TV movie on Pope John Paul II to air again this weekend

News Resources Tools Columns Documents ACI Group

Contenidos del sub-menu

Comments: 48

, Aug 24, 2005 / 12:00 am (CNA).- By popular demand, the heroic, true story of Pope John Paul II returns to television. The four-hour movie, “A Man Who Became Pope,” will air again on the Hallmark Channel Aug. 27, at 7 p.m. (ET). The Aug. 15^th U.S. premiere of the film set a weeknight audience record for the cable channel.

Filmed on location in Krakow, Poland, and in the Vatican City, the film features an international cast, including Piotr Adamczyk as Karol Wojtyla and Raul Bova as Fr. Tomasz Zaleski, Karol’s close childhood friend and a martyr to the Nazis.

Giacomo Battiato directed the film and it was produced by Pietro Valsecchi.

“A Man Who Became Pope” was warmly received when screened at the Vatican on May 19.

“The film presents scenes and episodes that, in their severity, awaken in the viewers an instinctive ‘turning away’ in horror and stimulates them to consider the abyss of iniquity that can be hidden in the human soul,” said Pope Benedict XVI. “At the same time, calling to the fore such aberrations revives in every right-minded person the duty to do what he or she can so that such inhuman barbarity never happens again.”

Vatican press spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls said Pope John Paul II had seen the film in its entirety in a private viewing before his death and was “very impressed” with the portrayal and “appreciated the many scenes” from that period of his life.

Comments: 48

Subscriber comments:

Published by: Henry
Virginia 07/19/2006 12:57 PM EST

The best way to get this DVD is to go to Wal-Mart or Target, among others, and buy it. It has been retitled as "KAROL - A man who became Pope." Presented by Oietro Valsecchi and directed by Giacomo Battiato and starring Piotr Adanczyk as Karol, the 3-hour, 7-minute movie is released by Universal Studios in California.

Published by: Ann Kerry
South Portland, Maine 07/19/2006 11:10 AM EST

I had purchased the dvd, but it was from Australia and it can't be viewed on my dvd. Is there another option for purchase?

Published by: John Patti
mentor, ohio us of a 10/17/2005 10:55 AM EST

this movie was fantastic. I cannot believe it is not for sale yet in the USA. There are copies for sale in Australia that are incompatibile with usa dvd players. Who is preventing its sale in the u.s.? I will locate a bootleg if I can't get it soon legally.

Published by: Mary Ann Bader
Hemet, California USA 10/15/2005 04:44 PM EST

I would like to know if I could purchase this movie also. It was one of the most beautiful movies I've ever watched.

Published by: Michael
Washington, DC 09/25/2005 04:42 PM EST

I would also love to own this inspiring film. Sometimes the greatest beauty on earth blooms in the darkest of places and John Paul II's life is a testimony to that idea. He will surely be canonized one day and I believe it will be sooner than we think.

Published by: Nancy Fagan
Mena, AR USA 09/23/2005 07:55 AM EST

Can this movie be purchased on video or DVD anywhere? I sure would like to get a copy. Please let me know. Thanks.

Published by: marian gaynor
Wahington ,DC 09/14/2005 12:11 PM EST

Did not know this film was to be aired. I have the DVD "Witness to Hope" which is wonderful and would love to get a copy of this film as well when it is available. Please advise.Pope John Paul 11 lives on in our hearts and the more we see of his life the more compelling a figure he becomes. Thank you God, for the gift of his papacy. Thank you> Marian

Published by: Elinore Sanborn
Petoskey/Michigan/USA 09/09/2005 04:10 PM EST

I have read all of the posts on this page and heartily agree with all of you. I watched both nights and went to bed with tears. I want a copy too - no matter whether it's a CD, DVD or other.

Published by: Jeanne Byrne
Dunedin,Fl. USA 09/09/2005 10:33 AM EST

Want a copy! Please!

Published by: Sylvia Cornhoff
Aurora, Co USA 09/03/2005 10:58 PM EST

My heart and soul will be forever grateful for this
spiritual movie. Please
tell me where to get aDVD.

Published by: Maria E. Adriazola
Miami, Florida 08/30/2005 01:12 PM EST

This is the best movie I've ever seen. Please let us know when and where it will be available to purchase.

Published by: Mary Ann McAtee
Lafayette IN 08/29/2005 04:25 PM EST

I can't say enough about this beautiful movie, I thought I already knew and loved this Pope but I feel even more devotion to him now. The movie showed how God's hand guided young Karol through the people in his life and the events of history into a man of herioc virtue who chose hope and love amidst evil and suffering. I loved the depiction of the Polish people and culture. How blessed we were to have had John Paul with us and now to have him as a friend in Heaven. JP II, We love you!!!!!

Published by: Marilyn Kocur
Downingtown, PA USA 08/29/2005 12:36 PM EST

I watched the story several times and was just as moved and touched by his love as the first time. Please let me know when and where the DVD will be available. thank you and the actor for making this move. He was the perfect actor for the part.

Published by: paul rotondo
canton,ct. usa 08/28/2005 08:19 PM EST

please advise when this film will be available to purchase or when it will be on tv again.

Published by: Susan
Meherrin, VA USA 08/28/2005 12:38 PM EST

Awesome! I cannot find words to describe my feeling about the film. When will it be available to purchase? I would like to make it a gift to all my children and their families.

Published by: Denis J. Mulcahey
San Francisco, California 08/27/2005 10:42 PM EST

Loved the story of John Paul 11.I too hope it
will be sold on DVD or
VHS in Catholic stores.
The four hours were great.
Can you let me know how
I can order this DVD.
My e-mail is:
mlcdenn@aol.com.
Thank you so much for such
a blessing.

Published by: Betty Gill
Augusta, GA USA 08/26/2005 09:29 AM EST

I was absolutely spellbound! What a gift this man was for our times. I pray this will be made available on VCR as I would like to watch it over and over and have numerous friends who'd like to see it but don't get the Hallmark channel. PLEASE!!

Published by: Gail McClellan
Hagerstown, MD 21740 08/26/2005 04:03 AM EST

I know Hollywood is going to make a film on "St" John Paul II with John Voight. I don't see how they can top this one!

Published by: P.J. Deadwyler
Winston-Salem< NC USA 08/26/2005 12:35 AM EST

I was simply riveted and overwhelmed by the movie on Karol Wojtyla. I cried all the way thru it, as did a few of my friends. The actors were superb and the entire production was of a quality and substance you don't see on TV. Thank you so much for the excellence of this movie and the truth of the wisdom, love, humility, faith and HOPE of John Paul the Great. An edifying HERO of our times that we should want to emulate as an emissary of love, strength and courage who carried his cross to his last spoken word "AMEN".

Published by: Kathleen Virnig
St. Cloud,MN USA 08/25/2005 11:15 PM EST

I watched this movie twice and could watch it over and over again! We had in our midst one of the greatest, most warmhearted,loving human beings that ever lived! What a privilege to see John Paul II's early life and real struggles coming to grip with gruesome evil and rising above it. Everyone should watch this film!

Published by: Pauline Foo
Singapore 08/25/2005 09:22 PM EST

Would we people in Asia get an opportunity to watch this movie? No access to Hallmark Channel in Singapore - as far as I know.

Published by: Catherine Zwiener
Loveland, CO 80538 08/25/2005 09:09 PM EST

I cannot get the Hallmark Channel, and so want to see the movie. Will it be shown on another channel or can I get it in DVD or VHS soon? I want to see it.
Let me know please.

Published by: Sharon Walder
ST Johns,MI 08/25/2005 08:20 PM EST

Is this on DVD or Video so it can be purchased? If so, is there a trade discount. I operate a Catholic Book Store. Excellent movie!

Published by: Monique W.
Florida 08/25/2005 08:19 PM EST

What I especially liked about this movie (viewed twice) is the cultural value it has .. tastefully done, no "Hollywood Kitsch" here ...

Published by: Anne
Stamford, CT 08/25/2005 07:43 PM EST

If you have not watched this movie please do so. I taped it and everyone I have lent it to has watched it more then once. Some of whom are not Catholic or even Christian. I have not been so drawn in by a movie since "The Passion". Both the CBS and ABC mini series will not be able to hold a (holy) candle to this film when they air their "versions" of the Pope's life.

I hope the makers of this film make a 2nd film, depicting John Paul 2nd's life as our Pope. I love Benedict 16th but after seeing this film, all I could say was:
"Oh how I miss him!"

Published by: Thomas Bender
Catoosa/OK/USA 08/25/2005 07:00 PM EST

When can you rent or buy?

Published by: Scott Yakoubian
Little Rock, AR 08/25/2005 06:57 PM EST

This movie is 4 hours long but doesn't feel like it. It shows the trials the Holy Father went through and makes you vividly realize that it was his destiny to be a successor of Peter (and our gift!). The actor who played the Holy Father was perfect for the part. The ending was poetic and very emotional when you see his papacy in light of his life experiences. WELL DONE!

Published by: Marie Walsh
Australia 08/25/2005 05:31 PM EST

We cannot be reminded too much of this saint of the last century. Bring it on!

Published by: Mary L Brennan
San Bernardino,Calif. USA 08/25/2005 04:27 PM EST

The greatest movie I ever
watched on TV and couldn't
take my eyes off it for
five seconds. What a great
man and he should be made
a saint right away. I'm
happy to hear it will air
again Aug. 27th. Thank you
thankyou, thank you, for
this heroic true story of
Pope John Paul 11.

Published by: Mary L Brennan
San Bernardino,Calif. USA 08/25/2005 04:27 PM EST

Published by: ellyn
Grand Rapids/ Michigan/USA 08/25/2005 04:07 PM EST

looking forward to viewing it but what about us who don't have the Hallmark channel?

Published by: Kathy Madere
Baton Rouge, LA USA 08/25/2005 03:56 PM EST

I saw the movie and thought it was spell-binding and captivating!

I want to see it again!

Published by: JOAN BENZI
WILKES-BARE, PA. USA 08/25/2005 02:54 PM EST

THIS MOVIE ABOUT JOHN PAUL II WAS SUPERB.....

Published by: Rick Huffman
Tooele, Utah, USA 08/25/2005 02:01 PM EST

Will this movie on John Paul II be made available to those of us who do not have the Hallmark Channel?

Published by: Annmarie C. Murphy
Darien, Illinois ,usa 08/25/2005 01:38 PM EST

We viewed this movie with our children and we all loved it. I thought it was so well done and beautiful that it re-ignited the love that our family had for this very special man in our lives. He was truly a gift and a blessing that we had the privelage of knowing in our life time. We applaud the Halmark channel for airing this beautiful movie. Thank you

Published by: Jeanette Sobczyk
Burling Wisc, USA 08/25/2005 01:12 PM EST

Will this excellent movie be available to purchase on DVD format?

Published by: Diane Guesman
Roswell, GA USA 08/25/2005 01:11 PM EST

Beautiful! Praise the Lord. We get to see the movie again.
Love In Their Hearts!

Published by: JULIE NOLAN
LATHAM NY USA 08/25/2005 01:04 PM EST

I HAVE SEEN THIS MOVIE SEVERAL TIMES AS I RECORDED IT ON MY DVR AND IT WAS UNBELIEVABLY UPLIFTIONG,SUSPENSEFUL AND SIMPLY WONDERFUL. I WISH IT COULD BE SHOWN TO ALL PRIESTS AND RELIGIOUS TO REVIVE THEIR FAITH AND TO ALL PEOPLE. I HAVE BEEN DEEPLY EFFECTED SPIRITUALLY AND MOREALY. THANK UOU HALLMARK.

Published by: Karen Rodriguez
Houston/Tx/USA 08/25/2005 12:45 PM EST

"A Man Who Became Pope" was a very beautiful, touching story. A wholesome reality. JPII we love you.A man filled with so much compassion and through his suffering yetloved.Truly a life of a Saint.-Karen-

Published by: Mary Jost
East Rochester, NY 08/25/2005 12:01 PM EST

Thank you for airing the great movie about Pope John Paul's life. I did'nt realize so much about out beloved Pope. Thank you for showing it again. It was done very well. God bless. Mary

Published by: Sister Alice Johnson
Peterborough, Ontario, Canada 08/25/2005 11:36 AM EST

When, and from what source will the movie about Pope John Paul II be available on DVD?

Published by: Coleman
Orlando, FL USA 08/25/2005 10:26 AM EST

We didn't get to see the first half hour of the film, but what we did get to see made us cry... It was magnificient!

Published by: sue jarvis
cranston, rhode island, usa 08/25/2005 09:52 AM EST

when you have shown the movie again on the hallmark channel, please allow it to be shown on nbc or cbs. i don't get the hallmark channel but would enjoy seeing the movie. thank you and please continue to provide good, enjoyable, and family movies, we need more of them.

Published by: Ursula Koslowski
Winchester, Ma., USA 08/25/2005 09:36 AM EST

Great, great movie! Thank you.

Published by: Sharon Asbra
Laurel, NE, USA 08/25/2005 08:47 AM EST

I saw the movie, "A Man Who Became Pope" a couple of weeks ago on Hallmark. It truelly was an excellent movie. LOVE spoke all thru the movie. I was privleged to have seen John Paul II twice during his reign as pope. He was truly a saint in our time. Will the movie be available on video? I think it would be excellent viewing for a CCD class. Thank you!!!

Published by: Michael Scarpelli
Lynn, MA. USA 08/25/2005 08:45 AM EST

My cable company,(comcast)
in my city, dosen't offer
Hallmark ch.. Will this movie becme available on DVD ? Will it also be aired on another chanel ?

Published by: J.R. Chase
Hollis, NH 03049 08/25/2005 08:05 AM EST

I shed more tears watching this story than any story I've every seen.
We should thank God every day that we live in America and have avoided so much horror that other countries have had to suffer time and time again. John Paul lived the answer to all that horror.

Published by: Virginia Rodriguez
Miami, Florida USA 08/25/2005 07:24 AM EST

Will the movie be for sale by Hallmark or any other place?

ADD A COMMENT (Your e-mail will NOT be published):


NAME:
CITY/STATE/COUNTRY:
EMAIL:
COMMENT:

PLEASE ENTER THE SECURITY CODE DISPLAYED ABOVE:
Chars:

* Thanks for your comments. The number of messages that can be online is limited. Length should not exceed 1500 characters. CNA reserves the right to edit messages for content and tone. Comments and opinions expressed by users do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of CNA. CNA will not publish comments with abusive language, insults or links to other pages.

ADVERTISING
CNA does not necessarily endorse these advertisers. Please proceed with discretion. If you feel that a website announced has inappropriate or offensive content, please send it by e-mail to catholicna@catholicna.com