is merely a man." "He knows his life will also end." "He too would like to keep that moment at bay." "Jesus felt the same Way in the Garden of Olives." "An immense, overwhelming sense of anxiety." "Father, if You can, move this chalice away from me." "What is your decision?" "The secret will not be revealed." "It's unfair to upset the faithful with such solemn news." "My successor will reveal it, if that is What the Lord wills." "Your Holiness." "You are aware of the importance of this rite for the faithful." "The repetition of the facts in an identical manner throughout the centuries, reflects the immutability of faith." "Certainly, but that is exactly why I'd like to change them." "To show that the Church is updating itself." " Updating?" " Yes, its earthly frills." "I will not use the gestatorial chair, or Wear the papal tiara." "I'd prefer if the papacy commencement Mass" "Weren't called the "Coronation Mass"." "But that diminishes..." "Yes, I know... the whole structure." "We could call it," ""Enthronement Mass"." "Too pompous." "I'd call it, "Apostolic Service Commencement Mass"." " People will react." " Yes, I'm sure." " If I can speak openly..." " Certainly." "Many noticed that in your first speech, you failed to use the "pluralis majestatis"..." "Yes, I said "I" instead of "we"." "It seemed more real, closer to What people want from the Church." "We are at your service, Your Holiness." "Ready to carry out your orders." "Not like that, Eminence." "I would like collaborators who view the Church as I do." " Who are you'?" " John McGee." "I was Pope Paul's secretary, I'm clearing out the archive." "So I was told." "Where will you go now'?" "I'm a missionary, an Irish missionary." "I'm not very familiar with the Curia's mechanisms, but there is a mission for you here too." "Would you like to stay on'?" " Thank you for your faith." " No need to kneel..." "I'm glad you've accepted." "May I ask you something?" "In English, so I can practice." "I'll see right to it." "My English is better than I thought." "Your Holiness." "Thank you for coming." "I would like you to keep this." "My mother gave it to me when I became a priest." "I've had it all my life." "But Your Holiness..." "There's something you must know before returning to Poland." "The Church is aware of your country's decisive struggle, not based on political ideologies, but on the concept of Man." "You know we have no arms and our enemies are infinitely more powerful." "As were the Nazis, but they were defeated." "The Soviets will try to prevail." "No, non prevalebunt." "They will not win." "Man's dignity and the sacredness of human life are our strengths." "Pray for me, Eminence, pray with my mother's rosary." "You are always in our prayers." "Perhaps the will of Providence floats above me, but it will merely graze me." "Whatever may happen, we are not here to understand, but to accept the Mystery." " What do you think?" " It seems superimposable." "Here." "Since your last exam in Venice your condition is stable." "Your heart is doing its duty, despite occasional snags." "Try to avoid stress and take a daily one-hour Walk for your circulation." "One hour, Dr. Da Ros, but how'?" "You must find the time, Your Holiness." "Sr. Vincenza Taffarel knows the schedule and doses for your medications." ""Avoid stress", easier said than done." ""Osservatore Romano", my newspaper, printed a revised version of my speech." "They removed anything they felt was inconvenient." ""This poor soul, Vicar of Christ" didn't sit Well with them." "The Pope was censored." "This was offered by Mexican pilgrims." "A ticket for Puebla." "They request your presence at the Episcopal Conference." "Someone else will go, I will never travel as Pope." "Why do you say that, Your Holiness?" " The World needs the Pope." " That is not my destiny." "Someone else will spread the Lord's word around the globe." "The seed must die..." "Your Holiness." "I know I shouldn't be bothering you, but there's a young Woman here," "Lucia Comin, who claims to be from your town." "As if being from Canale d'Agordo were enough to see the Pope!" "I'll have them give her a blessed missal and..." "Comin... perhaps her grandfather was the town baker." "I'll ask her." "Show her up, I'd be glad to meet her." "She's from my town." "Good morning." "Your Holiness, I'm sorry for the intrusion..." "No need to be sorry." "You are the Pope." "I'm from d'Agordo." " Canale d'Agordo." " Yes, so am I." "I know, that is why..." " You came to say hello'?" " No." " No'?" " I mean yes, but there's more." "Let's have a seat." "Come." "Well..." " Here." " Who is this'?" "It is you." "On the back it says, "Albino, three years old"." "Where has this child gone'?" " Where did you get this photo?" " From my grandfather." "Comin, the bakery my mother sent me to to bake her pies." " Not Pietro, his brother." " His brother..." "The one who Worked in Germany and Switzerland with Giovanni Luciani." " My father." " Yes, they were both emigrants." "I have photos of the rest of your family too." "Look, your mother on a lake excursion." " Yes." " And your younger brother." "An uncle, I believe." "You can keep them." "Thank you." " I thank you, Your Holiness." " For What?" "You saved my life and my daughter Caterina's life." "I did'?" "How lovely..." "Your Holiness, lam not married." "Yes." "Caterina's father does not even know she exists." "When I realized I was pregnant, I was afraid and alone." ""What kind of World will I bring this child into'?" "Who will help me?"" "When you feel you cannot manage, it's best you jump off a bridge, end your life." " Because nobody Wants you." " Please..." "I was going to do it, I had no hope left." "But I happened to see an old newspaper my eggs were wrapped in, and on it was your name." ""His Holiness Albino Luciani"." "I knew you were from Canale." ""God keeps our names Written on the palm of His hands." "If God Almighty had a table in heaven, on it He would keep a photo of each of us." "God never abandons us, He never forgets anyone," "He always remembers and thinks of us."" "The Lord always thinks of us, Lucia." " Excuse me." " Come in." "The topic of each file is referenced in the general archive." "Cardinal Villot is Waiting to learn of your stance." "Very Well." "No need to kneel." "You shouldn't have, it's my duty to come to you." "They say Walking is good for me." "Do you have an overview of the issues?" "I've seen many typewriters here, are there any machines for reading too'?" "Unfortunately not." "Until they invent one, I'd rather not have paperwork on my desk." "I Wasn't made Pope to be a desk clerk." "Without doubt, but the urgency of certain issues..." "Reforming the Curia and the Canonical Law are more urgent." "A Pope is an expert in faith, but he can't know everything." "The Pope is not immune to hasty decisions." "The Curia has always functioned like this." "In all sincerity, I am a priest first and foremost." "Now I am Pope also, but I want to be a pastor, not an office clerk." "I am the Bishop of Rome, then the Pope." "I know they're one in the same, but I don't want to be a mere figure for priests." "I would like to speed up the authorization for Mother Teresa's center here in the Vatican." "Even if..." "I may not be the one to hand her the keys." "Why does your husband Work so much'?" "You Weren't even able to take a few days to go to Veneto'?" "You could use some mountain air instead of sea air." "Thank you." "I'd like some Whiskey in my ice cream." " Have you lost Weight, Uncle?" " Perhaps." "I'm always so busy." "This morning I said that the sins which cry for vendetta before God are oppressing the poor and denying workmen fair Wages." "Will "Osservatore Romano" print the whole speech?" "I didn't see the proofs." "They say only the Secretary of State may..." "Tell them that's What the Pope Wants!" "Yes, Holiness." "My resignation." "So soon, Monsignor Marcinkus'?" "I have the feeling you never forgave me for selling Banca Veneta for Calvi's Banco Ambrosiano." "Hundreds of parish priests, like myself, suddenly lost bank funding for their good works." "And no one informed us of it." "Certain transactions mustn't be revealed until it's time." "The Holy See obtained many financial benefits." "The Church and Treasury didn't have convergent interests." "Depends on your point of view." "I protect the weak." "Very Well." "In order to protect them, you need money." "In order to make money, you need financial laws." "I feel the Banca Vaticana should be reformed." "In What sense'?" "A bank is a bank, it must act like a bank." "I would like Banca Vaticana's aim to be morally coherent and be completely transparent." "Then we risk being expelled from the market." "The market cannot force us to repudiate our beliefs." "Holy Father, my resignation is signed." "When I want your resignation, I will ask for it." "Now What I'd like is a detailed report on our deposits and our bank transactions." "One can't split hairs when it comes to business." "We are not here to be businessmen." "I'll be expecting that report." "Good morning, Holiness." "I know monsignors and others have criticized my speeches and my Way of being Pope." "What anguish, Your Holiness." "Some say I'm an insignificant Pope." "I always knew this, as did the Lord himself." "I may be a wreck, but God works through me." "God does." "Today at Camp David, the American president and the Egyptian and Israeli heads of state are discussing a peaceful solution for that tormented area - but we are all children of the same God " "I'd like to remind everyone of our reason for hope:" "We are the object of God's everlasting love." "We know that His eyes always watch over us." "Even when it seems night has fallen..." "He is a father, and above all, He is a mother." "God is a mother?" "What is he saying?" "They wouldn't let you through?" "They keep you isolated like a dangerous subversive." " You've heard?" " That's all they talk about." " "God is a mother."" " Yes, Luigi." "In moments when we feel alone and abandoned, when we feel the World is too heavy and is crushing us, that is when we must think of God's love like a mother's love." "Some call that heresy." "For centuries, the Church has considered Women to be the Devil's allies." "The role of Women in the Church must also be revised." " Though I Won't have enough time." " Why?" "The Lord is calling me to Him." "It will happen to you, me, everybody." "I know I have to go, but I don't understand Why." "I must accept the mystery, the seed must die before the plant can bear fruit." "A mountain has crumbled atop you, that's all." "I didn't know a Pope had to Work so much." "I must serve the Church." "But my journey is brief, too brief." "Yes, Luigi, God is a mother." "His maternal love is the only thing that supports and consoles me." " What are these pains like'?" " Like the ones I had in Venice." "Last night I had a dream I can't understand." " You're tiring yourself out." " I do less than I'd like." "Perhaps that's the meaning of my dream." "I am handed a letter, it's a blank White sheet of paper." "We should call the doctor about these pains." "Let's see if the pills work, no need to bother the doctor." "Your confessor is here." "I must ask the Lord's forgiveness." "Why'?" "I am unfit for the task He entrusted me with." "You're doing everything you humanly can." "That isn't so." "The Church is gripped by problems it must face day after day." "You were called to steer the ship." "Yes, but I've been asked to do it all:" "look after the sails, the wind, the crew." "Thus I'm losing sight of the destination." "It's not your fault." "What use is a Pope if he can't view things from above and express What kind of Church he Wants." " What is impeding you'?" " A thousand obstacles." "Power, money, international relations, nuclear missiles, politics, opportunity." "That's What the World is about." "I was not called here to endure the world, but to preach the Gospel." "With God's help you will change the World." "I Won't have time to change a thing, but I have the duty to bear Witness to my beliefs." "For the Secretary of State." "Tell Cardinal Villot that the Pope requests his presence tomorrow." "For the Third World Bishop audience'?" "It's not scheduled, but I'd like him to come." " Very Well." " Thank you." " Do you need help?" " No." "You must select the preacher for the spiritual exercises." "Of course." "Berto." "Albino." "Sometimes I feel a sudden shock and think: "No, it can't be."" "It happens to me too." "Many reporters come to town to see me." "They ask What you were like, if we knew you'd become Pope." " What do you say'?" " That we didn't know..." "My brother may have been a great priest but I never imagined he'd be Pope!" " I've been expecting you for a month." " A month and a day." "I would have come sooner if it Weren't for Australia." " How long will you stay'?" " One month." "I'll come see you when I return." "A month is a long time." " What is it?" " A surprise." "Geppin's homemade cookies, the ones you love." "Geppin's cookies!" "Thank you!" "So many hours of travel, too many." "When I told our father I Wanted to go to the seminary he looked at me in silence, then said:" ""When you become a priest always defend the poor, because Jesus Christ defended the poor."" " That is What you did." " I should have done more." " Bye, Berto" " Goodbye." "So when I return I will..." "Pray for me, Berto." "Pray for me." "What did Cardinal Villot say'?" "Canceling his previous engagements will be difficult." "Naturally." "Be seated." "You make me feel uncomfortable." "I'm here today as a representative of those who suffer on this Earth." "In Africa, in Asia, in America, in our own Europe." "I say to you the Church is irrevocably committed to easing physical misery and need." "A poor Church for the poor." "Let us recall the words of those who came before us." "Today, the starving population approaches, in a dramatic manner, the Wealthy population." "The Church winces at the sound of this painful cry, and calls each man to lovingly aid his brother." "No one is authorized to keep for exclusive use that which exceeds necessity, when others do not have necessities." "And an arms race can be considered an intolerable scandal." "But charity is imperfect if it does not respect higher demands." "And today..." "Today, more than ever, we must help our people realize how much they need Jesus Christ, the son of God, the son of Mary." "He, our Savior, is the key to the destiny of humanity." "We can call the doctor." "No need to." "The pains will pass soon." "Thank you." "Cardinal Villot would like to see you." " I'm ready, Your Eminence." " Ready?" "For you to tell me to be realistic." "You words, Holiness, truly struck me." "I'll admit that ever since you were elected," "I feared you Weren't capable of governing the Church." "But today I understood that your inspiration, your vision of a Church closer to Gospel, is the only key to resolving problems." "I bear Witness." "It's just the beginning, Your Holiness." "We will work together as long as you wish." "I offer you my total commitment and loyalty." "Someone else will bring the Church to the world, as a pilgrim of the Earth." "You will guide us." "We need your words, your prayers... and your smile." "God's love is a mysterious voyage." "I will not leave unless God takes the initiative." ""No one can come to Me unless the Father calls him,"" "said Jesus." "I'd like this cross to be given to Monsignor Muccin in Belluno." "I'll be eternally grateful for all of his assistance." " I'd like him to remember me." " I'll see to it." "Don't speak as if you're leaving..." "We've just begun, there's lots to do." "Yes, of course, lots to do." "There were many better candidates." "Why did they choose me'?" "Luckily, the Holy Spirit makes the choices." "Have you chosen the preacher for the spiritual exercises?" "Who had Pope Paul chosen?" "The Archbishop of Krakow, Monsignor Wojtyla." "Karol Wojtyla." "I Won't be able to hear him." "I'll prepare myself with a prayer my mother taught me." "Lord, I beg you, grant me..." "Grant me a peaceful death." "No, my mother said:" ""Grant me the strength to accept the death You will hand me."" "Why all the negative thoughts?" "We have a long Way to go, we need you to steer the ship." "The man Pope Paul had recommended was there..." "Why didn't they choose him'?" "Who'?" "But he'll come, because I am leaving." "You must prepare the Angelus for Sunday." "I'll find something." "Your Holiness!" "It's not the same pain, but a sense of heaviness in my chest." "It will pass." " Perhaps we should call the doctor." " Not now." "We can call him tomorrow." "I already feel better." "The Archbishop of Milan is on the phone." "Thank you." "Hello, Eminence?" "This is the schedule for tomorrow, approved by the Secretary of State." "Tomorrow's schedule:" "call the doctor for the Holy Father." "He's been having those pains twice a day." "My secretary is worried about me." "I'm not Worried, I don't trust Sr. Vincenza." "The Archbishop of Milan will back my nomination for the new patriarch." "The Pope gets What he Wants." "That's What I thought, but..." "See you tomorrow, God Willing." " Good night." " Good night." "Good night." "Your Holiness?" "Your Holiness?" "Dear God!" "Father John!" "Father John!" "Sr. Vincenza, What's Wrong?" "The Holy Father has passed away." "Your Holiness." "At 7:30 on September 29, 1978, the Vatican press released an official statement announcing the death of Pope Luciani." "With Luciani's death, we lost a beloved Pope." "A good father who knew how to understand and speak to people." "Someone said of him:" ""For us, he was the smile of God.""