“Istanbul, 2000. Turkey celebrates the memory of a man who marked its history: Monsignor Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli, the future Pope John XXIII, who served here as apostolic nuncio from 1935 to 1944, during the darkest years of the twentieth century.

Donatella Baglivo’s film biography recounts those celebrations and through them reconstructs the figure of an extraordinary man. Various testimonies come from authorities, religious figures, historians, and people who knew him personally: Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, Cardinal Loris Capovilla (his historic secretary), Armenian Patriarch Mesrop II, Cardinal Paul Poupard, Andrea Riccardi (founder of the Community of Sant’Egidio), historian Giancarlo Zizzola.

All emphasize his humanity, simplicity, and openness to dialogue. His ecumenical commitment emerges the dialogue with Orthodox, Armenians, Muslims and his deep bond with the Turkish people, who preserve a living and respectful memory of him. During World War II, Roncalli saved thousands of Jews from deportation by providing false baptismal certificates.

His pastoral style, made of concrete gestures, charity, and closeness to the poor, is a universal example. “The Good Pope” as the Romans called him brought that same humanity to the papal throne, convening the Second Vatican Council that revolutionized the Catholic Church.

A man of peace, love, and goodness, capable of leaving a spiritual legacy still relevant today. The documentary is enhanced by music performed by the Istanbul State Orchestra, Choirs, and Ballet.

Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli, Pope John XXIII, was proclaimed a saint in 2014.